A huge win on Saturday over a nationally ranked Nebraska team was just what UCLA needed to get itself back onto the national stage. I am still a little surprised at the win. I thought it wouldn't be until next year when the Bruins would start to make their resurgence. I have never been so happy to be wrong.
I know that it has only been two games, but there is a lot of things going for the Bruins right now. Starting with Jonathan Franklin and his freakish stats through the first two games this season. If he keeps up this pace for a full season we may be talking about a UCLA running back taking the Heisman Trophy. I know the bruins would be happy with Franklin going over 100 yards each game, but he is 2 for 2 in 200 yard rushing games this season. Impressive to say the least.
Then we have that whole quarterback situation that looked like it could have gone to any of the three players who played at times there last season. I think that Mora made the right decision going with Brett Hundley, at least to this point. How is this for a Rose Bowl debut for the kid, 21/33 for 305 yards and 4 touchdowns with no interceptions. Oh and 12 carries for 53 yards on top of that. And not to mention a big win in the process.
This is the first time that the bruins have moved in the AP Top-25 rankings in four seasons. A place many people did not think the Bruins would be this season, especially this early in the season. The Bruins first opponent as a ranked team will be this Saturday against Houston in the Rose Bowl. If they want to keep things rolling this game better be at least a 30 point blowout against a struggling Houston team.
UCLA was not the only Pac-12 team that scored a big upset on Saturday. Oregon State beat Wisconsin and Arizona beat Oklahoma State. Things are looking up in the Pac-12 at the moment. With 5 teams now ranked in the top 25. That is great for the conference, but makes things for the Bruins a little more difficult. If they want to challenge the teams at the top, USC and Oregon, they are still going to have to improve immensely.
For now, let all of us Bruin fans enjoy this big win and get ready for this weekends game before league play begins. When UCLA takes the field on Saturday they will be expected to win, instead of just hoping to compete. That is great news for the Bruins and their fans. It means that we are building towards the ultimate goal of bringing a long overdue title back to Westwood. We must take it one step at a time though.
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