COLLEGE FOOTBALL DAILY REPORT : UCLA : Offensive Line Taking a Hit

Expected to be one of the strengths of the team, UCLA’s offensive line has allowed 13 sacks in its last three games. And the Bruins have lost two quarterbacks because they weren’t protected.

Wayne Cook suffered a season-ending knee injury when he was sacked in the Bruins’ season-opening victory over Cal State Fullerton. Rob Walker, who replaced Cook, suffered a minor concussion and a sprained ankle after being sacked six times in a 19-7 loss to Stanford two weeks ago. Ryan Fien was sacked four times in a 30-17 loss to Washington State last week.

“There’s no question there’s an awful lot of focus being brought to the fact that our offensive line is playing very, very poorly,” UCLA Coach Terry Donahue said. “We’re onto our third quarterback and the other two don’t have mononucleosis, they’ve been injured.”

Donahue said the offensive line is in disarray because of injuries. Center Aron Gideon is playing with a broken hand and backup guards James Christensen and Matt Soenksen were slowed by injuries during preseason practice.