UW's defense to be tested by talented Drew -- again

As the Huskies have come to learn, UCLA's Maurice Drew is a running back to watch -- but a tough one to catch.

"Anyone that plays him walks away clearly impressed with his toughness, with his speed and with his all-around running ability," said UW coach Tyrone Willingham.

Washington players took the time to appreciate Drew's running ability when he came to Seattle a year ago. On that day, the Huskies had plenty of opportunities to observe -- Drew rushed for 322 yards and five touchdowns in the contest, almost single-handedly beating the Huskies 37-31.

Missed gaps, overrun plays and poor tackling were all blamed for the embarrassing defensive effort.

"This time around, we really need to stay disciplined," said UW linebacker Joe Lobendahn.

Since Drew's day in Seattle, however, the Bruins have only improved. UCLA, now 3-0, is ranked No. 20 and coming off a 42-24 drubbing of No. 21 Oklahoma.

"UCLA, honestly, could be the best team we've played so far," Willingham said.

That puts the Bruins in high company along with No. 12 California and No. 13 Notre Dame, both of whom lambasted the Huskies handily. It's easy to see why.

A week ago, facing one of the most potent offenses and one of the nation's most dangerous offensive weapons, the Bruins were rock solid. The UCLA defense stood up Oklahoma running back Adrian Peterson, lassoing the Sooners' star player to just 59 yards.

"They've improved a lot on defense," said center Brad Vanneman. "Holding Adrian Peterson to that many yards is certainly an improvement."

The Bruins offense, meanwhile, led by Drew, has remained equally impressive. The team is averaging nearly 50 points per game, posting 175 yards per contest on the ground. Drew, while keeping his post as a running threat, has also taken on punt duties. The junior has scored on two of his five punt returns.

"He is difficult to tackle," Willingham said. "He is very strong. He is very explosive and he has great confidence in his running skills."

On the other side of the ball, Washington's defense has struggled to contain the run. The squad surrendered 233 rushing yards last week against Notre Dame. Additionally, sitting at a meager 1-3, the Huskies still haven't played outside of Seattle, making its first road trip of the year to one of the most respected stadiums in the nation.

According to Willlingham, in some ways a trip to the Rose Bowl may be a good thing for a Husky program seeking to turn the corner.

"The hostile environment brings the attitude of 'You against the world,'" Willingham said. "It's only you and your traveling partners -- you and your teammates. It has a tendency to bring you a little closer together."

The Huskies now ask: Will traveling together translate to getting closer to victory?

Or at least closer to stopping Maurice Drew?

Team Notes:

• Already fielding a thin lineup in the secondary, the Huskies may not have the full services of cornerback Matt Fountaine, who is not likely to start due to a shoulder injury.

• Washington wide receiver Quintin Daniels injured his knee in practice Wednesday and underwent and MRI yesterday. Daniels injured the same knee a year ago and missed the second half of the season.