Terrence Austin making many happy returns
UCLA FOOTBALL
UCLA's kickoff and punt return specialist is among the best in the Pac-10 -- and he's about to face a team that's not good at defending either.
Terrence Austin is fully aware that he ranks among the top kickoff returners in the Pacific 10 -- and isn't so bad with punt returns -- but a related statistic somehow escaped the UCLA receiver's attention.
This week, the Bruins face Oregon State, which ranks near the bottom of the conference in kickoff coverage and is last in net punting average.
"That's something I should know," Austin said. "I'm pretty sure we'll be taking a look at that."
The junior has the two best kickoff returning days in the Pac-10 this season, gaining 206 yards against Fresno State and 203 against California. His 250 combined return yards -- punts and kickoffs -- against Fresno State is also a conference best.
Saturday's game at the Rose Bowl pits an Oregon State team (5-3, 4-1) looking to win the Pac-10 against a UCLA team (3-5, 2-3) holding onto a slim hope of becoming bowl eligible. With the Bruins struggling to generate much offense, special teams -- and the field position they can provide -- become all the more critical.
"If we can start on the 45- or 50-yard line instead of inside the 20, it helps," Austin said. "We have a better choice of plays to call, not so much pressure of being backed up."
Wharton is a Times staff writer.
david.wharton@latimes.com
