UCLA FOOTBALL NOTEBOOK: BRUINS EXPECT A FIGHT.

Byline: JILL PAINTER Staff Writer

Oregon State is playing with a ton of confidence, and it's easy to see why. A four-game winning streak, including an upset win over USC and a clobbering of Arizona State, has given the Beavers reason to feel awfully good about themselves.

UCLA players have noticed on game film. The Bruins expect to face a self-assured team Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

``They're a high-powered offense, and they're going to come in here riding high because they beat 'SC and beat the crap out of ASU,'' Bruins defensive end Justin Hickman said. ``They're definitely a team playing with a lot of confidence.''

Oregon State (6-3) is tied for third in the Pac-10 with a 4-2 record. UCLA (4-5, 2-4) has gone the other way. The Bruins have lost four games in a row and must find a way to regain their confidence.

Obviously, a win would do wonders for that.

``We've got to have the mindset of perfect execution. We've known the whole time that we're a good football team,'' center Robert Chai said. ``We're making little mistakes. A lot of times, 10 guys will do something right and one doesn't and that ruins the whole play. On defense, if one person messes up, you've got 10 other guys who can help. Everyone has to do their assignment for the offense to work.''

Injury update: Running back Kahlil Bell (ankle) still can't make cuts, and will not play Saturday. ... Linebacker Aaron Whittington reinjured his ankle in the loss at Cal and couldn't practice Wednesday. He's doubtful. ... Chai suffered a stinger in practice but said it wasn't serious and that he'll have no problem playing. ... Linebacker Christian Taylor (ankle) was limited in practice.

Olson ready? UCLA quarterback Ben Olson ran the second team Wednesday, a day after his first significant action since returning from a knee injury. Coach Karl Dorrell is hopeful Olson can be the backup to Patrick Cowan, but that hasn't been determined.

``Ben didn't have any setbacks at all,'' Dorrell said. ``He's still sore, but the biggest thing is that his knee didn't stiffen up. He felt for himself that that was a good sign.''

Third downs: UCLA's defense is third-best in the country in allowing opponents to convert third downs (26.7 percent).

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