Did you know that if UCLA had been able to stop Edgerrin James (39 carries for 299 yards), they would have been part of the first BCS Champion Game after the 1998 season? However, that December loss to the Miami Hurricanes kept the Bruins out of that game – and then the Bruins went on a downward spiral that has never righted itself. Even though Cade McNown would go 20-0 as a quarterback in his last two college football betting seasons with UCLA, many would forget that the team was once a dominant program.
Taking a Look at if UCLA Can Join the Pac-12 NCAA Football Odds Elite
Journey behind the scenes with @UCLAFootball through photos as they prep for season. http://t.co/HDtmmxN61Y pic.twitter.com/uMjekjZ6iQ
— UCLA Athletics (@UCLAAthletics) August 11, 2015
Even before that, UCLA football is a storied program. With 12 Rose Bowl appearances and the longer continuous win streak (8) in the series against USC, there was a time when UCLA football was on the front pages across the country. However, it was not until 2014 that UCLA began making any rumblings about returning to championship caliber. If it weren’t for that late season embarrassment against Stanford, UCLA would have appeared in the Pac-12 Championship game.
So what does UCLA have on its side as it looks to move back into the elite of the Pac-12? They have recruited well, but despite the talent coming in, the development has not been quite up to where it needs to be, particularly when it comes to putting together an elite secondary. The offensive line looks to finally be good this year after several years of poor performances. Coach Mora has received plaudits for leadership, particularly in the areas of handling public issues, boosting salaries and raising athletic funds. However, he still needs to come away with a win in a crucial game.