Davis wanted respect

LAS VEGAS -- UCLA defensive end Bruce Davis fidgeted on the sideline in the first half, then vented on the field against Brigham Young in the Las Vegas Bowl Saturday.

Davis claimed he received disrespectful treatment from a fan in the stands and “dirty” play from the Cougars on the field.

He sparred with fans behind the Bruins’ bench, making slashing motions across his throat and sticking his tongue out. He took that agitated state onto the field, harassing quarterback Max Hall with his play (2 1/2 sacks, one forced fumble) and with his antics (jawing and strutting).

“I had a [Cougar player] tell me ‘I going to try to end your career,’ ” Davis said. “What are you mad because I’m kicking your quarterback’s [butt]? Then block me.”

Davis claimed a fan tried to spit on him while on the sideline.

“They tried to tell me I [stunk] and stuff like that,” said Davis, who acknowledged he made the slashing motions.

“I’m not going to let anybody take me out of my game,” Davis said, but added, “I had fun with it. . . . I felt disrespected so I introduced myself to [Cougars’ quarterback] Max Hall 2 1/2 times.”

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Quarterback McLeod Bethel-Thompson, a walk-on, came off the bench and completed 11 of 27 passes for 154 yards. Not the greatest numbers, but a distinct improvement from his last game.

Bethel-Thompson replaced an injured Ben Olson against Notre Dame. He was sacked four times, had four passes intercepted and had a fumble, which was returned for a touchdown in a 20-6 loss.

On Saturday, Bethel-Thompson threw the first touchdown pass of his career. “I’ll sleep differently, but I wish we could have finished with a victory for the seniors,” Bethel-Thompson said.

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Kai Forbath’s 52-yard field goal in the second quarter was his fourth from 50 yards or more this season, setting a UCLA single-season record. It was also a Las Vegas Bowl record. He made a 50-yarder in the fourth quarter to set the Bruins’ career record.

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Olson did not play because of his injured left knee. . . . UCLA receiver Dominique Johnson left the game with what was called a sprained ankle.

-- Chris Foster

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BYU gained only 34 yards rushing and paid a price for one of its longest gains when guard Travis Bright broke his leg while blocking on Harvey Unga’s seven-yard gain in the third quarter.

Bright lay on the field for several minutes while trainers cut off his knee brace and placed his right leg in an air cast before carting him off the field. The Cougars had only two rushes that went for more yards.

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Chris Markey’s 117 yards rushing gave him 4,229 all-purpose yards for his career, which is ranks third in school history. He passed Craig Bragg, who had 4,164 from 2001-04.

-- Peter Yoon