D-LINE GETTING BETTER.

Byline: Brian Dohn Staff Writer

The hard numbers suggest UCLA's defense isn't getting better, and the improvement the coaches hoped for on the defensive line appears absent.

The Bruins are ranked 109th in the country against the run, allowing 229.4 yards per game, yielding more than 500 yards of offense in three of the past four games, and 108th of 117 teams in total defense at 441.8 yards per game.

Much of the blame for the defensive deficiencies is pushed on a young, inexperienced defensive line, but Bruins defensive coordinator Larry Kerr said tangible signs exist that the defense is improving, albeit at a watching-paint-dry pace.

``I think the first thing you see is they're starting to get pressure on the quarterback in our four-man rush,'' Kerr said. ``I think you're also starting to see we've got more tackles for losses from the defensive linemen, so again, you're seeing some penetration and getting off blocks in the running game.''

In the first six games, the Bruins' defensive line made three sacks and six tackles for loss. In the last three games, they've recorded six sacks and 12 tackles for loss.

``Is it spectacular? No, but it's solid,'' Kerr said. ``There's a mentality that goes on with it, too. When you have success, it breeds success, and when you're struggling, it's hard to fight through sometimes. And we've been up and down that way.

``Two weeks ago I would have said you could really see guys (were) solid in gap control and getting off blocks and making plays. Last week we kind of fell back, as a unit, to not being as good on the perimeter and not making the plays we should.''

--Drew to travel: Tailback Maurice Drew worked out primarily on the side of Spaulding Field under the watchful eye of a trainer Thursday, but he showed enough mobility in his sprained right ankle to have Dorrell say his leading rusher should play Saturday at Oregon.

``We're not sure how much he's going to be able to hold up,'' Dorrell said. ``We didn't want to do too much to cause any negative reaction. It was very encouraging, what he did.''

--Tight end depth? Tight end Marcedes Lewis is expected to play despite a bruised tailbone that kept him out of most drills Thursday, and the injury could cause UCLA to use its backups more than any game this season. And that could be adventurous.

Lewis leads the Bruins with 26 catches. J.J. Hair is the only other tight end to make a reception. He has one, hurting his shoulder on the play. Keith Carter is used primarily as a blocker, and Matt Raney has participated in four plays.

``All three of those guys are ready to go if Marcedes, for some reason, isn't able to do much in the game,'' Dorrell said. ``We feel like we're in good shape with the week of practice those other guys have had.''

--Odds and ends: Weak-side tackle Ed Blanton practiced for the first time all week and will start. ... With Drew hobbled, Dorrell said Craig Bragg will take over punt-return duties. ... After missing a day of practice with a bruised foot, strong safety Jarrad Page took part in all drills.

Brian Dohn, [phone]

brian.dohn(at)dailynews.com

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UCLA at OREGON