UCLA NOTEBOOK: GRAU'S DIFFICULT DAYS.

Byline: Jon Wilner Staff Writer

Two weeks ago, in the midst of UCLA's demoralizing three-game losing streak, a 240-pound mass of perspective walked onto Spaulding Field in the form of Bruins long snapper Jeff Grau.

For several days, Grau had been a witness in a murder trial in Santa Monica Municipal Court. The victim: his brother, Michael.

On June 1, 1998, in Westchester, Michael Grau, 27, was shot in the heart by his ex-girlfriend's boyfriend during an argument.

In the trial, the shooter told the jury that because of two tumors in his back, doctors had removed the protective bone plate from his lower spine. That made him susceptible to paralysis if struck in the back.

Since he and Michael Grau had been in fights before, the shooter claimed self-defense.

The jury agreed.

``I've come to peace with it, but my dad (Howard) has had a really hard time,'' Grau said. ``It's been rough, but all my friends have helped me out as much as they could to get my mind off it.

``It's made me realize that even though we were losing, it's great to be here. It's put everything that's happened this season in perspective. Life is short, and football is fun.''

Stat of the day: UCLA coach Bob Toledo is unbeaten in the city series. He was 3-0 as a USC assistant in the 1970s, 2-0 as a UCLA assistant (1994-95), and 3-0 as the Bruins' boss.

Good memory: Toledo has not forgotten USC tailback Chad Morton's preseason promise that the Trojans would defeat UCLA.

``It was brought up Monday, it was brought up (Tuesday), and I think it will be brought up a few more times,'' Toledo said.

Roster update: Tight end Bryan Fletcher (sprained ankle), defensive tackle Ken Kocher (sprained ankle) and offensive tackle Blake Worley (sprained knee) are probable. They are not expected to start.

Safety Lovell Houston (concussion) has not been cleared to play; Julius Williams probably will start.

Senior tailback Keith Brown's career is over after fracturing his shoulder against Washington. ``It's just unexpected to end my senior year like this,'' Brown said. ``I was really looking forward to the game.''

Without Brown, Kenny Pritchett becomes the third-string tailback.

Likewise, Drew Bennett is the No. 3 quarterback, but he'll spend the week at receiver. The Bruins barely have enough time to get starting quarterback Ryan McCann and backup Scott McEwan ready, much less Bennett.

Freshman Ricky Manning Jr. will return punts again this week.

Changing it up: The Bruins switched Pasadena hotels last week for the first time in school history to be closer to their Friday night destination: ``The Fight Club.''

Although the film received just two positive reviews - from center Matt Phelan and defensive tackle Pete Holland - the change of routine had the desired effect.

``We were pretty loose before the game, which is not where you'd expect us to be,'' Holland said. ``I think it helped a little.''

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PHOTO Bob Toledo