After the Cal game we heard a lot about how KD, the offensive guru took control over the reins to reignite the dead Bruin offense. From PE.com:

Bruin Rushing Offense (First 8 v. Last 3)

Obviously you can spot the improvement in ypc and ypg. However, that number is somewhat eschewed by garbage time during Cal game, after the Bruins were effectively destroyed by a score of 35-10. Markey ripped off a huge 70 yard TD run during the fourth quarter when the outcome of the game was certain. Prior to that big run Markey barely had around 60 yard rushing during prior 3 quarters. And given the horrible rushing performance against ASU in which the Bruins didn?t break 100 yards against the 6th ranked rushing defense in the Pac-10 (going into that game), right now from the numbers at least we haven?t seen much progress in Dorrell?s predictable run-up-the-gut vanilla rushing offense.

Which brings us to the passing game. Here are the breakdown in Bruins passing performances in our first 8 v. the last 3:

Bruin Passing Offense (First 8 v. Last 3)

Again there isn?t much sign of progressive in this category either. The completion percentage is down (Olson?s injury is a factor in this case). The total yards per game has improved by a meager total of 12 yards (from 201 to 213). That number was boosted by the two huge passing plays from Cowan to Breazell last Saturday. There hasn?t been any improvement in the all important category of production of TDs per game and cutting down on the ratio of TD to Ints. In fact if you take away the two pass plays against ASU, the Bruin offense was basically stuck in neutral gear against the Fun Devils hapless defense.

Another important to thing to note. The ratio of rushing to passing plays. If anything the Bruins have gone slightly more conservative calling more rushing plays in our last 3 games (53 percent of the times) compared to the first 8 (51 percent of the times).

And the product on the field looks mediocre. It hasn?t shown the ability to sustain drives by putting together a mistake free, fluid, multi-dimensional offense which keeps opposing Ds on their heels. There is no flow to this offense as it still seems to be depending on its defensive team-mates to bail the team out from it?s impotent performance on the field.

And yet Dorrell?s minions are out there talking about progress?

I have no problem with Cowan starting against Southern Cal given the fact that he is 2-0 in last two games (whatever that?s worth). However, if the offense continues to be stuck in neutral and show zero signs of life, then Dorrell should show guts and think about bringing in Olson to reignite this listless unit.

Then again will Dorrell show that courage? Yeah we saw that fake punt against ASU (in a game that didn?t mean much ? sorry if we are not impressed by sloppy wins to get to Pineapple Bowl). But are we going to see Dorrell exhibit some real courage and his much ballyhooed offensive genius in the most important game of the season? Beacase as of today from the number at least it's pretty clear whether Dorrell keeps that playshit in or out of his pants it really doesn't have much impact on the flow (or lackthere of) of Bruin offense.

GO BRUINS.