Josh Rosen-Jordan Payton connection key for Bruins

Yes, UCLA has a freshman quarterback. And, yes there will be growing pains, some of which were on display against Nevada Las Vegas Saturday night.

But there is one constant for quarterback Josh Rosen that is unshakable: receiver Jordan Payton.

The two had meaningful connections in a 37-3 victory over the Rebels on Saturday.

Payton had five receptions for 70 yards. The spotlight catch was when he slipped inside a defender’s line to snag a 29-yard touchdown reception for a 7-0 lead three minutes into the game. But of Payton’s other four catches, three were for first downs.

The five receptions gave Payton 131 in his career, moving him into ninth on UCLA’s career list.

“He’s a big target, with very dependable hands,” Coach Jim Mora said. “He does an excellent job shielding the defender from the ball. Josh and Jordan have very good synergy.”

That goes beyond the on-the-field chores. The relationship seems an important part of Rosen’s development.

Payton, a senior, has an intense calm. After an uneven offensive performance Saturday, he delivered an even-keel response.

“That happens sometimes,” Payton said. “Maybe some things didn’t go our way. It was nothing really specific. Sometimes on first down, we threw and it got us out of a little rhythm. We were able to move the ball extremely well tonight. We just have to finish stronger.”

There was no secret as to why Payton was assigned to Rosen as a roommate during training camp.

“He is intense and, at the same time, he’s a good communicator,” Mora said. “He evokes a sense of confidence to all those around him. For a young quarterback, it’s good to have a guy you can trust, not just to throw the ball to, but for his opinion.

“Josh trusts everything that comes out of Jordan’s mouth, whether it is school, football or social things. He has credibility.”

Young lion

Linebacker Kenny Young was ready to roar Saturday night.

He intercepted a pass in the second quarter and rambled 23 yards to a touchdown. The Bruins had been nursing at 10-0 lead to that point. The play allowed UCLA a small sigh of relief.

“My eyes got pretty big when I saw the ball,” said Young, a sophomore. “It was reacting more than anything. When I caught that ball I was like, ‘There is no one who is going to catch me.’ I just wanted to get to the end zone and celebrate with teammates.”

The experience, Young said, “made me hungry, honestly.”

Brendel update

UCLA center Jake Brendel, the keystone to the offensive line, will ease back into practice this week, Mora said, after missing the second half against UNLV.

Brendel “got stepped on [during practice] Wednesday, and we limited his reps on Thursday and Friday,” Mora said.

The plan, Mora said, was get Brendel out of the game at halftime, if the score allowed it. The decision was a mandate after Brendel was stepped on again during the game.

Alex Redmond moved in at center and Kolton Miller played guard.

Brendel has not had the foot X-rayed. “All indications are that it is just a bruise,” Mora said. “If it doesn’t get any better, we’ll have it looked at.”

Quick hits

Mora declined to discuss the situation involving freshman tight end Chris Clark, except to say, “He did not travel with us [to Las Vegas]. I’m not going to talk about Chris Clark right now.” Clark is not currently with the team. … The victory moved UCLA up to 10th in both the Associated Press and USA Today/Coaches polls. … Receiver Devin Fuller had one reception against UNLV, but it left him 10th on the all-time UCLA list with 129. … Offensive lineman Tevita Halalilo suffered a broken ankle in Saturday’s game. He is expected to make a full recovery and should be back in three months, Mora said.

chris.foster@latimes.com

Twitter: @cfosterlatimes