Bruins Nation - UCLA 42 Virginia Tech 12: Full Coverage of Bruins' Win No. 10 in 2013 Sun BowlBlog Of The Bruins, By The Bruins, For The Bruinshttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48017/bruinsnation_f.png2014-01-04T10:46:46-08:00http://www.bruinsnation.com/rss/stream/50268752014-01-04T10:46:46-08:002014-01-04T10:46:46-08:00Sun Bowl Roundtable: Bruins Finish Strong
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<figcaption>Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>The Bruins didn't lay an egg in this year's bowl game, and the front pagers discuss the dominant performance over Virginia Tech.</p> <p dir="ltr"><b>1. Initial Impressions?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Uclaluv</i>: We came out strong. In the first drive things seemed to be clicking and I felt confident. I like blue unis!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>bruinclassof10</i>: We dominated the fourth quarter. We had the best linebacking corps in the nation this year.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Odysseus</i>: While it was close for awhile, this was a great end to the season. It feels great to win a bowl game and finish with the first 10 win season in years, and the first legitimate 10 win season since the 1990s.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Achilles</i>: The game went as expected. VT is well coached and good on defense and they hung around until the fourth quarter when it got out of hand. I'm sure they're feeling like they might have won had their QB not gotten knocked out and who knows? But we were the better team and it showed.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>gbruin</i>: The first half showed some of our continuing problems with scheme/play calling and execution on some of the finer points of the game, but the entire game showed our great depth, talent, and ability to make good adjustments. Compared to this time last year, we definitely took some steps forward.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>IE Angel</i>: Nice showcase for the program. It was a fun game to watch and it was refreshing to see the Bruins finish a game emphatically instead of fooling around and letting VT make it competitive.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Ajax</i>: It was refreshing to see the team come out motivated and prepared from the beginning. Great overall showing for the program on a national stage.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>DCBruins</i>: The first half showed why Hundley is a great college player who needs to come back for another year. VT played cover 0 and left the DBs on our WR one on one but Hundley could not hit the deep pass. He has to do that to be a pro. On the other hand, Hundley's running was off the charts.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>AHMB</i>: It felt like a great win to me, even though VT was clearly not the VT that we're used to seeing. Maybe it was because it capped off the best season in a while, maybe it was because it could provide a good boost into next. Either way, I'm ready for next year already.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>2. The Good</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Uclaluv</i>: The defense looked like they were out for blood. I loved it. The o finally adjusted to what could work, getting the ball out of Brett's hands fast with short passes. Get the ball into the playmakers hands. We have speed and we got it into space. Brett's runs were a thing of beauty. We pulled away and the seniors got to have a good win (margin wise) and got to go out with a great feeling of what they have contributed to. The hits!!!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>bruinclassof10</i>: Defense looked great; our future is bright next year on that side of the ball. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113877/jordan-zumwalt" class="sbn-auto-link">Jordan Zumwalt</a> played with an intensity I haven't seen in a while and Brett Hundley did a great job running and throwing the ball when plays needed to be made.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Odysseus</i>: The defense played solid and once the offense made some adjustments, the passing game looked pretty good in the second half. Hundley's scrambling, obviously, was fantastic and Jack, Zumwalt and Barr were all over the place.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Achilles</i>: The defense was consistent all game and the offense finally got it going when we went to the quicker paced, quicker strike offense.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>gbruin</i>: The OL was overmatched by their excellent D line, so when we went with the shorter and quicker routes in the third quarter, Brett and the offense got into a great rhythm. Brett's ability to make plays with his feet before that saved us. The defense was pretty good early, and when Va Tech had to go to their backup QB, the D was dominant.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>IE Angel</i>: The play of the defense throughout, one of the most dominant 60 minute performances by either the offense or defense this season. <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38230/brett-hundley" class="sbn-auto-link">Brett Hundley's</a> rushing in the first half and the passing game (including the WRs and RBs) in the second half.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Ajax</i>: Jordan Zumwalt played like a man possessed. He was all over the field. Of course, Brett Hundley also played an outstanding game. Since I made the trek to El Paso, I also have to give props to all the Bruin fans that traveled to the game and represented the blue and gold.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>DCBruins</i>. We were the tougher team. We did the big hits on defense.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>AHMB</i>: Other than the matchup between our offensive line and VT's defensive line, our guys outmatched them across the board.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>3. The Bad</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Uclaluv</i>: It got really boring after the opening. Stupid up the middle over and over again that clearly wasn't working. Too many 3 and outs. There seems to be a stubbornness about running plays that don't work. Hundley was off for a lot of the game (passing) and poor Shaq. Glad he got to catch the long ball at the end. Why was Adams not catching punts the whole game?</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>bruinclassof10</i>: The refs. I thought these were SEC refs, not PAC-12 refs in disguise.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Odysseus</i>: The conventional running game was disappointing, although that's not a surprise against a very efficient defense. The passing game was not good in the first half either and if we want to break through to the next level, mistakes like the muffed punt need to be eliminated.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Achilles</i>: Special teams were terrible. A missed field goal, a muffed punt and a safety when Covington stepped out of the back of the end zone. All three mistakes took place while the game was still really close.