Bruins see gains in last loss

UCLA can’t seem to get all of its offense rolling at once. When the Bruins have been able to run the ball, they have struggled to pass. And when they have passed well, they have failed to run with consistency.

But after gaining 516 yards and scoring 24 points against Cal last week, the Bruins seem convinced they are ready to finish strong now that Coach Karl Dorrell is more involved in game plans and play calling.

“Compared to the other games, it just seemed to flow more smoothly,” running back Chris Markey said of the Cal game. “Plays were getting in quicker and we were able to get up to the line and really focus in on defenses instead of rushing to the line.”

With three regular-season games remaining, UCLA’s offense is seventh in the Pacific 10 Conference, averaging 342.9 total yards a game. To finish the season ranked in the top half of the league is still a realistic goal for the Bruins.

“Each week we’ve done a few good things and had a few breakthroughs,” offensive coordinator Jim Svoboda said. “But at the same time we’ve had a few things plaguing us.”

The Bruins have been at their worst inside an opponent’s 20-yard line, where they have been 32 times and scored only 14 touchdowns.

“We’re getting in our own way probably more than anything else, and that’s the most frustrating thing,” Svoboda said.

With sophomore Patrick Cowan expected to make his fifth start at quarterback in place of Ben Olson, UCLA has started to develop an offensive rhythm.

They will need to be in tune against Oregon State on Saturday with the Beavers coming off one of their best efforts of the year, limiting Arizona State to 223 total yards in a 44-10 rout.

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Olson, who hasn’t played since Oct. 7 because of a knee injury, practiced Wednesday for the second time since returning. Dorrell said he might be ready to play in a backup role Saturday.

“I know he’s going to want to get back in as soon as he can,” Dorrell said. “Part of me just wants to get him with a game plan and getting him reps so he feels confident with his injury. So when he’s feeling healthy, we’ll take it from there. But we’re still waiting for that to happen.”

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The Bruins have started the same offensive line every game -- tackles Aleksey Lanis and Noah Sutherland, guards Shannon Tevaga and Chris Joseph and center Robert Chai. Tight end Logan Paulsen has started eight games and fullback Michael Pitre and Markey have started every game in the backfield.... Freshman Jeremy McGee, a receiver and kickoff returner, returned to practice this week after sitting out the Cal game because of a quadriceps injury.... Linebacker Christian Taylor did not practice Wednesday, but he’s expected to play against Oregon State.... Linebacker Aaron Whittington and running back Kahlil Bell are still slowed by sprained ankles and are doubtful for Saturday.

lonnie.white@latimes.com

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UP NEXT

vs. Oregon State (6-3, 4-2)

Saturday at Rose Bowl, 3:15 p.m.,

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