UCLA’s Jim Mora doesn’t seem happy with running back Jordon James

With five minutes left in the fourth quarter and UCLA down by four points against Texas last weekend, senior running back Jordon James was having his best game of the season. He’d totaled just five yards on seven attempts in the Bruins’ first two games, but was ripping off long runs against the Longhorns.

Until his final carry of the game, he had rushed seven times for 63 yards and had also caught two passes. UCLA was driving, trying to retake the lead, and James was getting more playing time than freshman Nate Starks, and just as much as starter Paul Perkins.

But on that final carry, as he was about to pick up a big first down, James fumbled. The Bruins eventually got the ball and the lead back, but because of that turnover, James seems to be in UCLA Coach Jim Mora’s doghouse this week.

“He took advantage of his opportunities, but unfortunately he fumbled,” Mora said. “You can’t fumble at that point in time. You’re trying to go win the game and give the ball up like that, I don’t care what you’ve done before that, that’s a big deal. So we’re really excited about Nate Starks and the things that Nate Starks is doing, and we’re really excited about the way Paul Perkins is running.”

James is part of a running back group that is only getting better as the season goes on. Perkins had his best game of the year, earning 126 rushing yards at 5.3 yards per carry, and also catching five passes for 69 yards. Mora continues to talk up Starks, even though the freshman has ran for 22 total yards this season.

Plus, there’s always linebacker-running back Myles Jack waiting to swoop up some carries.

The Bruins are in a bye week and don’t play again until next Thursday, so maybe James will earn just as many carries as he did against Texas. But right now, Mora doesn’t seem too pleased.

For more Bruin observations, follow Everett Cook on Twitter @everettcook