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>gbruin</i>: Achilles is right. Special teams was a strong suit all season but they had some big errors, and in close games, that will cost you wins. It took far too long for the offense to adjust to Va Tech's dominant D line.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>IE Angel</i>: Like others have said, the kickoff return unit, punt return unit, field goal execution and Sean Covington's lack of awareness on one punt (he had an exceptional game otherwise) were all really poor. The running game was absolutely atrocious outside of Hundley scrambling on broken plays.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Ajax</i>: The running game (outside of Hundley) was atrocious. I understand that it is necessary to show the defense the handoff to the RB on the zone read, but that play has consistently been a wasted down all season. There are two issues here: Hundley handing it off when he shouldn't be and the lack of push from the OL. I am hopeful that those issues can be ironed out next season.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>DCBruins</i>: Hundley could not throw deep. Special teams were bad.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>AHMB</i>: Our offensive line could not get any push and constantly got beat in pass protection. Improvement is needed if we're going to compete at a higher level.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>4. Game's Most Valuable Player(s)?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Uclaluv</i>: I would really like to give it to the coaching staff for turning things around in the right direction and for getting this team prepared for the bowl game this year. Same with the whole team. This team worked so hard all year and they came into this game with determination. But for players, I give it to Jordan Zumwalt. He changed the energy of the game and brought out the fight in the team. I think this helped the offense get the nerves out.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>bruinclassof10</i>: Game ball goes to Jordan Zumwalt. Despite Brett carrying the team with his legs, Zumwalt played his heart out in his final game as a Bruin. We will miss his energy and intensity next season. He is often overlooked because of Barr and Jack's celebrity status and Kendrick's consistensy, but he has been making plays all season long (remember DAT getting destroyed by him?) I look forward to seeing some of his hard hits at the next level.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Odysseus</i>: Jack was making plays all over the place and Hundley had a nice game, but I agree, Zumwalt really deserves it.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Achilles</i>: Zumwalt.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>gbruin</i>: Easy. Jordan Zumwalt on defense, Brett Hundley on offense.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>IE Angel</i>: Jordan Zumwalt is the easy choice and the correct choice.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Ajax</i>: Gotta go with Jordan Zumwalt on D and Brett on O.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>DCBruins</i>: Agree with Ajax and UCLALuv.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>AHMB</i>: Jordan Zumwalt.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>5. Honorable Mentions?</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Uclaluv</i>: Brett and <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/208081/myles-jack" class="sbn-auto-link">Myles Jack</a></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>bruinclassof10</i>: I agree with Uclaluv here. Brett deserves his share of the prize as does Click Clack Jack.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Odysseus</i>: Agree.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Achilles</i>: Hundley and really the whole front 7 on defense.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>gbruin</i>: Anthony Barr was strong all day. Myles Jack was very good. The secondary played one of their better games.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>IE Angel</i>: Myles Jack had a hell of a game on defense, as did Anthony Barr (despite the lack of stats). Brett Hundley deserves praise for his dominant rushing first half and passing second half.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Ajax</i>: I am going to go with the coaching staff for an honorable mention. The team could have easily gone through the motions after its selection to a second tier bowl game, but the staff kept the kids focused and on task. Getting that 10th win was important, and the staff drove that point home with the kids.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>DCBruins</i>: Myles Jack.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>AHMB</i>: Brett Hundley.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><b>6. The Extra Point.</b></p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Uclaluv</i>: The second half was really fun. I am so happy they got this win. The players that started with Neu really got to feel success and how talented they are. I am really happy that they got to experience the good. I also loved how Mora handled the press afterwards, especially the questions about Brett. Mora is a mensch through and through. He, the staff, and our players make me proud to be a Bruin (I am anyway, but just saying). It was also great to see everyone at Barney's, hoping to see you all at the Rose Bowl next year!</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>bruinclassof10</i>: If I were a high school recruit, I'd be calling Mora right now asking how quickly I can commit. Did you see how much fun our team was having at the bowl game? Compare that to Southern Cal's atrocious behavior on and off the field at the Sun Bowl last season and you know immediately why we are UCLA and they are a 2nd rate program with a 2nd rate coach. I've said this many times; I was not a fan of the Mora hire but you can call me one of his fans now. The man knows how to act, the players love him and he is a class act.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Odysseus</i>: I agree that the running game and the predictable inside zone were problematic. Although Mazzone can be faulted for playcalling, I think he's right not to give up on the running game, different play calls in the running game would obviously be an improvement. The players and coaches were having fun and let's hope it keeps building into next year.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Achilles</i>: I thought the whole thing added up to a good experience for the program. The team played well and seemed to have fun. Very, very happy for a bunch of seniors who came into the program under the last coach and endured the change and even thrived.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>gbruin</i>: The bowl game was a pretty good summary of this team: an underwhelming start followed by some obvious adjustments and superior talent that culminate in a win going away. Overall, it was a very good finale to a very good season. Considering how last year finished, the win over Southern Cal and a big win in the bowl game showed that Mora and the team learned a lot</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>IE Angel</i>: 10 wins. Very few teams get to that number every year, but this should be the norm moving forward. Too much talent in this program to accept anything less.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>Ajax</i>: Even though the team fell short of that coveted Rose Bowl berth, they finished strong with a ton of momentum going into national signing day and offseason training. The program is definitely on an upward trajectory and in good hands with Coach Mora and his staff.</p>
