UCLA INSIDE LOOK: BUILDING BLOCKS TO UCLA'S SUCCESS REVAMPED O-LINE CONTROLS ILLINI.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

CHAMPAIGN, Ill. - UCLA quarterbacks wear red jerseys in practice, signifying they are off-limits and should not be hit. Perhaps the biggest surprise through the Bruins' first two games is how the offensive line is playing as if Drew Olson is still in red.

For the second time in as many games, UCLA's restructured and rededicated offensive line kept Olson upright and comfortable, and, unlike a week ago, the junior was able to pick apart Illinois' secondary.

The offensive line also controlled the line of scrimmage and opened running lanes for Maurice Drew and Manuel White as the Bruins ran for 273 yards in Saturday's 35-17 triumph at Illinois.

``Those kids are learning how to play,'' UCLA offensive coordinator and offensive line coach Tom Cable said. ``That's all I asked of them when I came here - just to work. I didn't care where they started. I think right now, they're in that transition phase of learning how to play. Certainly, their confidence is growing, and that's pretty cool for our football team.

``I am pleased and very happy for those kids. They've taken a lot of crap.''

The typical postgame scene a year ago featured Olson covered in welts, physically exhausted and extremely sore.

As Olson sat on a brick wall inside UCLA's locker room after completing 14 of 21 passes for 208 yards and a career-high three touchdowns, he smiled about a second consecutive week of not being sacked, and barely getting hit.

``It's different. It really is,'' Olson said. ``Someone told me I looked uncomfortable back there with time last week. You're sitting back there and you're used to that clock going off in your head.

``It feels different. Now, I have 100 percent faith in my O-line that they'll protect me. It's easier to make my reads and look off safeties.''

A year ago the offensive line, consisting of the same players used in rotation against the Illini, allowed 51 sacks.

But Cable shifted the position of every player except center Mike McCloskey, who missed the final eight games last season with a fractured ankle. Steven Vieira moved to strong guard, Paul Mociler went to strong tackle, Ed Blanton went to weak tackle and Robert Cleary and Robert Chai were switched to weak guard.

``I think these first two games, the O-line made a statement,'' Vieira said. ``We wanted to prove we could go do this, and do it with an attitude, that we're not going to get pushed around any more.''

McCloskey said a big key is Cable's play-calling in which the run and pass are mixed. But Olson's ability to throw the ball on time has been integral, as is the running game's success.

``The O-line is awesome,'' Bruins running back Manuel White said. ``Not many people go through a game without getting a quarterback hit. That alone is amazing.''

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com