UCLA defeats Rice, 49-24, in Jim Mora’s debut

It was ‘70s night for UCLA as the Bruins opened the Jim Mora era with a 49-24 victory over Rice on Thursday night in Houston.

In this case, ‘70s not meaning a throwback game as much as a ...

There goes Brett Hundley on a 72-yard touchdown run. And, there goes Johnathan Franklin on a 74-yard touchdown run. Which was followed by, Franklin busting loose again on a 78-yard touchdown run.

And that was just in the first half.

Franklin, a senior, rushed for 214 yards and three touchdowns in 15 carries as the Bruins rolled up 618 yards in offense.

In fact, UCLA scored so quickly in the first half, its defense seemed to have trouble being on the field so often.

The Bruins led 35-24 at the half, but shut out the Owls in the final two quarters. That had to make first-year head coach Mora happy considering his background is in defense.

Redshirt freshman quarterback Brett Hundley, like Mora, had a successful debut. Hundley completed 21 of 28 passes for 202 yards and two touchdowns, with one interception. He also ran seven times for 68 yards and a touchdown.

UCLA ran for 343 yards and passed for 275.

Quarterback Taylor McHargue was a one-man show for Rice, completing 17 of 28 passes for 172 yards and two touchdowns with one interception and running 22 times for 95 yards and a touchdown.

ALSO:

Bruins hoping to spread their wings

UCLA-Rice matchup: Bruins could walk a fine line

After a miserable summer, it’s finally time for college football