It was an offensive performance that was at least within
shouting distance of last year’s offensive powerhouse, even
if it didn’t quite mirror its success on the scoreboard. The
Bruins had 516 yards in Saturday’s loss to California (8-1),
including 187 on the ground in a resurgent rushing effort. Despite
the yardage, however, the Bruins (4-5) were held to just 24 points.
Cal, outgained by 83 yards, managed 38 points. Still, one could see
the offensive improvement, and according to coach Karl Dorrell, a
lot of the credit can be attributed to him. “I didn’t
do most of the play-calling,” Dorrell said. “(But) I
was instrumental in helping it all work out. (It was) me dividing
and organizing the plan and our thoughts between series.”
Offensive coordinator Jim Svoboda has made some questionable
play-calls this year, with many third-and-long runs and third-down
pass plays that don’t go long enough for the first down.
There have also been issues with getting plays in on time. That did
not appear to be a significant issue on Saturday, with the offense
moving and operating with more fluidity than they have at any time
this year. Dorrell would like to build on that success for the rest
of the year. He feels that by taking a stronger hand in the
offensive play-calling, he can help the team more than if he
spreads himself between special teams, defense and offense.
“I wanted to help the offense,” Dorrell said.
“That’s my expertise. I’m an offensive coach.
I’ve tried to spread myself in all three areas. Now I’m
diminishing those roles and spending more time on offense.
We’re going to finish that way for the rest of the
year.” As for his playbook, which is commonly located in the
front of his pants, Dorrell feels that he’s going to have to
dust it off. “I did have (my playbook) in my hand more often
this week than in my pants,” Dorrell said. “We’ll
see (if I start calling even more plays). I’ve got to get in
my play-calling shape.”
PLAYMAKERS: Last year’s game against Cal
was marked by Maurice Drew’s ability to make the big play.
This year’s game was marked by the ability of Cal’s
Nate Longshore to make the long pass play and DeSean Jackson to
break off a long punt return for a touchdown. In last year’s
game, the Bruins won 47-40, and Dorrell feels that the difference
between the two games is as much attributable to the difference in
playmakers as anything else. “We were hanging in the game,
but we didn’t have the potential to make those kinds of
plays,” Dorrell said. “If you look back at last
year’s game, we had little No. 21 who made some big
plays.”
INJURY REPORT: Running back Kahlil Bell still
has his lingering ankle injury and will likely be out another week.
Dorrell said that he is still having issues making cuts. Linebacker
Korey Bosworth took a huge hit on Jackson’s punt return that
left him on the ground for minutes and caused him to collapse after
trying to run off the field. He did not have a headache on Monday
and appeared to have alleviated symptoms of his concussion from the
collision. He will have an MRI and X-rays to make sure he is
healthy before clearing him for practice. Quarterback Ben Olson may
be able to practice this week, but Dorrell still considers him
doubtful to play this weekend. “He’s got to get back
into practicing again,” Dorrell said. “(If he is
cleared to practice this week), we would see and visit about (him
playing) next week. He’s a little bit out of shape
football-wise.”