THIS TIME, EXPECT A GAME; UCLA NOT COUNTING ON A ROUT.

Byline: Jon Wilner Daily News Staff Writer

They popped in the videotape a few weeks ago, and perfection reappeared. There was Skip Hicks carving up the Texas defense for three touchdowns. There was Jim McElroy dashing for two more. There was Chad Overhauser blocking and Brian Willmer tackling and the Bruins charging to an unforgettable win on that September afternoon in Austin.

As the tape rolled, UCLA offensive tackle Kris Farris glanced at his transfixed linemates - the younger ones, the ones who didn't contribute a lick to UCLA's 66-3 victory. What he saw sent shivers down his massive spine.

``It seemed to me (from their reaction) that they thought they were part of what happened,'' Farris said. ``But we (the veterans) stressed that they didn't block, they didn't score a touchdown, they didn't make a tackle.

``They didn't do anything for the win, but they seemed to think Texas was a pushover. We told them Texas wasn't a pushover. We said 66-3 doesn't just happen, and that they shouldn't expect it to happen again.''

No one does. Publicly and privately, the Bruins say they expect a close game this afternoon when the teams meet in the Rose Bowl, 364 days after 66-3. The Longhorns have a new coach, an All-American tailback, a veteran offensive line and a game in hand, having defeated New Mexico State 66-36 last weekend.

Ironically, the most concerned Bruins are those who lived the thrashing, like Farris. They know it was a game of mistakes and capitalization - not one team dominating the other at the point of contact. They know the Longhorns won't commit eight turnovers again. And they know what everyone else apparently has forgotten: that Texas moved the ball with ease, gaining 48 yards on its first four plays, before the implosion began.

``If you put their mistakes on our side,'' Bruins guard Andy Meyers said, ``they could have easily beaten us 66-3.''

It was a stunning outcome, devastating one season and giving birth to another. Texas never recovered, losing six of its next nine and its coach, John Mackovic, after the season. Meanwhile, UCLA won its next nine, finished fifth in the polls and landed the nation's top recruiting class.

One game, one-sided, all consuming.

``Anytime a program with this much pride gets beaten that badly, it's tough,'' said Texas coach Mack Brown, who replaced Mackovic in December. ``It's tough on the program and it's tough on the state.''

Now, finally, their chance for revenge has arrived. Defensive end Aaron Humphrey fired the first salvo, calling Bruins quarterback Cade McNown ``a dead man.'' (He later claimed to be joking.) Brown must steer his players to a psychological balance, keeping them hot but not boiling, turning their gaze inward rather than on UCLA.

``We'll be direct with them,'' Brown said. ``But this is a new season, and we need to worry about us. We're a team that's trying to get better.''

While Brown may need to ride the emotional break, Bruins coach Bob Toledo must be prepared to hit the gas. Complacency is a natural by-product of 63-point victories. But Texas is not a typical 63-point loser and this is not a typical season opener for UCLA.

The Bruins are typically slow starters, having lost three of their last five openers. They've had a winning September just three times this decade. Often, the losses were non-conference and had no affect on their Rose Bowl chances.

But this year the stakes are different. This year, the Bruins are talking national championship, however quietly, and by that standard each game is an elimination game. One loss is one too many, just ask Michigan. The Bruins must start '98 as they finished '97 - sizzling.

``That's the last big question about this program,'' Farris said. ``We've talked (about slow starts). This is more important than our non-league games the last couple years because we aren't thinking about the Rose Bowl anymore. We're thinking about the bigger picture.

``It's more of a must-win than any opening game we've had.''

How will it unfurl? Expect a high-scoring game, taut and entertaining. The offenses are powerful - Texas with Ricky Williams and the running game, UCLA with McNown and the aerial attack.

But the defenses are unproven. Both teams are implementing new systems and have just two senior starters. Texas' secondary is loaded with sophomores, while five members of UCLA's front seven are first-time starters.

``A lot of people feel we're going to start out like we ended ('97), but I don't know if that's going to happen,'' Toledo said. ``Is the defense ready? We'll find out. I'm as anxious as you are to see how good or bad we are.''

Note: No tickets are available today at the Rose Bowl. If you don't have them already, don't bother showing up.

UCLA (0-0) vs. TEXAS (1-0)

Kickoff: 12:30 p.m., at the Rose Bowl (capacity 89,000).

TV/Radio: Channel 7; XTRA (1150 AM).

Series: Texas leads 2-1. UCLA's lone victory came last year, 66-3 in Austin. The teams have played once in L.A., in 1971 in the Coliseum. Texas won 28-10.

Injury update: For UCLA, fullback Craig Walendy (allergic reaction to bug bites) is out. Nose guard Ken Kocher (sprained ankle) is expected to play.

Keep an eye on: UCLA tailbacks Jermaine Lewis, Keith Brown and DeShaun Foster, who must provide a ground game to keep pass-rush pressure off quarterback Cade McNown. . . . Texas quarterback Richard Walton, who must complete third-down passes and avoid mistakes. . . . UCLA defensive ends Pete Holland and Kenyon Coleman, the most experienced members of a young line. . . . Texas cornerbacks Tony Holmes and Joe Walker, who must slow UCLA's talented receiving corps. . . . UCLA inside linebackers Tony White and Ramogi Huma, first-time starters who must contain the Texas running game.

Texas update: Ricky Williams is a Heisman Trophy front-runner who rushed for 215 yards and six touchdowns last week against New Mexico State. Walton completed 15 of 21 passes for 282 yards in that game, and the Longhorns scored on all eight red-zone possessions. Kicker Kris Stockton made a 52-yard field goal. Texas has purchased 6,500 tickets.

- Jon Wilner

CAPTION(S):

Photo, Box

Photo: (Color) UCLA head coach Bob Toledo hopes his team won't be overconfident against Texas.

Kevork Djansezian/Associated Press

Box: UCLA (0-0) vs. TEXAS (1-0) (See Text)