UCLA Football Update: Jordon James and Torian White Injured

Oct 3, 2013; Salt Lake City, UT, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) hands the ball off to running back Jordon James (6) during the second quarter against the Utah Utes at Rice-Eccles Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Chris Nicoll-USA TODAY Sports

In a crazy, team building, heart palpitating, six interception win over Utah, the Bruins lost two starters to injuries. Both Jordon James and Torian White wen’t down. As key components of the Bruins best start since 2005 – which happened to start 8-0 finishing at 10-2 – Coach Mora and his staff have more on their hands than just a few wrinkles to iron out. White, who was part of an offensive line that finally seemed to get the idea that Brett Hundley wasn’t supposed to run, is out for the remainder of the season. As he was blocking in the second quarter, a Utah defender came down on the back of his leg; resulting in an ankle fracture and a minor tear of a ligament. James on the other hand, while more of a direct impact player ranking fifth in the nation rushing, is only doubtful for next week’s home matchup against Cal next week. He also sustained an injury to his ankle, but with much less physicality. James seemed to fall awkwardly on the ankle and hobbled off the field in an attempt to walk it off. Luckily for UCLA, though, they can choose from Paul Perkins, Steven Manfro, newly recovered Damien Thigpen to replace or at least fill in for James next week in the backfield. White will be slightly harder to replace due to an interesting lineup to replace him. More than likely Simon Giones will roll over to take White’s spot, and Caleb Benenoch will fill in for Giones – this was how the Bruins improvised Thursday night. It’ll be interesting to see what follows suit, so keep an eye out and wait for someone to break onto the scene.