UCLA turns to Jerry Neuheisel after Brett Hundley goes out

UCLA found what it needed when it needed it most.

Quarterback Brett Hundley left the game with an elbow injury with 4 minutes 29 seconds left in the first quarter. It left the offense in the hands of Jerry Neuheisel.

Paul Perkins and Jordon James tried to take a little pressure off the sophomore quarterback during the Bruins’ 20-17 win over Texas at AT&T Stadium on Saturday.

Perkins had a 58-yard run to start the second half, leading to UCLA’s first touchdown — an 11-yard pass from Neuheisel to Nate Iese. Perkins finished with 126 yards in 24 carries.

James had a 20-yard run on a first-quarter drive, that ended in a 47-yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn. James had 69 yards rushing in eight carries.

The Bruins went deep at running back. Besides using linebacker Myles Jack, defensive lineman Eddie Vanderdoes had one carry for two yards.

Safety issue

UCLA’s defense, trying to rebound from a poor performance against Memphis, had to play without its two starting safeties. Randall Goforth and Anthony Jefferson were held out of Saturday’s game.

Goforth was expected to miss the game after suffering a separated right shoulder against Memphis. Goforth has dislocated his left shoulder on two previous occasions.

Jefferson was said to be “fine” by Coach Jim Mora this week. Jefferson was said to have a minor knee issue. He also was battling flu this week.

Sophomore Tahaan Goodman, who has played extensively as a reserve, replaced Goodman. Freshman Jaleel Wadood, who has played in two games, replaced Jefferson.

The injuries left more playing time for Jalen Ortiz, who moved from receiver to defensive back this summer. He was used in nickel situations.

Big boot

Fairbairn came up with a confidence booster early in the game. The junior drilled a 47-yard field goal, giving UCLA a 3-0 lead with 37 seconds left in the first quarter.

Fairbairn has struggled during his career from long range. The kick made him eight of 16 from 40 or more yards in his career. His career long is 48 yards.

Oops

Texas messed up the opening coin toss, choosing to kick off instead of deferring after winning the toss. It meant UCLA got the ball to start the game and the second half.

That became a big break for the Bruins, who scored their first touchdown on the drive to start the second half. Perkins jolted the drive alive with a 58-yard run on the first play of the half.

UCLA made the same mistake in 2012, when the Bruins elected to kick off after winning the toss at Arizona State.

Punter problems

UCLA punter Matt Mengel suffered a leg injury when hit by Texas defensive back Jason Hall on a kick. It was the second time that Hall hit Mengel. He was called for running into the kicker both times.

Mengel and Adam Searl shared the punting duties the remainder of the game. Searl’s 27-yard kick at the end of the first half was the first punt of his career.

Quick hits

UCLA sold 6,000 tickets for the game and was expecting more than 10,000 Bruins fans in Texas. A crowd of 60,049 was in attendance. … UCLA tackle Malcolm Bunche left the game in the fourth quarter with an injury.

Follow Chris Foster on Twitter @cfosterlatimes