UCLA Staying Home in Latest Bowl Game Projection

The Bruins are projected to stay in Los Angeles in this latest bowl game prediction.

Dec 16, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back TJ Harden (25) celebrates with offensive lineman Garrett DiGiorgio (72) after scoring a touchdown during the third quarter of the LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images | Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images

Ahead of DeShaun Foster's second year at the helm in Westwood, UCLA's baseline goal this season is to improve on last season's 5-7 record and make it to a bowl game.

The Bruins haven't been to a bowl game since taking on Boise State in the LA Bowl in 2023, a game in which they won 35-22.

Dec 16, 2023; Inglewood, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers (4) reacts after defeating the Boise State Broncos in the Starco Brands LA Bowl at SoFi Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

USA Today released its preseason college football playoff and bowl projections, and College Sports editor Erick Smith has the Bruins taking on the Broncos in the LA Bowl yet again this season. The LA Bowl takes place on Dec. 13 this year.

A bowl game is a realistic goal for UCLA this season, but six wins -- a one-win improvement on last year -- should be the floor goal for Foster and the Bruins this year. Behind the addition of star Tennessee quarterback Nico Iamaleava, UCLA should have its sights set on seven or eight wins.

UCLA Moves Up in FPI Rankings

Nov 30, 2024; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins head coach DeShaun Foster on the sidelines during the third quarter against the Fresno State Bulldogs at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images | Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images

The UCLA Bruins haven't even taken the field and they are already moving up the college football ranks in ESPN's updated College Football Power Index after Week 0.

The Bruins moved up one spot in the rankings to No. 51 in the nation. This rise came as a result of Dan Mullen's UNLV Rebels (1-0) narrowly defeating FCS Idaho State, 38-31, on Saturday. The Rebels, despite winning, dropped 12 spots on ESPN's rankings, where they were previously 50th.

This is something of note for the Bruins, as they were widely projected to be underdogs against Mullen's Rebels in the second game of the season. If the Bruins are the improved team many think they are, the UNLV matchup can be more than just a non-conference toss-up.

Before Saturday, ESPN gave UCLA a 41.9% chance to beat UNLV when they play them in Week 2. After the data update, the Bruins are now projected to win with 51.5% odds.

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Read more on UCLA football and their momentous second season in the Big Ten and under DeShaun Foster here. While you're here, check out all things UCLA basketball and Mick Cronin improving the Bruins through the transfer portal here.

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