The Improvin’ Bruins: What UCLA Football Has To Strengthen From Last Season

Oct 26, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks running back Thomas Tyner (24) runs the ball in the second half against the UCLA Bruins at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Surviving A Tough Schedule

So let’s see here… UCLA travels to Virgina for a 9 a.m. PT game, plays Texas in the state of Texas, starts conference play on a Thursday night against a the reigning Pac-12 South winner Arizona State, and gets potentially ranked Oregon, Washington, USC and Stanford on their schedule. There will have to be a lot of hard-nosed football being played.

Last year, UCLA had their first 10-win season since 2005, which is always a step in the right direction, but if the Bruins want to make it to the Pac-12 Championship and beyond, they WILL have to win at least 11 games in the regular season, which has never been done in UCLA football history. And if they expect to win the Pac-12 Championship Game, the final four and the National Championship, that is three extra games. That is not a tough schedule, that is a death wish. The interesting thing is, it is attainable for the Bruins.

Last year, UCLA never lost to teams they were suppose to beat. Their three losses were to Stanford, Oregon and Arizona State, who were three of the better teams in the Pac-12. This year, they are going to need to grab at least two wins from those three if they are thinking about any type of big-time post-season. Bottom line, UCLA has to be focused every single game.