<p dir="ltr"><i>DCBruins</i>: I feel the team has turned the corner. We have talent galore on defense and the "culture" is so much better. If feels good watching our games now.</p>
<p><i>AHMB</i>: Coach Mora's squad laid an egg in last year's Holiday Bowl. He said at the time that it was his fault for not getting his team ready to play. I'll be honest- I wasn't sure what to expect coming into the Sun Bowl, but the team was clearly ready to go. I hope Coach Mora learned from the Holiday Bowl and understands bowl preparation better going forward.</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2013_sun_bowl_ucla_bruins_virginia_tech_hokies/2014/1/4/5273440/20sun-bowl-roundtable-memories-of-el-pasoAHMB2014-01-02T12:52:07-08:002014-01-02T12:52:07-08:00Bruin Tweets: Final Sun Bowl Thoughts
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>And a Happy New Year to you!</p> <p>We hope you are having a Happy New Year:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>I'm going to be 8 clapping my way into 2014! Happy New Years Everyone!</p>
— Jerry Neuheisel (@jerryneuheisel) <a href="https://twitter.com/jerryneuheisel/statuses/418199690115444736">January 1, 2014</a>
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<p>And that you celebrated with the appropriate caution:</p>
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<p>I'm not kissing any of you fools tonight ! Can't get sick😷</p>
— Jordan Adams (@jordanadams1231) <a href="https://twitter.com/jordanadams1231/statuses/418226625130418176">January 1, 2014</a>
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<p>Pac-12 Season starts this week with Southern Cal.</p>
<p>This is a great picture of Luc:</p>
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<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Happy&src=hash">#Happy</a> New Year! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bonne&src=hash">#Bonne</a> Annee 2014! <a href="http://t.co/j4GiGUu17J">http://t.co/j4GiGUu17J</a></p>
— Luc Mbah a Moute (@mbahamoute) <a href="https://twitter.com/mbahamoute/statuses/418615914243047424">January 2, 2014</a>
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<p>One final picture from the Sun Bowl:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23UCLA&src=hash">#UCLA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Bruins&src=hash">#Bruins</a> ... <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23SunBowl&src=hash">#SunBowl</a> the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TurnUp&src=hash">#TurnUp</a> is real! <a href="http://t.co/ETANs5aIF7">pic.twitter.com/ETANs5aIF7</a></p>
— Adrian Klemm (@IAMKLEMM) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAMKLEMM/statuses/418190822199140352">January 1, 2014</a>
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<p>And with that, some final Sun Bowl thoughts:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Special thank you to the city of El Paso for the warm hospitality they showed us while being here for the Sun Bowl! It was great!! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23UCLA&src=hash">#UCLA</a></p>
— Xavier Su'a-Filo (@XMANEE56) <a href="https://twitter.com/XMANEE56/statuses/418183874988875776">January 1, 2014</a>
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<p>10 Wins! Brought home the W! This Season was Truly Special. S/O to ALL the Seniors. We Love Yall <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23UCLAFootball&src=hash">#UCLAFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%2310WinSeason&src=hash">#10WinSeason</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23TakeNotice&src=hash">#TakeNotice</a></p>
— Brett A. Hundley Jr (@BrettHundley17) <a href="https://twitter.com/BrettHundley17/statuses/418176639235661824">January 1, 2014</a>
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<p>(one more year... one more year... one more year...)</p>
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<p>10th win today! Wow, something that hasnt been done in years! Thanks <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BruinNation&src=hash">#BruinNation</a> & <a href="https://twitter.com/UCLACoachMora">@UCLACoachMora</a> on leading us to greatness! <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23UCLA&src=hash">#UCLA</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%238Clap&src=hash">#8Clap</a></p>
— <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/208059/asiantii-woulard" class="sbn-auto-link">Asiantii Woulard</a> (@Asiantii2_) <a href="https://twitter.com/Asiantii2_/statuses/418168315790368768">December 31, 2013</a>
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<p>10 wins!! Couldn't have done it without the seniors. Still bigger and better things to come next year <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BruinRevolution&src=hash">#BruinRevolution</a></p>
— <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136311/steven-manfro" class="sbn-auto-link">Steven Manfro</a> (@StevenManfro33) <a href="https://twitter.com/StevenManfro33/statuses/418166726388224000">December 31, 2013</a>
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<p>Seniors love y'all. 42-12 that's all I gotta say.</p>
— El Chapo (@JordanPayton) <a href="https://twitter.com/JordanPayton/statuses/418158809542963200">December 31, 2013</a>
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<p>It's the end of the NFL season, and our favorite NFL Bruins are making their way back home:</p>
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<p>6redbulls and 5 coffee later and I'm in Arkansas? <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23thesissilent&src=hash">#thesissilent</a> <a href="http://t.co/4bvG0qjtAS">http://t.co/4bvG0qjtAS</a></p>
— <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9475/christian-yount" class="sbn-auto-link">Christian Yount</a> (@TheYount) <a href="https://twitter.com/TheYount/statuses/418055949438709762">December 31, 2013</a>
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<p>Congratulations <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38229/datone-jones" class="sbn-auto-link">Datone Jones</a> and the Packers, but BN is pretty Niners heavy, so many front pagers will probably root for you to do well individually but a Niners win:</p>
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<p>its been a crazy yr but i can say we have the best fans organization and i would not want to b anywhere else <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23NFCnorthdivchamps&src=hash">#NFCnorthdivchamps</a></p>
