Bruin Bites: Nick's Final Start, Smooth Running, JetSki's Big Day, MJD's Tough Season

It was a big win and the Bruins easily covered the spread (gamblers rejoice!) but UCLA sure didn't look very pretty at times doing it.  But it was a good opportunity to give in-game action to our back-up unit, including the first appearance of fan-favorite, Jerry "Photobomb" Neuheisel. We'll turn to an in-depth break-down of how the team performed this afternoon with IEAngel's "Eye Test" grades, but for now let's take a look at the various bits and pieces of news from around the UCLA-iverse to start our work week:

• Beginning with yesterday's game, fallen UCLA WR Nick Pasquale got his final start, with the Bruins lining up in a 10-player missing-man formation.  It was a very touching and classy move to give Nick one final official start for UCLA, and it's been making national news.  In case you missed it, LA Bruin posted video of it here.
• Prior to the game, the Daily News' UCLA beat writer, Jack Wang, took notice of a big statistical jump for UCLA in one particular area ever since Jim Mora and Noel Mazzone showed up: the Bruins' yards per carry has made a huge jump, from 3.88 yards under Karl Dorrell (which would probably be a lot lower if not for MJD's magic) and 3.86 yards under Neuheisel to a solid 4.62 yards per carry in the Mora era, and that's not including the stats from this Saturday's big win.
• Speaking of running, former UCLA running back Johnathan Franklin finally got his chance for the Green Bay Packers yesterday, with both starter Eddie Lacy and back-up James Starks out injured.  And the Jet Ski certainly answered the call, rushing for 103 yards and picking up his first career NFL touchdown against the Cincinnati Bengals.  Unfortunately, with the Packers needing to pick up one yard in a close game, Jet Ski's fumblitis came back at the most inopportune time -- after coughing up the ball with less than 4 minutes in the game, the Bengals recovered the fumble and returned it for a TD, giving the Bengals the lead.
• Unfortunately for the rookie running back, his debut performance isn't being remembered for the big runs he gashed against Cincinnati, the 23 yards he picked up in the air, or his smooth first TD, but instead, the big fumble in the fourth quarter. The Packers' official website has video of Franklin talking after the game, who has to be feeling mixed feelings after a strong debut, but one marred with a game-changing fumble.
• That said, in one game, Jet Ski has gained almost as many yards as UCLA legend Maurice Jones-Drew has the entire season with Jacksonville. Playing for the worst team in the NFL (bonus for Jacksonville fans: you win the Jadeveon Clowney sweepstakes!), MJD has only 115 yards on the entire season so far, suffering another frustrating day as the Jacksonville offensive line got dominated by the Seahawks defense.  Hopefully things turn around for MJD and Marcedes Lewis in Jacksonville soon (although it won't until they get a real QB).
• Finally, a shout-out to local product Davis Cazares of Bishop Amat, the senior safety for New Mexico State, who was easily his team's player of the game, with 10 tackles and two big interceptions of Brett Hundley.  The local kid from Monrovia finally got a chance to play in front of friends and family at the Rose Bowl and he put up an impressive stat line in what has to be one the biggest games for the struggling Aggie program. Our mexeastla sat with Davis' family and has an awesome fanpost on the story as well.  Hats off to Davis.

Alright folks, those are your football-related bits and pieces from around the UCLA-iverse for this Monday morning as we get ready to slog through another work week, with no UCLA football at the other end.  Fire away in the comment thread with your thoughts, additions, opinions, etc. as we begin the long count down to the Thursday after next when our Bruins return to take on Utah to open Pac-12 conference play.

GO BRUINS