Offensive line is bright spot in UCLA offense

With all the consternation going on within the UCLA football program and all the panic embedded in the Bruins’ fan base over a woeful 0-2 start this season, one thing is worth noting:

No one is blaming the offensive line.

The No. 1 source of offensive stress for the Bruins the last two seasons is now the bright spot.

The Bruins seemed to have more holes in their line than were opened by their line in 2008, finishing 116th nationally in rushing offense. They improved only marginally last season, finishing 97th. After two games this season, they are a respectable 51st, averaging 172.5 yards per game.

“We’re the filthy five,” tackle Micah Kia said, holding up one fist. “We’re best friends and we play like it.”

This was an area that seemed headed for disaster. Tackle Xavier Su’a-Filo left for a two-year Mormon mission. Guard Jeff Baca became academically ineligible in July. Center Kai Maiava suffered a broken ankle in the first scrimmage. Tackle Mike Harris was suspended for the first game.

Those four started every regular-season game in 2009.

Yet the Bruins had 193 yards rushing in the opener against Kansas State. In 2009, the Bruins didn’t top 193 yards on the ground until the third game.

The five starters — Kia, tackle Sean Sheller, guard Darius Savage, guard Eddie Williams and center Ryan Taylor — won’t be found on the Outland Trophy watch list, and their play individually isn’t likely to bring NFL scouts to town. But, “We work well as a unit,” Sheller said. “We have been around here so long that we know what each other are going to do.”

The key remains Taylor, who made a smooth transition to center after Maiava went down. Behind Taylor is redshirt freshman Greg Capella, who struggles with snapping the ball in the “pistol” offense.

“Ryan was ready to go,” offensive line coach Bob Palcic said. “He watched and learned the center position in the spring. He knew how to play there and what calls to make.

“These guys really have to work real hard to do well. They had a lot to prove, but they have a lot of pride.”

Harris interactive

Kia has been slowed by an ankle injury this week, which has Harris back in the picture. He has worked with the first team this week.

“It feels good to be out there getting in the groove again,” said Harris, who was suspended for violating a team rule. “I was second string last week and didn’t get very many reps.

“It was tough watching that first game on television. I never want that to happen again. I want to be there for our success and our failures.”

Kia sat out practice again Thursday, but Coach Rick Neuheisel said he would be ready for Saturday’s game against Houston.

Neuheisel said F-backs Anthony Barr (back) and Christian Ramirez will also be ready. Both practiced Thursday.

chris.foster@latimes.com

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