Sunday notebook, peek ahead

Here’s the notebook that runs in the Monday paper. Jim Mora, predictably and appropriately, is sticking to the one-game-at-a-time mantra as UCLA climbs up the rankings.

The Bruins finally got love from the Coaches Poll (No. 19) to help bump it into the BCS standings. Lots of shuffling could still happen in the conference, but right now the Bruins are staring at Alamo, Holiday or Sun Bowl — the three games that draw (in that order) after the Rose Bowl. Oregon State’s upcoming visit to Stanford should help clear up the picture.

UCLA is currently a 14.5-point favorite over Washington State, but the Cougars lost road games to both the Beavers and the Cardinal by fewer than two touchdowns. I’m very curious to see how WSU players respond to Mike Leach throwing them under the bus.