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The Arizona Wildcats will line up against UCLA on Saturday with an image problem.

And in Los Angeles, image — and perception — is everything.

Arizona hasn't won in L.A. since Oct. 7, 2000, when it dispatched USC 31-15 at the Coliseum. A victory Saturday at the Rose Bowl could score big points for a UA program that relies on Southern California for recruits.

"No question," said assistant coach Mike Tuiasosopo, who leads Arizona's recruiting efforts in Los Angeles. "Our name carries a lot of weight in Southern California — you talk about all the great players over the years and the guys we have now, it's a lot."

Arizona legends Bruce Hill, Chuck Levy, Glenn Parker, Keith Smith, Chris McAlister, Dennis Northcutt and Tom Tunnicliffe all grew up in the Los Angeles area.

Thirty-one current Wildcats, including Eben Britton, Nicolas Grigsby, Devin Ross and Nate Ness, call L.A. home (see box). The same goes for many of the nation's top high school players — including Arizona's top two recruits, linebackers Trevor Erno and Taniela Maka.

They are the tangible spoils of Arizona's recruiting efforts in Los Angeles.

In the bigger picture, a victory — or at least a good showing — would help Arizona stay relevant in one of the nation's top football hotbeds.

USC has owned Los Angeles for the last few years. The hiring of Rick Neuheisel at UCLA and the continued success of programs like Cal and Oregon have made it tougher for Arizona.

Saturday's showdown in the Rose Bowl is a statement game for many reasons. Many of the top high school players will be at the Rose Bowl for Saturday's game, either as fans or guests of UCLA, or watching from home.

Fox Sports Net will televise the game nationally and in high-definition.

"So, sure, we want to go out, play well and display the improvements we've made," UA coach Mike Stoops said. "We've got a lot to play for, and so do they."

Stoops downplayed the Neuheisel factor — "UCLA's going to get their players, no matter what," he said — but said Southern California remains, along with Texas and Hawaii, Arizona's top recruiting hotbeds.

The Wildcats' coaches have Southern California covered. Tuiasosopo is in charge of central Los Angeles, an area that extends south to Long Beach, north to the Sepulveda Pass and east to East Los Angeles.

Tim Kish recruits the Inland Empire, which includes Corona — home of quarterback Matt Scott — as well as the cities of Ontario, Riverside and San Bernardino. David Nichol recruits the San Fernando Valley and areas north all the way to Santa Barbara. Michael Smith handles Orange County.

Tuiasosopo said Arizona has an advantage that some other schools in the conference lack: warm weather, solid academics and a history of athletic success.

"If a kid comes on an official visit, it's hard not to love the place," he said. "Our place sells itself."

Britton didn't need to be sold. The Wildcats' star tackle chose the UA over UCLA, USC and a handful of other California schools. Climate, reputation and — surprisingly — distance were all factors.

"I wanted to be on my own a little bit, but I wanted to be close enough where I could go home if anything happened," he said. "Tucson's awesome — it's like a little version of Southern California."

Ross liked Arizona so much that his family moved to Avondale after he verbally committed. Still, he considers Rancho Cucamonga — and, by extension, Los Angeles — home.

He's not alone.

"Everyone has people out there looking at you when you play," he said. "Everybody wants to play better in front of their family."

● Arizona sophomore Keenyn Crier has been named an early candidate for the Ray Guy Award, given annually to the nation's top punter.

Crier was added to the award's "watch list" after booming a 68-yard punt in last week's loss at New Mexico. Crier has averaged 39.4 yards per punt in limited action this season. He missed part of the Wildcats' season opener after rolling his ankle.

The "watch list" will be pared to 10 semifinalists in early November. The award's national voting body will announce three finalists in late November. The winner will be announced Dec. 11.