To build excitement for the upcoming season, I will be releasing an individual team preview for each of my top 25 teams every day until the season starts. The preview continues with #5 UCLA.
2013 Review
UCLA was ready to be the top in the Pac-12 South a year ago. Early in the season, they looked great, winning each of their first five games, including a huge 41-21 comeback win on the road against Nebraska. Their perfect season came in doubt when the faced back to back road games against the North's top teams, in which they lost 24-10 to Stanford, and 42-12 to Oregon. They would bounce back with three straight wins over Arizona, Washington and Colorado, before their chances of winning the Pac-12 South were ended in a 38-33 loss to Arizona State. They would still be able to end the year with a big win over rival USC to finish with a solid 9-3 record. They would also roll over Virginia Tech 42-14 in the Sun Bowl.
Season Outlook
Quarterback Brett Hundley decided to pass up on being a first round draft pick to stay for his Senior season. Hundley's return means that UCLA should be even better than last year. They bring back a ton of talent and the schedule is a lot softer, with most of its tough games coming at home. They open the year on the road against Virginia, and after an easy game against Memphis, they have to face Texas on a neutral field, followed by a road game with Arizona State. They then have back to back home games against Utah and Oregon. If they can get the home upset over Oregon, the Bruins will be known by everyone, as a solid contender. After the Oregon game, they have three easy opponents in Cal, Colorado, and Arizona. They will end the season with a tough three game stretch with a road game against Washington, followed by home games against Stanford and USC. UCLA has a ton of talent and should be able to win at least ten games.
Season Prediction
11-1 (8-1) 1st in Pac-12 South
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