Changing of the guard

Josh Rosen (behind) and Mike Fafaul warm up before a game against Arizona on Oct. 1. Fafaul has now taken over the starting quarterback position since Rosen's season-ending shoulder surgery. Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Josh Rosen (behind) and Mike Fafaul warm up before a game against Arizona on Oct. 1. Fafaul has now taken over the starting quarterback position since Rosen’s season-ending shoulder surgery.
Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

Receivers coach Eric Yarber calls the connection between a receiver and his quarterback the “you-to-me factor.” The “you” of that equation used to be Josh Rosen. Now it’s Mike Fafaul.

The change at quarterback is far from the reason why UCLA went on its four-game losing streak, but it had coincided with a change in how receivers are being used in the offense.

Below is a breakdown of the number of catches by receivers/tight ends from passes thrown by either Rosen or Fafaul this season. It does not include receptions from running backs and it does not include the one pass Fafaul threw toward the end of the UNLV game (which was complete to walk-on receiver Brad Sochowski). Continue reading “Changing of the guard” »

Video: Mike Fafaul and Bolu Olorunfunmi

Quarterback Mike Fafaul talks about whether he’s ever dreamed of starting a rivalry game like this and if he takes inspiration from former UCLA backup quarterbacks who have had big moments against USC.

Running back Bolu Olorunfunmi talks about the play of his offensive line last week and the competition between the running backs.

Video: Mike Fafaul, Jordan Lasley, Jalen Starks after Oregon State

Quarterback Mike Fafaul talks about getting his first win as a starting quarterback, improvement from the offense and who he’s going to give his game ball to.

Receiver Jordan Lasley talks about helping get Fafaul a win, facing a lot of his old teammates next week and what happened when he fumbled against Oregon State.

Running back Jalen Starks talks about getting his first touchdown as a Bruin, the competition at running back and how a win affects the team’s confidence going forward.