By Jim Thomas
California running back Marshawn Lynch began the season as a Heisman Trophy candidate and he's done well through eight games, gaining 907 rushing yards, averaging 6.9 yards a carry and scoring eight touchdowns. He's also gained 216 yards and scored three touchdowns on 19 pass receptions. Yet he's far from a one-man show for an offense that ranks seventh nationally at 440.5 yards per game. Quarterback Nate Longshore has completed 62.5 percent of his passes for 1,877 yards, 17 TDs and seven interceptions. Wide receiver DeSean Jackson leads the Golden Bears' receiver corps with 622 yards on 36 receptions and is also a major threat as a punt returner (14.29 yards per return). It was no wonder UCLA coach Karl Dorrell didn't want to put the focus on any one player looking ahead to Saturday's game in Berkeley. "Their offense is explosive," he said. "The big thing is we can't give 'em too many big plays. We just can't let that happen."
Injury update
UCLA receiver Brandon Breazell is listed as a starter, but his status for Saturday's game is questionable. He didn't do much at practice due to a rib injury. Running back Kahlil Bell (ankle) was ruled out by Dorrell. Linebacker Aaron Whittington (ankle) is expected to play, but how much remains questionable. Although both are likely to redshirt, wide receiver Joe Cowan (knee) and cornerback Michael Norris (knee) both are moving well and helping out on the scout team. Quarterback Ben Olson (knee) did some work at practice and still is looking at next week for a possible return to active duty.
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