UCLA NOTEBOOK: WARE, LEISLE ARE DOUBTFUL.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

UCLA's defense, which pushed the Bruins (5-2, 3-0 Pacific-10) to the top of the conference standings, could be without two of its most significant players - cornerback Matt Ware and defensive tackle Rodney Leisle - Saturday against Arizona State at the Rose Bowl.

Ware's left-ankle injury isn't healing quickly and there are questions how long the junior will remain out. He was fitted with a walking boot, unable to practice Tuesday and was scheduled to undergo more tests in an effort to determine why treatment and rest haven't helped the ankle heal.

``(Ware) is not feeling quite like he's ready to play,'' UCLA coach Karl Dorrell said.

``Considering what he wasn't able to do (Tuesday), it's probably unlikely he'll be able to play this weekend. There's still a lot of discomfort and soreness. He just hasn't gotten better over the course of a few days over the weekend.

``He hasn't responded as much or as well as we thought he would, so that is my primary concern. He's still hurting, and he's still very sore.''

Ware, who missed his first career start last week against California, was evasive in answering questions about his ankle, which he injured Oct. 11 at Arizona. He said he had strength tests for the ankle and might undergo an ultrasound.

Leisle injured his left shoulder early in the fourth quarter against Cal, and also sat out practice. Dorrell termed Leisle ``doubtful'' against the Sun Devils given the physical pounding defensive tackles take in a game.

``I get hit in the shoulder all the time, and my shoulder is screwed up,'' Leisle said. ``It's getting better every day. You know how deep bone bruises are. It takes awhile to heal. That's what I'm waiting for.''

--Olson, Moore react: Drew Olson wasn't pleased about losing the starting quarterback job to Matt Moore despite leading the Bruins to a 5-1 record in his six starts, but he said he accepts it.

``It's a decision they made and being a competitor, it's not fun,'' said Olson, who said he is not going to transfer. ``We've got five games left. It's a long season. I've still got two years here, so I'll remain a Bruin. I haven't even thought of transferring or anything.''

Moore, who was injured in the season opener, said Dorrell told him all along he would get the job back when he was healthy.

``Coach Dorrell told me all along when I was 100 percent I would play again, and I was thinking to myself that it can't be much longer,'' Moore said. ``I'm just excited to get back in there hopefully extend this team's (four-game) winning streak.''

--Extra points: Backup defensive tackle Asi Faoa, who would get increased playing time if Leisle is out, missed the latter part of practice after re-injuring his left ankle. He was in a walking boot and said he was uncertain whether he could play. ... Keith Short is expected to make his second consecutive start in Ware's place.

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com

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Photo:

MATT WARE

Cornerback was unable to practice Tuesday because of a left-ankle injury.