Bruins to decline bowl game invitation, Stanford is season finale

The UCLA Bruins are officially set to end the 2020 season after this weekend’s matchup with the Stanford Cardinal. According to a team statement, the Bruins are to decline any potential bowl bid that they may receive following the game, or even before the game, therefore ending their 2020 season with the game against Stanford.

“We are a player-led team, and we listened to our players when it came to making this decision,” said Kelly. “Our guys have given everything they’ve had to this season, and I’ve been so impressed by the maturity and selflessness they’ve shown. I want to thank our Return to Training Committee and Athletics administration for all of their efforts on our behalf. Our job was to create a safe environment, and our players sacrificed all season long to adhere to that environment. It’s a testament to them – and to their families – that we’ve played a full schedule this year. We are all looking forward to competing together one more time against Stanford on Saturday.”

Athletic Director Martin Jarmond, head coach Chip Kelly and the players stood unified in the decision. Jarmond also released this statement:

“I’m so proud of our student-athletes for how they’ve conducted themselves this season in order to be able to play the game they love. It’s a tremendous credit to them that we have played every weekend so far,” said Jarmond. “It’s also a credit to the many people who have worked behind the scenes to make a season possible. I’d like to thank Chancellor Block and campus leadership for their support as we navigated this 2020 season. The health and safety of our student-athletes, coaches and staff has been our North Star throughout the pandemic, but the student-athlete experience is also always at the forefront of my mind. These young men have already sacrificed so much for each other; now is the time for them to shift their focus, be with their families and take a well-deserved break.”

The Bruins are 3-3 and could equal last season’s win total with a victory over Stanford. They currently stand as a full touchdown favorite in most books over the Cardinal and have lost their three games by a combined 14 points.

The 2020 season has had its ups and certainly its downs but ending the year on a high note would definitely classify as an up for the Bruins. Let’s hope they can get that W and send these seniors off right!