Bruins had plenty of rushers but not enough yards against Cardinal

UCLA’s running game featured something new Saturday.

Everyone was present and accounted for among the tailbacks and fullbacks.

Soso Jamabo played during the Bruins’ 22-13 loss to No. 7 Stanford at the Rose Bowl after missing the previous week. Nate Starks was there too, back for a second consecutive appearance after being held out of the Bruins’ first two games. Also present was Bolu Olorunfunmi, the one constant in the backfield over the season’s first four games.

There wasn’t lots of production as the Bruins tallied 77 yards rushing, well below a season average that was already one of the worst in the nation.

Olorunfunmi had the biggest carry of the game, cutting outside for a 23-yard gain to help sustain a drive as the Bruins tried to burn the clock in the final minutes. It wasn’t enough.

UCLA Coach Jim Mora had declined to specify the reason for the absences of Starks, Jamabo and fullback Ainuu Taua — who also missed the BYU game — in the season’s early going. Taua was back Saturday against the Cardinal alongside fellow fullback Cameron Griffin, who had sat out the season’s first two games while recovering from a concussion.

Olorunfunmi had the most success among the contingent, gaining 51 yards in 11 carries for an average of 4.6 yards. Starks finished with 24 yards in 10 carries and Jamabo had 17 yards in seven carries.

Olorunfunmi’s three consecutive carries late in the second quarter set up J.J. Molson’s 27-yard field goal that gave UCLA a 10-3 lead.

Sending regrets

UCLA linebacker Mique Juarez tweeted an apology to fans and teammates Friday for his lengthy absence as a result of the pressure from being a highly acclaimed freshman and an undisclosed personal issue.

“I want to tell the criticizers that I understand where you guys are coming from,” Juarez tweeted. “You guys are huge fans that just love football. I understand. And for those that were curious helping me get back up on my feet I want to thank you guys. It helped motivate and do what was best for myself.

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Stanford receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside (19) catches the game-winning touchdown against UCLA defensive back Nate Meadors (22) during a game at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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Stanford receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside (19) catches the game-winning touchdown against UCLA defensive back Nate Meadors (22) late in the fourth quarter of a game on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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Stanford receiver JJ Arcega-Whiteside (19) celebrates with running back Christian McCaffrey (5) and teammates after catching the game-winning touchdown against UCLA.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen walks off the field following the Bruins’ 22-13 loss to No. 7 Stanford at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks to pass over the outstretched arm of Stanford defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (66) during the Bruins’ 22-13 loss to the Cardinal on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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Cardinal safety Justin Reid (8) blocks a pass intended for Bruins receiver Kenneth Walker III (10) on the second to last play of the game of UCLA’s 22-13 loss to Stanford.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen (3) tries to escape incoming Stanford defensive tackle Harrison Phillips (66), but is eventually sacked and fumbles on the final play of the game.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA Coach Jim Mora reacts to a call during a game against Stanford at the Rose Bowl on Saturday.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen (3) looks for an open receiver during the first half of a game against Stanford at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA tight end Nate Iese (11) scores on a 10-yard pass as Stanford linebacker Jordan Perez (15) defends during the first half of a game on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA tight end Nate Iese (11) in congratulated by his teammates after scoring a touchdown against Stanford during a game on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA defensive lineman Deon Hollins (58) reacts after sacking Stanford quarterback Ryan Burns (17) during the first half of a game on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA defensive lineman Deon Hollins (58) sacks Stanford quarterback Ryan Burns (17) during the first half of a game on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA linebacker Kenny Young (42) picks off a pass from Stanford quarterback Ryan Burns during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on Sept 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA defensive lineman Jacob Tuioti-Mariner (91) reacts after sacking Stanford quarterback Ryan Burns (17) during the first half of a game on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA defensive lineman Jacob Tuioti-Mariner (91) sacks Stanford quarterback Ryan Burns (17) during the first half of a game at the Rose Bowl on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA tight end Nate Iese (11) pulls in a long pass while surrounded by Stanford defenders during the first half on Sept. 24.  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

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UCLA defensive lineman Takkarist McKinley (98) is held by Stanford offensive tackle A.T. Hall (75) as he tries to get to quarterback Ryan Burns during a game on Sept. 24.

  (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times)

“I want to apologize to everyone on the move I made, but I also want to say I hope you all continue to follow my journey. Fans friends & family I apologize once again. I am a bruin & will continue to be one. Want to apologize to my teammates for those that I hurt. It’s a brotherhood & I know I have to earn it. Thanks everyone. Bruins all the way.”

Juarez told The Times earlier in the week that he hoped to return to practice as soon as next week after being out with what Mora called an excused absence since the first week of training camp.

Juarez’s absence triggered a testy Twitter exchange with Bruins defensive end Takkarist McKinley this week, but Juarez seemed to be trying to distance himself from that controversy.

“From here it’s just time to move forward,” Juarez tweeted. “No need to look back.”

Olympic glory

UCLA honored several dozen of the school’s Olympians at halftime, including all of its six gold medalists from the recently concluded games in Rio de Janeiro: gymnast Madison Kocian and women’s water polo players KK Clark, Rachel Fattal, Sami Hill, Courtney Mathewson and Maddie Musselman.

Rafer Johnson, who won gold in the 1960 Olympic decathlon, served as an honorary captain alongside daughter Jenny Johnson Jordan, a two-time Olympian, and Adam Krikorian, who coached the gold medal-winning U.S. women’s water polo teams in 2012 and 2016.

ben.bolch@latimes.com

Twitter: @latbbolch