(AP Image)

PASADENA, Calif. (AP) – Although Jim Mora’s first year as a college head coach has been a blast so far, he realizes UCLA’s season is about to get serious with the start of Pac-12 play.

After rolling through their nonconference schedule with a series of impressive wins, the 19th-ranked Bruins (3-0) get a stiff test when they welcome Oregon State (1-0) to the Rose Bowl on Saturday.

Mora has energized the long-struggling UCLA program with innovation and energy, but the longtime NFL coach acknowledges he’s still learning the college game. He speaks reverently of veteran coach Mike Riley and his well-rested Beavers, who beat Wisconsin in their only game this season.

UCLA tailback Johnathan Franklin has joined the Heisman Trophy race, but he’s facing an Oregon State defense that shut down Montee Ball.