Culver City Observer -

Los Angeles Chargers running back Melvin Gordon returned to the team last week and although he did not play in their win over Miami, just him being on the sidelines seem to inspire the team. Now the team can go back to their running back tandem of Gordon and Austin Ekeler. When heathy Gordon is one of the best running backs in the league and he catches passes out of the backfield. The Chargers face the Broncos at home on Sunday at 1 p.m.

Speaking of running backs, the Rams need help in that department. There is something wrong with their star running back Todd Gurley II. He is not the same player he was a year ago and his back up, Malcolm Brown does not have breakaway speed. The Rams next game is against San Francisco on Sunday, Oct. 13 at 1 p.m.

Without a solid running game the opposing defenses can zero in on quarterback Jared Goff. Against Tampa Bay last Sunday at the Coliseum Goff threw for 517 yards but he was intercepted three times and he lost a key fumble late in the fourth quarter that led to a touchdown in their 55-40 lost to the Buccaneers.

The UCLA football team will play a home game at the Rose Bowl on Saturday at 6 p.m. The 1-4 Bruins hope to beat 1-3 Oregon State. The Bruins will probably have to win the game with their backup quarterback, Austin Burton. The 6'2 197 pound Burton took over for the injured Dorian Thompson-Robinson last week against Arizona.

The Bruins also need to get their running game back on track. Their star running back, Joshua Kelly has started the season slow because of a knee injury but he looked better last week. His back up, Demetric Felton is one of the most explosive players in the Pac-12 running the ball and catching passes out of the backfield.

USC has a bye this week after losing to Washington on the road last week. The Trojans are down to their third string quarterback, Matt Fink but he is a capable backup. It does not get any easier for the Trojans because they travel to Notre Dame on October 12.

The USC and UCLA women's volleyball teams continue Pac-12 play this weekend when the No. 25 Trojans (7-5) face Washington on Friday at 8 p.m. and they play Washington State on Sunday at 12 p.m. UCLA (7-4) will battle Washington State on Friday at 6 p.m. and they play Washington on Sunday at 2 p.m.

This sports column is dedicated to the former Culver City Observer Editor and Sports Editor Mitch Chortkoff.