Payton leads in career catches

SALT LAKE CITY — UCLA receiver Jordan Payton walked into the interview room clutching a football. A very special football.

Payton snagged it on a sideline pattern in the fourth quarter. It gave him 194 career receptions at UCLA, one more than Craig Bragg, the Bruins’ all-time leader.

“That’s quite an accomplishment for him, especially with some of the guys who have come through [UCLA],” Bruins Coach Jim Mora said.

Payton, though, was as happy that the record-setting catch was on a third-and-10 play. He picked up 12 yards, extending a drive. He also had a 37-yard catch in the first quarter, when he outfought Utah safety Marcus Williams for the ball.

It led to a 33-yard field goal by Ka’imi Fairbairn.

“Winning the game was what I wanted,” Payton said.

But the record was nice too.

“It’s great to go down in history,” Payton said. “Great for my family. Great for my teammates. I can come back here and have a record.

Rosen streak

Quarterback Josh Rosen went without an interception against Utah to set a UCLA record. He has thrown 218 consecutive passes without an interception, breaking Drew Olson’s record of 199 set in 2005.

Rosen nearly had the streak ended a few times Saturday. Utah defensive back Brian Allen dropped a ball thrown right at him in the third quarter.

It was a so-so afternoon for Rosen, who completed 15 of 30 passes. But he made key throws, including a 33-yard pass to Thomas Duarte to start the game. Rosen closed that drive with a 28-yard touchdown toss to Duarte.

Grinding it out

UCLA running back Paul Perkins finished with 98 yards in 28 carries, including a two-yard touchdown run. It was gritty work.

Perkins said he appreciated the work of his offensive line.

“That was definitely a heavyweight match up front,” Perkins said. “Their defensive line is spectacular. I’m proud of the way our guys played up front.”

Line shifts

The Bruins had to patch together the offensive line during the game.

Guard Alex Redmond left with an undisclosed injury in the first half. So tackle Caleb Benenoch moved in at guard, with Kolton Miller coming off the bench at tackle.

Tackle Conor McDermott suffered what appeared to be a severe right knee injury in the third quarter. Benenoch moved back to tackle and Fred Ulu-Perry was brought in at guard.

Flag free (mostly)

UCLA was penalized six times for 59 yards, its second fewest yards this season. The Bruins did not have a falsestart penalty after having 13 in the last two games.

Center Jake Brendel said the offense went on a silent count most of the game.

The kicker

Fairbairn had two extra points and a field goal, giving him 101 points. He is the first UCLA player to score 100 points in three consecutive seasons.

Fairbairn’s 33-yard field goal was the 41st consecutive kick he has made from 35 yards or closer.