UCLA offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone has heard the criticism. His single-back spread stretches sideline to sideline much more than it does downfield.

The Bruins have been no more than middling in long pass plays this season: their 81 passes of at least 10 yards ranks sixth in the Pac-12, and their eight passes of at least 30 yards ranks 11th.

“I want to give a shoutout to my mom and my dog, because they’re the only two people that like me right now,” Mazzone said Wednesday.

Even his mother, though, complains to him about his swing passes. Mazzone tried to explain Thursday that he implements them as an extension of the run game.