UCLA’s rushing game hasn’t exactly been running wild, and Mora vows it will improve

UCLA redesigned its offense in part so that its ballcarriers could thrive even in obvious running situations.

At this rate, they might settle for selective success.

The Bruins gained a season-low 50 yards rushing against Brigham Young last week, making it a failed test run for their Pac-12 Conference opener against No. 7 Stanford on Saturday at the Rose Bowl.

The Cougars have a physical, attacking defense similar to that of the Cardinal, but aren’t as imposing in terms of size or power. Call them Stanford Lite.

UCLA’s performance left it wanting a do-over. Tailback Nate Starks gained 39 yards, averaging 2.6 yards per carry. Bolu Olorunfunmi was even less productive, gaining 15 yards in eight carries.

A few issues appeared to be the result of Starks and fullback Cameron Griffin making their season debuts.

“Some backs were not knowing where our blocks really go and not really following the schemes,” Olorunfunmi said. “And BYU brought a lot of pressure; it was something different that we hadn’t seen in a while.”

Starks was back after sitting out the first two games because of what UCLA Coach Jim Mora termed a “coach’s decision,” which seemed like code for team-imposed discipline. Cameron had not played previously because of a concussion suffered midway through training camp and a history of migraine headaches that caused the training staff to take extra precautions.

Their return was offset by the absence of tailback Soso Jamabo and fullback Ainuu Taua, who did not play for undisclosed reasons. Taua and Jamabo, who has averaged a team-leading 90.5 yards per game this season, could return against the Cardinal.

UCLA’s sputtering ground game wasn’t exactly an aberration. The Bruins rank 102nd among major college teams in rushing offense, averaging 131 yards per game.

Mora vowed that the running game would improve, saying the team’s repeated inside running drills and tweaks to its offense could help against Stanford if the Bruins executed properly.

“I’m very, very confident that we’ll be able to run the ball effectively going forward,” Mora said.

Sound it out?

USC committed six false-start penalties against Stanford last week, though the Trojans may not have been fully culpable. USC quarterback Max Browne told reporters the Cardinal’s defensive line was mimicking the snap cadence.

“I noticed that on film, but it’s all about selective hearing,” UCLA center Scott Quessenberry said. “We know Josh’s voice, we know our snap count and we know what we’re going to do in terms of the snap count and it’s not going to change how we play.”

Mora said the Bruins would address the issue with game officials before kickoff and the rest would be up to his players.

“You hope that your guys do a great job of focusing in on the things that indicate when the ball’s going to be snapped,” Mora said.

The penal code

For the first time in Mora’s five seasons at UCLA, his team isn’t playing flag football.

Penalties have not been a major issue through the Bruins’ first three games. UCLA has averaged 46.7 penalty yards per game, ranking 33rd among major college teams. That’s a vast improvement over last season, when the Bruins averaged 70.5 yards per game and ranked 117th.

Things haven’t been perfect. Mora noted that three penalties helped sustain BYU’s first touchdown drive last week.

“Two of those were questionable calls — very questionable calls — but they called them,” Mora said. “So we have to make sure that we’re not making anything questionable. So I’m pleased [with the overall progress], but it’s gotta continue.”

Return woes

UCLA’s return game has been among the worst in the nation, but don’t blame the guy catching the ball and going (mostly) nowhere.

Mora said the team’s blockers, and not return specialist Ishmael Adams, were responsible for Adams averaging only 3.3 yards per punt return and 21 yards per kickoff return.

“You gotta get their guys blocked,” Mora said. “We’ve had some things look beautiful, but then one guy gets beat. It’s about eliminating that ‘if only.’ ‘If only’ we would have blocked this guy.

“Once we can get those things taken care of, we’re going to break some. Ish is very capable.”

ben.bolch@latimes.com

Twitter: @latbbolch