Aztecs Are Concern for Dorrell

A week off after two consecutive victories can give a young team such as UCLA’s a false sense of confidence. That’s a major concern for Coach Karl Dorrell, whose Bruins will play San Diego State (2-1) in a nonconference game Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

Although the Aztecs have never defeated UCLA -- the series stands 18-0-1 since 1922 -- they are on a bit of a roll, having lost at Michigan, 24-21, earlier this month.

“San Diego State plays an aggressive style on defense that has created a number of turnovers already this season,” said Dorrell, whose team defeated the Aztecs, 20-10, at the Rose Bowl in 2003.

“They gave us a lot of fits a year ago and I know they will do the same this year.... They play tight man-to-man defense in the secondary and put a lot of pressure on an offense.”

The Aztecs have eight interceptions and have forced six fumbles, recovering two. That’s bad news for the Bruins, who have eight turnovers in three games.

Maurice Drew has fumbled twice, Craig Bragg and Manuel White once each. UCLA’s other four turnovers have been deflected Drew Olson passes that ended up as interceptions.

Dorrell said that the Bruins not only had to protect the ball but also had to force more turnovers. UCLA is tied for eighth in the Pacific 10 Conference with a minus-five turnover margin.

“That’s going to be the case for us for the rest of the season,” he said. “The only way to address those things is to do it daily [in practice].”

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Middle linebacker Justin London, who has been hampered by an ankle injury, practiced Monday but did not participate in any team drills.

London started UCLA’s last game against Washington but aggravated the injury on his first play.

“I was in better shape heading into the Washington game but that could be expected since I tweaked my ankle again,” London said. “This is my first day on the field after being off for a week. It just has to loosen up a little bit.”

More injury updates: Wide receiver Craig Bragg (shoulder) and defensive tackle Nikola Dragovic (ankle) will sit out Saturday’s game. Defensive back Dennis Keyes (shoulder) was limited on Monday but is expected to play against San Diego State.