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SAN JOSE--For UCLA, it's a last-ditch effort to bring back some life into a season that has been a huge disappointment. For Fresno State, it's a rare opportunity to knock off its California neighbor. The two programs will clash in the Silicon Valley Classic on Tuesday evening at Spartan Stadium in San Jose. "It's always a good test when you get an opportunity like this," UCLA head coach Dorrell said. "We're fortunate enough to be in a bowl. We're trying to get some positive momentum going into next season. That's what you need when you have a new program." After being undefeated in Pac-10 play with four games to go, the Bruins (6-6) had to hope to be selected for the Silicon Valley Classic and were the last team in the Pac-10 to go to a bowl game. UCLA's offseason has been marred by rumors of coach firings and player transfers. Fresno State, on the other hand, waited for its postseason berth with open arms. With a victory, the Bulldogs (8-5) could make strides toward bringing its program alongside its California counterparts. And in terms of the future of both programs, it would seem that Fresno State has everything to gain--at UCLA's expense. "For us playing UCLA, a California team, is important," Bulldog head coach Pat Hill said. "To get games against California Pac-10 schools is difficult. It's a great opportunity for us." UCLA head coach Karl Dorrell has spent the last few weeks of winter break attempting to re-focus the team in a last-ditch attempt to enter the offseason on a good note. After harping on the importance of improving each week, the Bruins appeared downtrodden and beaten by season's end. In particular, the offense has been abysmal. Quarterback Matt Moore's transfer breaks up the quarterback controversy, but leaves UCLA with two scholarship quarterbacks in Drew Olson and John Sciarra. The emphasis in practice hasn't been on implementing new plays, but rather, on improving the execution of Dorrell's West Coast offense. "We're just trying to generate some offense," Dorrell said. "Hopefully, these bowl practices will be productive in helping us do that in any way, fashion or form." While UCLA will not have any seniors starting on the offensive side of the ball against the Bulldogs, the Bruins do have five players on the defensive side of the ball who will be playing their last game. The entire defensive line, which has been the pivotal point of UCLA's defensive success this season, and linebacker Brandon Chillar, who made the All-Pac-10 first team, will don UCLA uniforms for the final time. It will come against an inconsistent Fresno State team that has played close against Tennessee and beaten Oregon State, but weren't competitive in losses to Hawaii, Colorado State and Boise State. Offensively, the Bulldogs run an aerial attack led by the combination of quarterback Paul Pinegar and wide receiver Bernard Berrian, with running back Dwayne Wright providing some semblance of balance. Berrian, in particular, is a gamebreaker and has a lot of athletic ability. Defensively, linebacker Bryce McGill is a sideline-to-sideline-type player, while safety James Sander is a hard hitter. Both were named to the All-WAC first team this year. But the face of the Fresno State program is Hill. His willingness to face any team in the country has made him a dangerous foe for any opposing coach. "Because I'm from California, I have a better feel for how good (Fresno State) is," Dorrell said. "Pat and I talked this past offseason about playing, and I said, 'No, I don't want to.' " Regardless of what Dorrell wanted, the two clubs will square off. And if UCLA isn't careful, a loss could mean a long offseason of questions and changes. NOTES: Three starters will be out for the bowl game: safety Ben Emanuel (suspension and groin injury), running back Tyler Ebell (shoulder injury) and wide receiver Ryan Smith (ankle injury). Safety Nnamdi Ohaeri, running back Maurice Drew and wide receiver . . . UCLA announced the signing of its sixth player from the junior college ranks, this time defensive end Justin Hickman out of Glendale (AZ) Community College.

With contributions from Diamond Leung.