Normally any UCLA Football vs. Cal game in the past is almost an afterthought following the USC game. While both teams enter this game looking for bowl eligibility the Bruins are carrying a much heavier load into this match up.
In a battle of the UC system the UCLA Football Bruins are again finishing up their schedule with the Cal Golden Bears with bowl eligibility on the line. Let me say this first. The rivalry with Cal is one of the Bruins’ oldest and most traditional rivalries. The fact that this game comes after the Crosstown Showdown is an absolute joke for both programs. Rivalry week should be reserved for your greatest rival that you might even harbor some deeply seeded disdain for. Not for a “sibling” rivalry.
Okay now that we are past that let’s get caught up quickly with both teams.
Related Story: UCLA Football: There's a lot on the line against Cal
The Bruins come into this game on the heels of Jim Mora’s firing as UCLA Football head coach. The firing didn’t just come as a surprise to media and fans as the social media response to the firing was mostly expressions of gratitude and shock from players. Offensive coordinator Jedd Fisch has been named interim head coach for this game and a bowl game presumably should the Bruins win. The players have made it clear they’re playing this game for Mora and that should give them a little extra boost in motivation that was lacking in last year’s trip up to Berkeley.
On the other side of the field the Golden Bears showed early promise with wins over North Carolina and Ole Miss. The team under first year head coach Justin Wilcox was showing a toughness in both the defensive and offensive line that had been somewhat lacking in past years. Yes the Bears have had a viable ground game in the past seasons but this year they’re showing an ability and willingness to ground games out with teams.
As quickly as the 3-0 start brought hopes for what might be a huge season Cal then went 0-3 in conference play. They took a talented USC team to the edge but ultimately couldn’t finish the job. Then they were crushed by northern rivals Oregon and Washington and its clear to see this young unit has some growing up to do. If there was a shining moment in this season it was a stomping of then #8 Washington State at home. That glory wasn’t to last.
That huge win was sandwiched by an overtime loss to Arizona and a defensive collapse against Colorado. Cal did manage a win over bottom feeder Oregon State to get their fifth win but a hard fought and closely contested loss to nemesis Stanford last week means this is the last chance for the Golden Bears to become bowl eligible in Wilcox’s first season.
No game on your schedule is a throw away. While this game isn’t placed where it should be by rivalry standards there is no mistaking what this game means to each squad. Cal would love nothing more than to end this season on a high note marking Wilcox’s first as a step in the right direction for the program. The Bruins on the other side want to ensure that the only college head coach they’ve ever known is remembered correctly. Both need this game to make those desires a reality.