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Jim Mora doesn’t want to discuss penalties against UCLA

UCLA's Ishmael Adams, left, returns a punt during the first quarter of Saturday's game against Colorado.
UCLA’s Ishmael Adams, left, returns a punt during the first quarter of Saturday’s game against Colorado.
(David Zalubowski / Associated Press)
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UCLA was called for 14 penalties for 141 yards in a 40-37 two-overtime victory over Colorado on Saturday.

Asked about the number of flags, Coach Jim Mora said, “I’m not going to talk about penalties. I’m not going to talk about penalties. I think there are things that people need to do in regards to penalties. But I’m not going to comment on penalties. I mean, that’s a joke.”

Mora would risk a fine by the Pac-12 Conference if he publically criticized referees. Still, he was in a much chattier mood in the second quarter.

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UCLA defensive back Ishmael Adams intercepted a pass, but was called for pass interference. On the next play, linebacker Myles Jack made a one-handed interception. It was erased because Adams was called for holding.

On the sidelines, a red-faced Mora was screaming at referees.

Colorado finished the drive with a touchdown.

Clock management

Colorado wasted a prime opportunity after recovering a fumble late in the second quarter.

The Buffaloes got to the six-yard line on a six-yard reception by D.D. Goodson with 24 seconds left. Colorado lined up, but players appeared confused. The Buffaloes were called for a false start with one second left, which resulted in a mandatory run off of 10 seconds. UCLA went into halftime with a 24-14 lead.

“When our guy went out of bounds, the referee [waved his arms above his head], so we all thought the clock was stopped,” Coach Mike MacIntyre said. “He marked the first down, but then started the clock again.”

MacIntyre said he tried to get quarterback Sefo Liufau to spike the ball.

“He got confused and the clock ran out,” MacIntyre said. “So that’s my fault.”

Decisions, decisions

Marcus Rios intercepted a Liufau pass with five mintues left, giving UCLA a chance to clinch the game in regulation. The Bruins got to the Colorado 22, where they faced a fourth and one. Instead of kicking the field goal for a six-point lead, UCLA ran defensive tackle Eddie Vanderdoes into the line. He was stopped for no gain.

Asked why he chose Vanderdoes, offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said, “We have been 100% on in two years giving him the ball and having him make us a yard. They beat us on the back side. We were playing the odds.”

As for passing on the field-goal try, Mora said, “If you go up six, a touchdown still beats you.”

Colorado drove for the tying field goal.

Brett Hundley struggles

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Quarterback Brett Hundley had a rough day throwing the ball in windy conditions. He completed 24 of 39 passes for 200 yards. He missed receivers with high throws throughout the game

“Some of the throws got away from me,” Hundley said. “It was a little frustrating.”

Hundley refused to blame the conditions, saying, “No matter what the weather is like, I have to get those balls down.”

Hundley had 110 yards rushing and scored the winning touchdown run in the second overtime. He also threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Jordan Payton.

Paul Perkins rolls

Running back Paul Perkins finished with 180 yards rushing, with touchdown runs of 92 and 23 yards. It left Perkins four yards short of 1,000 yards this season.

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