Returns Policy Is a Problem

UCLA has had enough trouble with its punt team this season -- the Bruins have allowed four punts to be returned for touchdowns, including an NCAA-record three by Oklahoma’s Antonio Perkins on Sept. 20.

But a new punting-related problem has emerged in recent weeks involving wide receiver-return man Craig Bragg, among UCLA’s most experienced players.

In the first quarter against Stanford on Saturday, Bragg made a fair catch at the UCLA six-yard line. With about two minutes left in the fourth quarter, with the Bruins trailing by a touchdown, Bragg fielded a punt at his 10 and was tackled for no return.

Against Arizona State the previous week, Bragg fielded two punts at his seven and gained a yard and lost four yards on the returns.

Isn’t the rule of thumb, when fielding a punt inside the 10-yard line, that the return man lets the punt bounce in hopes of it reaching the end zone for a touchback and a spot at the 20?

“We have a rule where we’re supposed to stand at the seven-yard line, and if the ball is in front of you, you catch it, and if it’s behind you, you let it go,” Bragg said. “But sometimes it’s tough to make that decision when the ball is coming at you, and you don’t know if you’re going to end up on the six or eight.”

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Freshman defensive end Junior Lemau’u has been suspended from the team for the remainder of the season because he violated “team policy issues,” Coach Karl Dorrell said.

“He still has obligations to fulfill from an academic standpoint,” Dorrell said, adding that Lemau’u was still attending school. Lemau’u was a backup for the Bruins.

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Dorrell hedged when asked whether he would be more inclined to pull quarterback Matt Moore if he struggles Saturday at Washington State. Backup Drew Olson relieved Moore against Stanford and needed only 1 minute 18 seconds to lead the Bruins on a seven-play, 80-yard touchdown drive. Olson “did a nice job coming in and doing some things for us late in the game,” Dorrell said, “but we still believe in Matt Moore, and he’s still going to be the one directing the offense.”

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Tailback Tyler Ebell practiced for the first time this week after sitting out two days because of flu-like symptoms and will be ready to play Saturday, Dorrell said.... Defensive end Mat Ball, slowed by two bulging disks in his lower back, made progress in practice but his availability Saturday would most likely be a game-time decision, Dorrell said.... Washington State quarterback Matt Kegel took the majority of practice snaps for the first time this week and is expected to start Saturday. Kegel, the Pacific 10 Conference leader in passing yards, suffered a partial tear of a ligament in his right knee Saturday against USC.

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Times staff writer Mike DiGiovanna contributed to this report.