USC VS. UCLA: A CLOSER LOOK UCLA NOTEBOOK: PAIN BEYOND SKIN-DEEP FOR BRUINS.

Byline: - Billy Witz

Receiver Ryan Smith was in tears afterward, not over the Bruins' 27-0 loss to USC but over the pain in his sprained right ankle. Smith, for the second week in a row, took pain-killing shots before the game and at halftime so he could play.

He plans to have the ankle X-rayed, something he hasn't done.

``This is the worst pain I've ever felt in my life,'' said Smith, who caught one pass for 23 yards and left the locker room on crutches. ``I'm not getting shots anymore.''

--Poli-Dixon shut out: The game's turning point occurred on the last play of the first quarter when Cory Paus' pass went through the hands of receiver Brian Poli-Dixon and into the arms of USC cornerback Antuan Simmons, who returned it 36 yards for a touchdown that put the Trojans ahead 14-0.

Poli-Dixon, after catching six passes for 149 yards against Oregon last week - both season highs - didn't catch a pass. Simmons said Poli-Dixon ``checked out'' after the play. A teary-eyed Poli-Dixon declined comment.

--Injury report: The Bruins lost free safety Marques Anderson on the third play of the game when he was hit in the ribs trying to tackle Kori Dickerson on his 66-yard pass reception. Anderson, who took pain-killing shots last week, spent the second half in street clothes. The Bruins also lost strong safety Jason Stephens, who reinjured his turf toe. Cornerback Matt Ware suffered a separated shoulder but returned to finish the game.

--Bowl possibilities: While UCLA is eligible for a bowl with its six victories, the Pac-10's five automatic berths are taken. The Bruins, who can finish no higher than sixth, must hope for an at-large spot - most likely in the Silicon Valley Bowl, New Year's Eve in San Jose. No bowl representative attended the game.

--Record: Middle linebacker Robert Thomas had two tackles for loss, establishing a school record with his 24th of the season. He is tied with Terry Tumey for second on the school's career list with 39.

--White starts: Freshman Manuel White, from Valencia High, was given his first career start, starting in place of Akil Harris. UCLA coach Bob Toledo said he started White because Harris was unable to participate in practice Monday and Tuesday. White carried nine times for 23 yards, while Harris added 14 yards on six carries.

CAPTION(S):

photo, box

Photo:

SMITH

Box:

UCLA LOG