When UCLA opened preseason camp this fall, the big question
facing the Bruins’ football team was how it would replace NFL
draftees Craig Bragg and Tab Perry at the wide receiver
position.
The running back position was scarcely discussed, especially
with All Pac-10 performer Maurice Drew returning in the
backfield.
After six games, however, it has surprisingly been the
Bruins’ passing game that has carried the team, with the
running game getting off to a slow start.
“We knew we needed to get our running attack going,”
sophomore running back Chris Markey said. “It’s only
now that you’ve been able to see what we can do.”
After six games, the Bruins are fourth in the Pac-10 in rushing
at 156.7 yards per game. That number has been constantly improving
since being held to a season-low 65 rushing yards against
Washington three weeks ago.
“The running game is an essential part of our
offense,” offensive coordinator Tom Cable said. “As
long we are efficient and get good rhythm, our running game can
excel.”
In the Bruins’ last game against Washington State, the
Bruins recorded 178 rushing yards, with Drew and Markey combining
for all of the yards.
In the third quarter, when the Bruins were facing a double-digit
deficit, both running backs were able to sustain long drives that
helped the Bruins get back in the game.
“When both of those guys are running, our offense is at
our best,” center Mike McCloskey said. “Plus, it gives
our defense a chance to rest.”
The Washington State game was a microcosm of the Bruins’
season, during which the running backs have had limited
opportunities to run because of the large deficits the Bruins have
faced.
This week, however, coach Karl Dorrell has really been focusing
on getting better starts, and he acknowledges the role the running
game plays in that effort.
“We know if we get the running game going, we can get good
balance in our offense,” Dorrell said. “If we do that,
we can get the good start we’ve been shooting for.”
On Saturday, the Bruins face Oregon State, which ranks third in
the Pac-10 in rushing defense at allowing 112.8 yards per game.
It will be a big test for the Bruins, who have yet to put
together consecutive strong running performances this season.
“The Beavers are an underrated team, and we expect a tough
test on Saturday,” Markey said. “It will be quite a
challenge for us to run against their defense.”
A big game against the Beavers would be especially critical for
Maurice Drew, who a chance to increase his Heisman status with a
big performance on national television.
Thus far this season, Drew has nine rushing touchdowns, but is
only ranked seventh in the Pac-10 in rushing at 80.8 yards per
game.
A consistent running performance against Oregon State would
dispel notions that Drew is unable to run between the tackles and
rush against some of the teams in the Pac-10.
“The numbers are not important to us,” Markey said.
“Maurice and I just want to keep improving; the more
recognition he gets, the better it is for our team.”
LONDON PROBABLE: Senior linebacker Justin
London returned to practice on Thursday, and coach Dorrell said it
was probable that London will play in Saturday’s game, but
not start.
“John Hale will be starting in his place,” Dorrell
said.
“We expect London to play some time in the game,
however.”
EXTRA POINTS: Offensive lineman Brian Abraham
missed practice on Thursday due to a case of the flu, but will suit
up for Saturday’s game.
Quarterback David Koral also missed practice. He is sick with
mononucleosis.