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Dorrell Optimistic About Return of Injured Players

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Times Staff Writer

After a four-day break, it’s back to business for No. 17 UCLA, which returns to practice today in preparation for Friday’s Sun Bowl game against Northwestern.

The 9-2 Bruins hope to have back two injured offensive linemen, center Robert Chai and tackle Brian Abraham. Chai, filling in for injured Mike McCloskey, has been sidelined because of a knee injury and Abraham has been hampered by a nagging ankle sprain for the last two months.

“We’re not going to push them, but it looks good,” Coach Karl Dorrell said. “The swelling is down, and the likelihood of getting Robert back is positive.... The same with Brian Abraham. It looks like he’ll be able to go, and that’s good news too.”

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After a strong start this season, junior running back Maurice Drew struggled because of injuries over the final four games. But Drew, who last gained more than 100 yards in a game against Oregon State on Oct. 22, is feeling better.

“He’s still tired and sore like everybody else, but he’s looking like Maurice to me,” Dorrell said. “You don’t feel like you are really healed until you get a month or two off, but he’s in good enough health and shape. He’s ready to go.”

Drew, named to several All-American teams as a kick returner, leads the nation in punt return average (29.07 yards) and leads UCLA in rushing with 900 yards and 13 touchdowns.

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Although Northwestern ranks among the worst teams in the country on defense, UCLA offensive coordinator Tom Cable said the Wildcats were not as bad as their statistics indicated.

“They give up some big plays and then they settle down and get after people,” Cable said.

Northwestern is ranked 117th among Division I-A schools in total defense.

“It seems like they’re trying to find themselves ... They’re like us offensively. They make plays, but then they have some real good players.”

Northwestern’s strength on defense is creating turnovers; they had 26 takeaways this season, the 20th best in the nation.

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