— Datone Jones (@IAM_Dat_One) <a href="https://twitter.com/IAM_Dat_One/statuses/417491766732800000">December 30, 2013</a>
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<p>Life advice, cell phone advice, and bathroom etiquette:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Don't text as you're walking to a public bathroom... You'll walk into the women's looking for the urinal. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23yeahthatactuallyhappened&src=hash">#yeahthatactuallyhappened</a></p>
— Nick Kazemi (@NickSwaggyP_0) <a href="https://twitter.com/NickSwaggyP_0/statuses/417880685177614336">December 31, 2013</a>
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<p>The life of a college basketball player on winter break:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Wakeup watch college bball shootaround watch college bball pregame meal watch sum more college b ball then play sum college b ball of my own</p>
— SLOWMO (@KyleAnderson5) <a href="https://twitter.com/KyleAnderson5/statuses/416830308600651776">December 28, 2013</a>
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<p>Allright, all of you that kept complaining about Jordan Adams' hair:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>Nobody wants me to cut off my mohawk! But it's gotta go</p>
— Jordan Adams (@jordanadams1231) <a href="https://twitter.com/jordanadams1231/statuses/416777261732200448">December 28, 2013</a>
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<p>It's gone, he shaved it all off.</p>
<p>Happy Birthday Xavier Sua-Filo:</p>
<blockquote lang="en" class="twitter-tweet">
<p>The best OG in the nation just turned 23 today, everybody wish <a href="https://twitter.com/XMANEE56">@XMANEE56</a> a great happy birthday <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23bythecase&src=hash">#bythecase</a></p>
— <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136321/jake-brendel" class="sbn-auto-link">Jake Brendel</a> (@jakebrendel) <a href="https://twitter.com/jakebrendel/statuses/418393937145913344">January 1, 2014</a>
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<p>Go Bruins!</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2014/1/2/5267188/headlines-in-the-bruin-twitterverse-final-sun-bowl-thoughts-nflMeriones2014-01-02T08:00:07-08:002014-01-02T08:00:07-08:00The "Eye Test": Bruins Romp Over Hokies 42-12
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<img alt="Brett Hundley during the Bruins 42-12 win in the Sun Bowl over Virginia Tech." src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/g4pcXod1p7o0AwQGdRVoKd6MWE4=/810x92:4000x2219/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26105917/20131231_ajl_aw3_307.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Brett Hundley during the Bruins 42-12 win in the Sun Bowl over Virginia Tech. | Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Grading out the finer details of UCLA's 42-12 victory over the Virginia Tech Hokies in the Sun Bowl to see if UCLA football is meeting expectations.</p> <p>It seems like forever since I got to do one of these posts. The bowl process is pretty ridiculous when you give it serious thought. Almost 30 days in between games, and supposedly the bowl game is the most important of them all (definitely for BCS games, depends on the situation for others)? There is no other competitive sport that does such a drastic change of schedule, strictly for financial gains by the bowls and NCAA.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">The Sun Bowl was well worth the wait though, with UCLA beat an 8-4 (now 8-5) Virginia Tech team soundly by a score of 42-12 to get UCLA's first 10 win season since 2005 (and, to be honest, the first legit 10 win season since the 90's).</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">Getting to listen to Verne Lundquist was an awesome change of pace, and I wish that UCLA had the SEC advantages that come with the CBS and ESPN hookups. Plus the vastly superior bowl tie-ins. Seriously, why is the Pac-12 not lined up against the SEC in any bowls? Ridiculous. The two best conferences should match up regularly.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">Aside from that, it was a good day to be a fan of UCLA football. I hope the Eye Test is as good of a time, so let's get to the grades.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;"><b><i>1.) Is our defense prepared for each and every team we play?</i></b></p>
<div>I'll preface this by restating that the Hokies offense is not good. By any measure, it is not a good offensive unit. So that fact slightly devalues any performance by the Bruins (even if they had shut out the Hokies, which is unrealistic).</div>
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<div>Still, the Bruins defense balled out in this game. The only real flaws came on three plays in the first half, a 19-yard scramble by Logan Thomas, a 37-yard pass by Thomas (which was the single best throw any QB has made this bowl season I have seen, seriously) and a 25-yard run by Thomas that saw <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/208081/myles-jack">Myles Jack</a> attempt to tackle a ball carrier bigger than Anthony Barr by just running into his shoulder pads.</div>
<div><a href="http://twitpic.com/dqqmdp" title="Logan Thomas is a freight train. on Twitpic"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/dqqmdp.gif" width="150" height="150" alt="Logan Thomas is a freight train. on Twitpic"></a></div>
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<div>And then, just three plays later, Anthony Barr beat the left tackle on a pass rush, Thomas scrambled out of the back of the pocket and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113877/jordan-zumwalt">Jordan Zumwalt</a> happened:</div>
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<div><a href="http://twitpic.com/dqqmoc" title="Logan Thomas got run over by a freight train, too. on Twitpic"><img src="http://twitpic.com/show/thumb/dqqmoc.gif" width="150" height="150" alt="Logan Thomas got run over by a freight train, too. on Twitpic"></a></div>
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<div>Once Thomas was forced out of the game (props to Frank Beamer and VT's staff for not risking putting him back in the game), there was no way for the Hokies to expect to put together more than two scores.</div>
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<div>In the end, UCLA allowed just 176 passing yards and 3.8 yards per carry on 38 rushing attempts. It was a good day for the Bruins defense, led by Zumwalt's best game of the year, Barr's pressure on the edge messing with the confidence of both quarterbacks (who combined to go 15-36 with 2 interceptions), the secondary playing sound team defense throughout and the defensive line being consistent in run gap responsibility and containing the pocket/generating pressure on passing downs. It was a team defensive effort and one of the best games of the year for this unit.</div>
