The University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) is one of the most storied and successful college sports programs in the country. The Bruins have won over 100 national championships, making them one of the most successful college programs in history. This year, UCLA is hoping to add to their impressive trophy case by winning the Pac-12 Conference title. The Bruins have been a fixture in the Pac-12 for decades, but can they still win the conference in 2021?
Can UCLA Make a Run at the Pac-12 Title?
UCLA has a long and successful history in the Pac-12 and is one of the most successful teams in the conference. The Bruins have won the conference title a total of 10 times, and have been a fixture in the conference since its inception in 1959. This year, UCLA is looking to add to its impressive resume by winning the Pac-12 title once again.
The Bruins have the talent to make a run at the title this year. UCLA has a talented core of players, led by quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson and running back Demetric Felton. Thompson-Robinson has been a dynamic playmaker for the Bruins, as he has thrown for over 2,000 yards and 20 touchdowns this season. Felton has been a reliable running back, as he has rushed for over 700 yards and nine touchdowns. UCLA also has a talented receiving corps, led by Kyle Philips and Chase Cota. Philips has been a reliable target for Thompson-Robinson, as he has caught over 40 passes for 600 yards and seven touchdowns. Cota has been a dynamic playmaker, as he has caught over 25 passes for 500 yards and five touchdowns.
UCLA also has one of the best defenses in the Pac-12. The Bruins are led by defensive end Odua Isibor and linebacker Krys Barnes. Isibor has been a disruptive force on the defensive line, as he has recorded 8.5 sacks and 15 tackles for loss this season. Barnes has been a reliable presence at linebacker, as he has recorded over 100 tackles and four interceptions this season. The Bruins also have a talented secondary, led by cornerbacks Quentin Lake and Elijah Gates. Lake has been a lockdown corner, as he has recorded three interceptions and 11 pass breakups this season. Gates has also been a reliable presence in the secondary, as he has recorded two interceptions and seven pass breakups this season.
Can the Bruins Overcome Their Struggles?
While UCLA has the talent to make a run at the Pac-12 title, they have had some struggles this season. The Bruins have had some issues on offense, as they have struggled to score points at times. UCLA has only scored over 30 points twice this season, and they have had some issues with turnovers as well. The Bruins have turned the ball over 15 times this season, which is one of the highest totals in the Pac-12.
UCLA has also had some issues on defense this season. The Bruins have had some issues with giving up big plays, as they have allowed over 30 points in four of their eight games this season. The Bruins have also had some issues with stopping the run, as they have allowed over 200 rushing yards in three of their eight games this season.
Conclusion
UCLA has the talent to make a run at the Pac-12 title this year, but they will have to overcome their struggles if they are to be successful. The Bruins have a talented core of players on both sides of the ball, and they have the potential to make a deep run in the conference tournament. If the Bruins can limit their turnovers on offense and limit the big plays on defense, they could be in contention for the Pac-12 title this year.
