Short Layoff Could Prove Beneficial

Even with the outcome against Miami, Coach Bob Toledo said he is glad the Bruins rescheduled the game if only because it means they will be sharper against Wisconsin in the Rose Bowl.

The Bruins remember lacking precision at the start of the Cotton Bowl against Texas A&M; last season.

They had not played since Nov. 22 and fell behind, 16-0, in the second quarter in Dallas before rallying to win, 29-23.

The Miami game, moved from Sept. 26 to Dec. 5 because of Hurricane Georges, extended the regular season by two weeks but also reduced the break before the bowl game.

“I don’t think we’ve lost as much timing, in watching them in practice, as last year,” Toledo said.

“That’s a bonus. If you talk to [Wisconsin Coach] Barry Alvarez, I think he’d say it’s a bonus. You lose a lot with a long layoff.”

Wisconsin last played Nov. 21.

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There is no timetable for Pete Holland to return to practice, but the Bruins said the starting defensive end, out because of a sprained left elbow, will probably be back in time for the Rose Bowl. It’s good news for a line that will be without No. 1 nose guard Micah Webb because of a torn knee ligament.

Next Up for UCLA

What: Rose Bowl UCLA (10-1) vs. Wisconsin (10-1)

Where: Rose Bowl

When: Jan. 1

Time: 1:30 p.m.

TV: Channel 7

Radio: KXTA (1150)