Let’s review: System praised as it hurts and helps

UCLA survived for a 34-27 victory over Utah last week despite losing a key play review.

Shaquelle Evans fielded an onside kick with 2 minutes 4 seconds remaining in regulation, but the ensuing pileup left the ball in Utah’s hands.

“We didn’t execute that play very well,” were the first words out of Evans’ mouth Tuesday. “I got the ball and I felt like I hit my backside before they raked it out.”

The replay official upheld the referee’s call. Utah got to the UCLA 23-yard line before Myles Jack’s interception with 16 seconds left ended the scoring threat.

There were seven plays reviewed by officials in the game. The Bruins benefited from two big ones, on an interception by Anthony Jefferson and a third-down catch by Devin Lucien.

But television replays seem to show Evans was on the ground.

“I wasn’t surprised because I knew we were on the road and it would have caused an uproar if they would have overturned that call,” Evans said. “But, I mean, I felt I was down.”

UCLA Coach Jim Mora praised the college football replay system, in which decisions are made by an official in the booth rather than on the field, like the NFL.

“I think it’s efficient, fast and it takes the pressure off the referees,” Mora said. “They don’t have to go under the hood up against the stands in a hostile environment. It takes the emotion out of it.”

There are still moments that can be emotional.

Jefferson was called for pass interference on his third-quarter interception. The ball had been tipped by Jack, which allowed Jefferson to bump the receiver.

Mora called timeout to keep Utah from running a play. The call was overturned and the interception allowed.

“I knew Myles had tipped the ball,” Mora said. “Timeouts are valuable, but what was more valuable at that time was to get the ball back.”

Jefferson knew what had hap- pened in real time.

“I saw the ball was wobbly, so I jumped in to make the play,” he said. “I didn’t know what was going on. I just knew I had the ball. They got it right. That’s all that matters.”

Lucien made a nine-yard reception near the sideline on third down during the field-goal drive that broke a 24-24 tie.

“As soon as I threw it I got hit, so I never saw the play,” quarterback Brett Hundley said. So he did what he always does.

“The idea is to run a play fast,” Hundley said.

He was stopped by the game officials, who waited to see whether the play would be reviewed. It was, and the catch was allowed.

“Officials in the Pac-12, and I guess around the country, do a really great job of not letting you hurry a play if they think it’s questionable,” Mora said. “They give the guy in the booth a chance to review it.” Stars in stripes

UCLA ranks 121st out of 123 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in yards penalized. Mora took a step to solve that problem Tuesday by having officials work at practice.

“We are going to have them out here on Tuesdays and Wednesdays throughout the year,” Mora said. “Their presence alone will help. I think they see things that maybe we miss as coaches, even on film.”