UCLA’s leading tackler Kenny Young ejected early in win over BYU

UCLA’s defense took a hit when linebacker Kenny Young was ejected three minutes into the game after being called for targeting Brigham quarterback Tanner Mangum.

Mangum dropped back to pass but was forced to scramble to his left. He then slid to the ground when he saw Young approaching. Replays showed that Young flung himself headfirst and, even though his helmet missed the quarterback, he clipped Mangum’s helmet with his shoulder pad.

Young was sent to the sidelines after the official’s review. It cost UCLA one of its best defensive players.

Young came into the game as the Bruins’ leader in tackles with 10. He also had one interception, which he returned for a touchdown.

Junior Isaako Savaiinaea replaced Young.

Brendel starts

UCLA Coach Jim Mora was asked about center Jake Brendel’s status Thursday. His reply fell into the perplexed category.

“Jake who?” Mora said.

It was a what-me-worry response. If there is one player on the UCLA roster Mora can depend on, it’s Brendel.

Brendel started his 42nd consecutive game on Saturday.

It left him six starts short of the school record set by linebacker Spencer Havner, who started 48 games from 1990 to 1993.

Craig Novitsky (1990-93) started 46 games, the most by a UCLA offensive lineman.

There was minor concern about Brendel early in the week after he sat out the second half against Nevada Las Vegas last weekend. He had his already-sore foot stepped on.

He missed Tuesday’s practice but worked the rest of the week.

“He’s good,” was all Mora would say about Brendel condition Thursday.

Only once has Brendel failed to start a game since he took over at center in 2012. He missed the 2014 season opener at Virginia because of a knee injury.

Brendel joined a handful of four-year starting offensive linemen for UCLA.

Vaughn Park Jonathan Ogden

Brendel was a second-team All-Pac-12 selection last season.

No DirecTV

The Pac-12 and DirecTV remain far apart in negotiations on the Pac-12 Networks.

DirecTV, which serves 20-million homes, was bought by AT&T. But that has yet to get the Pac-12 closer to have its networks on the air.

“I don’t see a light at the moment,” Pac-12 Commissioner Larry Scott said. “We had several weeks of negotiations with them after AT&T acquired them. We got a proposal from them to carry the network, which ultimately our schools rejected.”

Scott said DirecTV’s proposal was “asking for too much and it didn’t make sense for us. I am disappointed for our fans.”

Fairbairn streak

UCLA’s Ka’imi Fairbairn kicked a 35-yard field goal in the first quarter. He has made 34 consecutive kicks from 35 yards or closer.

Local flavor

Brigham Young reached out to one of its Southern California alums to carry the Cougars’ alumni “Y” flag on to the field ahead of the team Saturday.

Byron Rex, an assistant coach at San Clemente, was handed the duty. Rex played at Bellflower High and was named second-team All-American at tight end as a senior at BYU in 1992.

chris.foster@latimes.com

Twitter: @cfosterlatimes