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<div>The second half was especially dominant, as the Bruins' defense only allowed one drive where VT had more than one first down. That one drive the Bruins still stopped VT, but Shaq Evans' fumbled punt gave VT the ball in the redzone, then UCLA stopped the Hokies again. Can't put any points on UCLA's defense that weren't created by an elite NFL throw by a QB who didn't make another throw close to that level in his 10 other attempts.</div>
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<div>All around, great defensive effort. Can't find many flaws with how the defense played. Going with an <b>A (4.0)</b> here.</div>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;"><b><i>2.) Do we call offensive plays to catch our opponents off guard?</i></b></p>
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<div>The offense, as was the case all season, had some tough stretches in this game. Looking at the raw numbers, it's a much better than average performance. 447 yards and 42 points against one of the best defenses in college football is outstanding on paper. More than twice as many yards as Alabama's offense put up on the same defense in week one.</div>
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<div>The reality is a little less rosy though. 14 of those points were created almost entirely by the defense (Jack's TD return and Zumwalt interception return got UCLA to the 10-yard line) and the last TD was a deep ball (gorgeous as it was) with VT down 35-12.</div>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38230/brett-hundley">Brett Hundley</a> did not have a great first half throwing the ball. It was fairly bad actually. He had missed throws, bad protection, drops, lots of bad things happened. Running the ball, however, he was near immaculate. Ran for 168 yards and 2 touchdowns, the vast majority reacting to a pass rush that was in his face most of the game (not anything unusual there).</div>
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<div>By choice, or at least it seemed that way, he basically didn't try to run the ball in the 2nd half (actually lost 7 yards rushing on 4 attempts and two of those were sacks and another was a short scramble on a pass). His passing in the second half, however, was that of an NFL QB, which is a big part of what is frustrating about Brett in his time as a Bruin. He threw for 153 yards and 2 touchdowns (and also drew a pass interference call, props to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136311/steven-manfro">Steven Manfro</a> as well) on 11 throws. He essentially had one incompletion in the 2nd half.</div>
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<div>The rest of the running game was predictably atrocious against VT's front seven. UCLA had 17 carries from running backs for 2 or fewer yards. That doesn't count any rushes by either Brett Hundley or MIke Fafaul (who made a shockingly nice throw on a deep out to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/143992/logan-sweet">Logan Sweet</a>). That means there were 5 carries by running backs (or Myles Jack) that got 3+ yards. That's terrible, even against a great front line like Virginia Tech.</div>
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<div>Overall, this wasn't a terrible day, especially considering the opponent. But not as good as the defense played. Go with a <b>B- (2.7)</b> here. An offense can't be built around a quarterback escaping a pass rush and running for 20 yards a pop and expect to win every game.</div>
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<div><i><b>3.) Do our players look like they know what they should be doing at all times?</b></i></div>
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<div>It really didn't seem like UCLA was penalized much in this game (it was a decently officiated game, in my opinion). But they ended up with 7 penalties for 70 yards (the Hokies had a startling 13 for 109, but UCLA got only 3 first downs as a result of penalties). In a 2013 UCLA Football season finale, I'll go through each one.</div>
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<div>1. A holding call on a kickoff return that put UCLA at the 12 instead of the 22-yard line. The return game was pretty crappy all-around in this one, both punts and kickoffs, so this penalty kind of reflects the problems UCLA had on special teams.</div>
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<div>2. Illegal procedure on the Bruins turns a 2nd and 10 into a 2nd and 15. Hundley ran for 18 yards on the next play, so this penalty had zero impact on the outcome or the drive in general.</div>
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<div>3. Roughing the passer on Jordan Zumwalt. You can look at the clip above and go either way. I can see why they threw the flag, you won't get much protest from me. If Jordan does that in the NFL, it's a massive fine. This way it was just a first down and UCLA stopped VT anyway.</div>
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<div>4. Offsides on the same drive as the Zumwalt hit. I don't remember who this was on (Vanderdoes maybe?). Regardless, the Hokies went nowhere on this drive. So, no impact.</div>
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<div>5. Facemask that gave VT a first down (don't remember this play at all). It was a tackle for loss by Myles Jack, but I think that it wasn't on the tackle. 3 plays later, VT punted. So, again, no impact.</div>
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<div>6. False start turned a 2nd and 9 into 2nd and 14. UCLA scored two plays later to go up 21-10. This was the best drive the offense had all game, don't feel like any penalty would have had an impact.</div>
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<div>7. Facemask penalty on a kickoff return after UCLA went up 35-12. VT went nowhere on this drive, so this also was an inconsequential penalty.</div>
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<div>Pretty easy to see why no one noticed penalties in this one. This is a perfect example of why penalties aren't a huge deal for a team. When your defense is getting stops on every drive, field position doesn't matter and neither do 15 yards once or twice a game. When a defense is a sieve, the penalties are disastrous.</div>
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<div>Schematically, I loved what the defense did. Very simple but sound scheme. Didn't overthink how to perform against a bad offense or over-adjust the scheme when Logan Thomas left the game. Defense did their assignments and took care of business on almost every single snap.</div>
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<div>Just one big play passing and that was much more due to that throw by Logan Thomas than the defensive scheme. Zumwalt dropped perfectly and Thomas threw a perfect strike just over his hand and in between a Bruin safety and corner closing on the route.</div>
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<div>Offensively, there were far too many repeated attempts at running the inside zone play to the running backs. I would bet that the inside zone averaged around zero yards per play, certainly under 2 yards. It was clear after about 5 attempts that the interior line was not going to be able to handle VT's defensive tackles. Yet, the inside zone was still called throughout the game. It also took forever for UCLA to start exploiting the blitz happy VT defense with (shocking) slants behind the blitz and quicker routes to the edges. When UCLA did that, Hundley was a machine. Quick decisions and picking apart the Hokies. Noel Mazzone's play-calling and adjustments are baffling sometimes.</div>
