UCLA Football: Interesting facts and information about the Bowl Game

Here are some interesting facts and information about UCLA playing in the LA Bowl this year.

No. 1

The name of the bowl game has changed somewhat.

The new name of the bowl game is now called The Starco Brands LA Bowl Hosted By Gronk. Last season, the bowl game was called the Jimmy Kimmel LA Bowl presented by Stifel. The Bowl game is still the LA Bowl but the sponsorship and the led spokesperson have changed.

No. 2

The location of the bowl game in proximity to the UCLA campus is interesting.

UCLA will be playing closer to their campus in this bowl game in comparison to where they play their home games in Pasadena. SoFI stadium is approximately 14 miles from UCLA’s campus in comparison to the Rose Bowl where the Bruins play their home games which is 26 miles away.

No. 3

UCLA got picked over Cal for the LA Bowl

The LA Bowl had the choice first in the Pac-12 bowl selection order, ahead of the Independence Bowl. UCLA and Cal, who were tied for seventh place in the Pac-12 standings with 4-5 conference records, were the options available to the LA Bowl. Cal did defeat UCLA this season so some Golden Bears fans and alums may be upset that the LA Bowl went with the Bruins instead of them. It does however, make sense that the LA Bowl picked the Bruins due to the location of UCLA to SoFI stadium and the likelihood that Bruin fans would be more inclined to attend the game as opposed to Cal fans who would more than likely have to travel almost six hours. Cal will be going to play in the Independence Bowl against Texas Tech

No. 4

The Bruins have only played against their bowl opponent once before.

UCLA played Boise State in 1999 at home and defeated the Broncos by a final score of 38-7.  Due to Boise State being located in Idaho and the Broncos having success on the field these past two decades, it is somewhat surprising that UCLA has not played Boise State in the 21st Century.