Bears offense presents multitude of problems

UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker, asked last week about the preparation needed for his defense to contain 10th-ranked California, smiled and went for the laugh.

“I’ll watch their game this weekend, but I might have to go to a bar later,” Walker said, smiling.

The Bears, on paper, do seem to have the type of team that could drive a defensive coordinator to drink. For starters, DeSean Jackson, Lavelle Hawkins and Robert Jordan are probably the most talented trio of wide receivers the Bruins will see this season.

Yet, what has Walker’s immediate interest is in the Bears’ backfield, where Justin Forsett, the leading rusher in the Pacific 10 Conference, lurks.

“I know last year we kind of went into the game [against California] worrying about the passing game,” Walker said. “Having a chance to study them, they know how to run the football. I just think you always have stop the run first.”

Colorado State is the only team to hold Forsett under 100 yards this season -- he gained 59 yards in 13 carries. He has gained more than 150 yards in three games.

Forsett becomes even more important to the Bears if quarterback Nate Longshore is unable to play. Longshore is listed as questionable with a sprained ankle.

Kevin Riley started in Longshore’s place against Oregon State last Saturday and threw for 294 yards. Forsett had 150 yards rushing in that game. The Bears gained 167 yards rushing in a 38-24 victory over UCLA last season.

Patrick Cowan, who missed the last two games with a torn ligament in his right knee, on Thursday was designated starting quarterback for Saturday’s game.

Coach Karl Dorrell said McLeod Bethel-Thompson would be the backup and Osaar Rasshan the third quarterback.

Tailback Chris Markey (turf toe) and wide receiver Dominique Johnson (ankle) will be available to play, Dorrell said. . . . Wide receiver Marcus Everett (ankle) will not play. . . . X-rays revealed that wide receiver Gavin Ketchum has a fracture in his lower tibia. He has missed the last three weeks after being injured against Washington. . . . Tests on defensive end Nikola Dragovic ruled out a sports hernia, but his injured hip will keep him out of the lineup at least another week.

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chris.foster@latimes.com