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<div>Special teams, one of the worst games of the year in the return game. Well below the average on punts and kickoffs. Everyone who returned looked shaky, as did the blocking on both. Punt and punt coverage were great as usual, credit there to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/208071/sean-covington">Sean Covington</a> and crew. Kickoff coverage and the kickoffs by both Fairbairn and Covington were excellent as well.</div>
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<div>Last game was an A- here, so a <b>B+(3.3)</b> feels right here.</div>
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<div><i><b>4.) Do our players play for 60 G-D minutes every game?</b></i></div>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">Energy was here in this game. Could not have been a more stark contrast than the Holiday Bowl last season. The defense had to be charged up with Zumwalt flying around lighting Hokies up. The offense had problems at times, but the energy wasn't the problem. Can't go anywhere but an <b>A (4.0)</b> here.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;"><i><b>5.) Do our players execute?</b></i></p>
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<a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162620/ka-imi-fairbairn">Ka'imi Fairbairn</a> did not have a good start to the day. He missed a 36-yarder and hit a extra point off the upright (although it went through and was good). That's execution and he has to be better because the coaching staff is going to require that or his job is in jeopardy. I think he'll be okay moving forward, sophomore to junior year can be a big jump for kickers. But in this game, he could have cost the Bruins a close game, if not for the play of both offense and defense.</div>
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<div>Defensively, I can't find a ton of issues. There weren't many missed tackles, aside from that tremendous run by Thomas. Not any big missed assignments that led to big plays. UCLA got two interceptions, 4 pass deflections and forced 15 rushing plays of two or less yards (about 6 rushes for no gain, which are essentially TFLs but not counted as such). It was a solid defensive game from an execution standpoint.</div>
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<div>Exceptional day on third downs by the defense, VT went 3-17 on 3rd down. 14 failed conversions is something to hang your hat on. You'll win 95% of games where the opponent fails to convert 14 3rd downs.</div>
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<div>Offensively, there were problems. The pass protection struggled picking up the 5-7 man rushes of the Hokies' defense, but Hundley was sacked just twice. No turnovers by the offense, though there was one pass that should have been intercepted.</div>
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<div>The rushing was bad for almost every attempt, aside from Hundley's scrambles. The running backs were getting hit quickly on most carries, but they also made some poor decisions. On one carry in the first half, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162626/paul-perkins">Paul Perkins</a> cut over the top of blocks instead of underneath and ended up losing a yard instead of gaining a couple. It ended up 3rd and 11 instead of 3rd and 7. Much tougher conversion that shouldn't have happened.</div>
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<div>The passing game in the first half was a disaster. Drops, poor decision making, sailed throws, no-win route calls, total whiffs in pass protection, poorly run routes. No aspect deserves praise. It was difficult to watch and not think about all the points the offense was leaving on the board. Luckily, they total turned it around in the second half and looked phenomenal. But that first half existed.</div>
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<div>One thing that deserves special praise is the blocking by the WRs, especially by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162613/devin-fuller">Devin Fuller</a> and Shaq Evans on Hundley's 86-yard TD run. Coach Yarber has done some great things with that in his short time as the Bruins' WR coach.</div>
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<div>The 3rd downs on offense were not great, going just 5 of 13. UCLA had 7 conversion attempts of 9 or more yards, which is a difficult down to convert. A lot of that can be attributed to the run game struggles on 1st and 2nd down.</div>
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<div>Overall, the execution in this game was good but left a lot to be desired. Feel decent with a <b>B+ (3.3)</b>.</div>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;"><i><b>6.) Do we have leaders on the field?</b></i></p>
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<div>The seniors on defense. Just outstanding. Anthony Barr and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113882/cassius-marsh">Cassius Marsh</a> didn't have big statistical games, but played well throughout. Barr beat the Hokies left tackle at least 10 times in this game, but was never in position to get a sack. Barr was key in setting up lots of big plays throughout (Zumwalt's hit and Jack's pick six both started with Barr beating his man to force a broken play). <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77884/brandon-sermons">Brandon Sermons</a> had a very productive and effective day at corner, and played a ton of snaps. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77913/keenan-graham">Keenan Graham</a> got his 6th sack of the year, which tied for second on the team this season. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77885/stan-mckay">Stan McKay</a> even flashed in the 4th quarter at safety.</div>
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<div>Have to talk about Jordan Zumwalt though, the Co-MVP of the Sun Bowl. 10 tackles, an interception and about 4 hits that made the crowd and audience at home vocally react. He was impactful and definitely helped his draft stock moving forward. I'll miss watching all these seniors next year, and look forward to seeing some of them at the next level.</div>
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<div>On offense, it was all Brett Hundley. Both of the tackles played pretty well, but without Hundley this might have been a one possession game for UCLA. Go or stay, I support Brett's decision and know that he'll make the right decision for himself. In this game, he overcame his problems and delivered one of the best running halves I've seen all year and then one of the his best passing performances in the second half. 4 TDs and 387 yards of offense. Enough said. He's the best on-field leader that UCLA has had since I've been closely following the program.</div>
