UCLA Football: Bowl Projections may surprise you

Sep 16, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back TJ Harden (25) celebrates his touchdown scored against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins running back TJ Harden (25) celebrates his touchdown scored against the North Carolina Central Eagles during the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant (1). Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2023; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant (1). Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports

Where is UCLA projected to go for a bowl game this season may surprise you based on the various publications.

UCLA’s chances of playing in a New Year’s Six bowl game is higher then they are being projected to based on national publications waiting to see if the Bruins can keep up the momentum and stay undefeated.

UCLA is currently ranked No. 22 in the AP Top 25 poll. They are projected to finish anywhere from second to fourth in the Pac-12 Conference heading into conference play. If UCLA can finish with a strong record in the regular season, they will have a good chance of being selected to play in a New Year’s Six bowl game. A victory on the road against Utah would go a long way in increasing UCLA’s chances to be selected.

If UCLA is not selected to play in a New Year’s Six bowl game, they could still be selected to play in respectable bowl game, such as the Alamo Bowl.

For fans who may not be aware how bowl game selections are made the College Football Playoff Committee selects the four teams that will play in the College Football Playoff semifinals. The remaining bowl games then select teams based on a variety of factors, including conference affiliation, record, and strength of schedule.

It is not yet possible to say for sure which bowl game will select UCLA football to play in this season. However, based on their current record and projected finish in the Pac-12 Conference, UCLA in our opinion is likely to be selected to play in a New Year’s Six bowl game.

Let’s take a look at where UCLA is being projected to which bowl games before their game against Utah.

Holiday Bowl

Projected by Athlon Sports

Holiday Bowl

Projected by CBS Sports

LA Bowl
7:30 p.m., ABC
Bonagura: UCLA vs. Fresno State
Schlabach: UCLA vs. Wyoming

Projected by ESPN

Independence Bowl

Projected by 247 Sports

UCLA fans should remember these bowl projections and see how they change after their game against the Utes.

Schedule

Schedule