Dorrell Expects Progress in Two Problem Areas

After a week of working on two problem areas -- punt coverage and getting the plays relayed to the huddle correctly -- Coach Karl Dorrell said the Bruins had made progress.

He called the punt coverage “a lot better.”

“It better be better,” he added.

The Bruins gave up three touchdowns and 277 yards on punt returns against Oklahoma, both NCAA records.

Dorrell chose not to make any changes in personnel, however.

“We put a lot of time into it,” Dorrell said. “Our kids understand the issues.”

He downplayed the difficulty of getting the plays in, saying receiver coach Jon Embree would continue to signal the plays, and he expected the players to adjust.

“It’s just a matter of getting used to the terminology we’re using,” Dorrell said.

*

Dorrell has absorbed considerable criticism after three games, and he made a wry joke when a cameraman asked him to move to provide a better backdrop for a shot.

Dorrell obliged, with a light jab.

“You guys have been so good to me,” he said, drawing laughter.

*

Starting cornerback Matt Clark will play, even though he injured his left knee during Wednesday’s practice and was held out of much of practice Thursday. “He’s good,” Dorrell said. “He’s ready to go.” ... Three players were declared out for San Diego State, all because of ankle injuries: tight end Blane Kezirian, fullback Pat Norton and linebacker Tim Warfield.

Classes began Thursday, signaling a time of the season the Bruins have typically had difficulty.

“That’s a transition,” Dorrell said. “They have other things they need to do along with their football obligations.”

Former safety Don Rogers, who led the Bruins in tackles from 1981 to ‘83, and former tight end Tim Wrightman will be among the eight new inductees into the UCLA Athletics Hall of Fame on Oct. 3 at the Morgan Center. The other inductees are Danny Everett, track and field; Lisa Fernandez, softball; Brad Friedel, soccer; Ryan McGuire, baseball; Pooh Richardson, basketball; and Al Scates, volleyball.