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<div>Going <b>A (4.0)</b> here.</div>
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<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;"><b>Final Grade Card for the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/virginia-tech-hokies">Virginia Tech Hokies</a></b></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">1.) Is our defense prepared for each and every team we play? <b>A (4.0)</b></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">2.) Do we call offensive plays to catch our opponents off guard? <b>B- (2.7)</b></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">3.) Do our players look like they know what they should be doing at all times? <b>B+ (3.3)</b></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">4.) Do our players play for 60 G-D minutes every game? <b>A (4.0)</b></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">5.) Do our players execute? <b>B+ (3.3)</b></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">6.) Do we have leaders on the field?<b> A (4.0)</b></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;"><b></b><b>Virginia Tech GPA: A- (3.6)</b></p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">For reference, the win in the final regular season game over Southern Cal came out to a <b>3.9</b> <b>GPA</b> and the victories over Nebraska, Nevada, Arizona, Washington New Mexico State, UC Berkeley, Utah and Colorado and losses to Stanford, Oregon and Arizona State were a <b>3.7</b>, a<b> 3.6, a 3.1, a 3.1, a </b><b>2.8, another 2.8, 2.9, 2.5, 2.0, 2.0 and 1.9 </b>respectively.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">That grade feels right. Technically, that's a B+ in GPA terms; but I am giving UCLA a bump to an A- for the significance of getting to 10 wins. It's a big deal. I feel weird writing the last Eye Test for 9 months, From rewind through these games looking for missed blocking assignments and trying to figure out what safeties are doing off screen, all the way to just opening up 6 tabs worth of information and copy/pasting the questions and final grading sheet from the previous week's Eye Test. I'll especially miss all of your feedback. I started writing these at a tough time, I had just figured out I'd never play another snap of college football in my life. Huge void in my life and Nestor randomly asked in a comment thread if I wanted to write up the Eye Test for the Colorado game in 2011, then the terrible 0-50 game happened and I did that one. Then it became a regular thing in the 2012 season and went from there. Without your positive feedback (along with the grammar corrections and disagreements), I don't have any idea what I'd be doing with my spare time. I'm thankful you all gave me a positive outlet.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">Anyway, the Eye Test is over until next season. Look forward to writing up after a decisive beatdown of Virginia, either after an impressive debut by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/208059/asiantii-woulard">Asiantii Woulard</a> or a step towards the Heisman for Brett Hundley. Should be a fun, but long, offseason.</p>
<p style="margin-top: 0px; margin-right: 0px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 0px;">Go Bruins!</p>
</div>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2013_sun_bowl_ucla_bruins_virginia_tech_hokies/2014/1/2/5264888/the-eye-test-ucla-hammers-virginia-tech-late-to-get-win-10IE Angel2014-01-01T11:15:01-08:002014-01-01T11:15:01-08:00WATCH: Brett Hundley's 4 TD in the Sun Bowl<object width="640" height="390"><param value="https://www.snappytv.com/embed_player.swf?id=179889" name="movie">
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<div class="source source-img"><p><p>Enjoy.</p>
<p>GO BRUINS.</p></p></div>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2014/1/1/5263962/watch-brett-hundleys-4-td-in-the-sun-bowlNestor2014-01-01T06:00:03-08:002014-01-01T06:00:03-08:00The Morning After, Epilogue: Virginia Tech
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<img alt="" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/C4ZF00WEuECPRPFn8SJMcmH57gk=/4x0:3995x2661/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/uploads/chorus_image/image/26067823/20131231_ajl_aw3_155.0.jpg" />
<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Out with the old and in with the new. But here's hoping that at least some of the new is part of the old.</p> <p>So ends another football season and another calendar year, and I find that it's a bittersweet morning for a lot of different reasons.</p>
<p>New Year's Day is always a bittersweet time. The celebration of the end of an old year and the start of a new one always serves as a very tangible marker of the passage of time. And whether you are a (near) geezer like me, or a college student with the world wide open in front of you, or the age of my kids where just staying up to midnight brings its own intrinsic glory, that same stroke of midnight which occurs every other day of the year carries added significance on December 31. It is a tangible reminder that the past is gone. It is a time to take pride in the accomplishments of the year, but all of those things and places and people we looked forward to that still sit incomplete loom larger as missed opportunities on New Year's Day, and they add more pressure going forward that while time may last forever, those outstanding opportunities might not. And I'm not actually speaking only about the Rose Bowl game here, either. Well, that's part of it, of course. But even more, I'm thinking of kids and spouses and road bikes and guitars and friends and health and pets and jobs and school and the beach and the mountains and skis and travel and anything else that makes up those most important parts of our lives. So as we wake on the first day of 2014, let's resolve to take advantage of our time and make all our coming days less bitter and more sweet.</p>
<p>Writing on Bruins Nation is extra bittersweet today, too, because I spent most of New Year's Eve after our game putting together the Bruins Nation Awards posts (shameless plug: look for polls to go up today and tomorrow). In compiling the article, I looked at every fanpost and fanshot from 2013, and then reread most of them to help collect the best of the best. Doing it reminded me of how much we went through in 2013. The end of Howland's era and the coaching search and hire and that followed were undoubtedly the lowest moments of the year. The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/college-world-series">College World Series</a> title, the beatdown of Southern Cal in football, and Women's soccer scoring #110 were absolute joys. The posts reminded me of Signing Day, petitions and letters to the Chancellor, a hotel in the center of school, the A.D,'s new contract, Mora's and Savage's new contracts, tailgates and road trips and game watch parties, uniforms, and Nick and Nebraska, and dozens of other moments that had slipped from memory. Most of all, it reminded me of how grateful I am to be part of this amazing community, and how much I want BN to be not just a voice, but THE voice of hope and unity and progress in the U.C.L.A. fanbase. BN has done some amazing things, but there are areas where we can still do better ourselves. So while I take great pride in what BN has produced and accomplished, I also know we could be so much more than we are. I sincerely appreciate every screen name that comes across this blog, and am grateful I've gotten to attach some real names along the way. I hope everyone feels not only welcome to contribute here, but that we can all create a place where everyone genuinely wants to contribute. Reading all those posts was amazing, and it also made me want many many more.</p>
