UCLA Football: 20 stats to countdown 20 days

7 – Games decided by 10 points or less last year

In a year where they found themselves without Josh Rosen, the Bruins were still surprisingly competitive in a number of games. Unfortunately, in these seven games, the Bruins were just 1-6. If UCLA were able to win just two of those games, it would have propelled them into a bowl game.

But poor defense (giving up 31.1 points over their last seven games), poor offense (scoring 21 points or less seven times), or a combination of both led the Bruins to lose these close games.

A defense that is one year older, an elite level quarterback, and three winnable games to start the season may build the confidence the Bruins need to win close games at the end of the season. Those wins may be the difference between a winning season, a bowl game, or Mora keeping his job.