Lewis Having ‘Worst Season’

One season after leading the Bruins with 13 touchdowns, a figure exceeded only seven times in school history, and finishing second in rushing, Jermaine Lewis has unexpectedly been the odd man out in the tailback rotation.

“It’s been real tough,” Lewis said. “Personally, I look at it as my worst season I’ve played, ever.”

Lewis, a junior, had more than eight carries only once, in the season opener against Boise State as the backup to DeShaun Foster. Keith Brown was suspended that night, but returned to eventually become No. 1 at the position when Foster sprained his ankle.

Lewis, meanwhile, averaged only 5.4 attempts the next nine games. After the 553 yards last season, he’s at 208 in ‘99, with only the USC game remaining.

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Defensive tackle Ken Kocher and tight end Bryan Fletcher are expected to play Saturday after sitting out the Washington game, though not as starters. But strong safety Julius Williams has been ruled out because of a concussion.