UCLA had Levi’s Stadium on its mind since October, when key Pac-12 losses by the Bruins’ rivals allowed the team to control its own destiny when it came to the conference race.
The Pac-12 championship was slated to take place at the San Francisco 49ers’ home stadium, scheduled to also feature the Bruins as long as they won out in the regular season. While UCLA will play in the NFL arena Saturday, its appearance at the Foster Farms Bowl is a much different look to what was expected just eight weeks ago.
Those midseason dreams remained intact for a month, steadily gathering momentum. Eventually, Nov. 28 marked UCLA’s annual rivalry matchup with crosstown contender USC, and both teams played for an additional prize far weightier than the usual bragging rights: a spot in the conference championship.
The Bruins didn’t just lose to the Trojans that Saturday, they self-destructed. Freshman quarterback Josh Rosen threw two interceptions after attempting 240 passes without a pick leading up to the game. Redshirt junior running back Paul Perkins was held to 95 rushing yards, a low for UCLA’s offensive anchor. The Bruins allowed USC to rack up 235 rushing yards, watching helplessly as the Trojans cruised to a 40-21 victory.
Suddenly, dreams of playing in the program’s first conference championship since 2012 vanished, replaced with nightmares of a four-loss season and missed opportunities. While UCLA can’t change the past, the Bruins still get the chance to play in Levi’s Stadium – albeit, taking on Nebraska.
The bowl game marks the two programs’ third matchup in four years, with two storied teams going head-to-head after lackluster seasons. While Nebraska surged in November, upsetting playoff participant Michigan State, UCLA succumbed to its weaknesses and injuries. A Foster Farms victory would set either team up for a successful 2016 following what turned into respective rebuilding seasons.
The Bruin offense will have a slightly different look Saturday, as offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone is suffering from an undisclosed medical condition and may not be able to coach the game. In changes on the field, junior guard Alex Redmond attained an agent and quit the team to prepare for the NFL draft. Redmond was one of the O-line’s few remaining healthy members, forcing the Bruins to once again draw on their ever-dwindling depth.
UCLA kicks off against Nebraska at 6:15 p.m. in its last appearance of 2015.
Compiled by Claire Fahy, Bruin Sports senior staff.