Video: Brett Hundley and Jim Mora after the game

Daily News staff writer Jill Painter caught freshman QB Brett Hundley and Coach Jim Mora after UCLA’s Aug. 30, 2012 victory over Rice in Houston.

This is the Daily News’ HTML5-compatible media player.


This is the Daily News’ HTML5-compatible media player.


Conference Call Recap: Lucien not ejected

Upon further review, UCLA freshman Devin Lucien wasn’t ejected from the game Thursday against Rice.

The play in question came late in the game when running back Damien Thigpen appeared to be on his way to a long touchdown run. Lucien, in his attempt to provide a block, pushed Rice cornerback Phillip Gaines for which Lucien was levied a personal foul, negating Thigpen’s touchdown. Gaines reacted by throwing a punch that didn’t land. The two quickly were separated and Gaines was ejected for the punch. Camera replays showed Gaines fuming back to the sidelines and to the bench before leaving the game.

UCLA coach Jim Mora said during a conference call with reporters Friday that he was informed by officials that it was “number 15 on their team” but wondered why, then, if Gaines was ejected he wasn’t levied a personal foul. That would have offset the penalties and allowed Thigpen’s score to stand.

“I was curious they didn’t penalize (Rice),” Mora said.

HIGHS AND LOWS

Mora said he was pleased with the way the Bruins responded to Rice’s surge, particularly on defense in the second half where UCLA recorded a shutout. The offensive line particularly earned high praise. Freshmen Torian White, Jake Brendel and Simon Goines played their first college game, and Xavier Su’a-Filo played his first game in two years after completing his Mormon Mission.

“Their pas protection was solid though we weren’t threatened by blitzes,” Mora said. “For their first game together they did a good job.”

The real test for the offensive line comes in the home opener next week against Nebraska.

UCLA’s biggest low came on special teams as the Bruins lost a punt and had three point-after kicks blocked, which came by the same player in Rice linebacker Cameron Nwosu, who stands 5-feet-10.

Mora said he discovered some issues upon watching film.

“We recognized some techniques and errors that we’ll get fixed this week,” Mora said. “Primarily up front. It’s little things that can be corrected, foot placement. Really minor things that can turn into huge, huge issues if you don’t get them corrected.”

Mora said Ka’imi Fairbairn had a couple that could have gotten up quicker, but that that wasn’t the primary reason for why the kicks were blocked.

When Mora opted for a two-point conversion in the second half, that was more on the fact the Bruins were trying to make up for the extra points, and not a reflection on Fairbairn, a true freshman. Mora went out of his way to tell Fairbairn exactly that.

“I didn’t want him to think it was a prerogative of him,” Mora said.

ALSO

Mora said freshman receiver Javon Williams has not been cleared by the NCAA Clearinghouse and that they’re still waiting to hear back.

FINAL: UCLA 49, Rice 24

Brett Hundley and UCLA were on fire offensively, and after staking a 19-0 lead and allowing 17 consecutive points, the Bruins rallied. They scored 14 points in the fourth quarter and held Rice scoreless in the second half. There was some ugly stuff – see the special teams unit – but a win is a win and Jim Mora will take it.

Halftime: UCLA 35, Rice 24

The UCLA defense is looking suspect, but Damien Holmes returned a 43-yard fumble 43 yards to give UCLA a 35-24 halftime lead. Brett Hundley has looked poised and comfortable back there, but he threw his first career interception in the second quarter after telegraphing the pass the whole way. Overall, UCLA should be happy with an 11-point lead …