<p>And since this post is about really football, today is terribly bittersweet as Bruin football fan. I really believe this was our best season since Cade McNown and company had us nationally relevant at the end of the last century. Ten and three is a really good record. Honestly, it's one game better than I thought we'd do this year, and unlike the fool's blue and gold of 2005, this ten win team felt legitimate. We were in every game this season and didn't deliver any dogs like Cal and Baylor the year before. There's something promising about being frustrated with 3 touchdown wins. We had marquee players elevating the status of the program. We played a tougher schedule and still came out with a better record. We totally stomped all over Southern Cal. We finished strong with a big win in our bowl game. Granted Virginia Tech has had better teams, but they've also played in bowl games for 21 straight years, so they are a great program with a classy and respected coach, and that makes yesterday's a really really good win. The bumps that slowed us this year were mostly our own, and those are things that are in our control to repair. Our team and the program got better this year, and on a certain level beyond stats and records, that's really what it's all about.</p>
<p>I found it particularly notable that as Coach Mora walked off the field yesterday after a dominating win to cap a ten win season, the first thing he talked about were his big picture goals. Mora said that we aren't to the promised land yet, but that we're going to get there. We all still have some legit concerns about our football team, and there are some seniors that I already miss, but it sure does look like U.C.L.A. football is steadily going in the right direction. I'm dreaming of the possibilities of our quarterback and left guard/tackle coming back for one more year. Mix in another great recruiting class with the incomparable experience our young players got this year and 2014 could have as much potential as any Bruin team I can ever remember, even more than 1988. So while I look back at the 2013 season, I am happy and satisfied with the progress and the accomplishments, and I am so hopeful and anxious for that to continue. Can't we play another football game instead of basketball next weekend?</p>
<p><i>(On a final personal note, thank you to all of you on BN for taking your time to read these morning after posts and for the kind words and valuable thoughts many of you have added. It's an honor getting to write in this space after every game, and I hope we've all been able to find some thoughtful and sincere middle ground between the too highs and too lows that are inherent with sports. In the end, it's about the four letters, the 8-Clap, and the words of Coach. Happy New Year and best wishes for 2014 to everyone. Go Bruins!)</i></p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2014/1/1/5262954/the-morning-after-epilogue-virginia-techgbruin2013-12-31T22:37:12-08:002013-12-31T22:37:12-08:00Bruins Get Win No. 10 - Official Highlights
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<figcaption>Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Official video (sideline) highlights of Bruins' convincing 42-12 win over Virginia Tech Hokies in 2013 Sun Bowl.</p> <p>Here are the official video highlights of UCLA's huge Sun Bowl win with post-game comments from <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38230/brett-hundley">Brett Hundley</a>, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/208081/myles-jack">Myles Jack</a>, Shaq Evans, <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113877/jordan-zumwalt">Jordan Zumwalt</a>.</p>
<p><span>Hundley mentioned how <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162613/devin-fuller">Devin Fuller</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/162617/jordan-payton">Jordan Payton</a> set up huge blocks for him in his 86 yard rushing TD. Jack called his pick-6 basically a "layup" after Kenny Clark had the opposing QB all "wrapped up."</span></p>
<p>Thanks again to Ralph for getting these videos together so fast after Bruins' win all season. Happy New Year to him and all the Bruins who traveled out to El Paso to enjoy today's big win.</p>
<p>GO BRUINS.</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2013_sun_bowl_ucla_bruins_virginia_tech_hokies/2013/12/31/5262884/ucla-42-virginia-tech-12-official-highlights-of-bruins-big-sun-bowlNestor2013-12-31T22:13:55-08:002013-12-31T22:13:55-08:00Lucien: "National Championship" is the Goal in '14
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136303/devin-lucien">Devin Lucien</a> sets "national championship" as the goal for next season. WATCH (<a href="http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2013/12/31/ucla-42-virginia-tech-12-receiver-devin-lucien/" target="_blank">via Jack Wang)</a>:</p>
<p><iframe frameborder="0" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/g-JKQ9fue6Y" height="360" width="640"></iframe></p>
<p>He set that as the goal regardless of whether <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38230/brett-hundley">Brett Hundley</a> leaves for the NFL or comes back for one more year.</p>
<p><span>GO BRUINS.</span></p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2013_sun_bowl_ucla_bruins_virginia_tech_hokies/2013/12/31/5262870/uclas-devin-lucien-national-championship-is-the-goal-in-2014Nestor2013-12-31T21:58:38-08:002013-12-31T21:58:38-08:00WATCH: Mora Excited About UCLA's 10th Win
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<figcaption>Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports</figcaption>
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<p>Video of Jim Mora's post-game comments after Bruins' big win over Virginia Tech.</p> <p>Here are Coach Jim Mora's comments after Bruins big win in the Sun Bowl today (<a href="http://www.insidesocal.com/ucla/2013/12/31/ucla-42-virginia-tech-12-head-coach-jim-mora/">HT Jack Wang</a> - but post now updated with Ralph's official video). Coach Mora talked about getting the 10th win which was a big milestone and goal for this program.</p>
<p>I also really liked how he shut down reporters badgering him about <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38230/brett-hundley" class="sbn-auto-link">Brett Hundley</a> (I think it was Jill Painter who asked him a stupid question) and urged everyone to focus on a solid team win. It was also interesting to hear from Mora that how he was hearing from the recruits already after getting this kind of win on the national stage.</p>
<p>Happy New Year everyone.</p>
<p>GO BRUINS.</p>
https://www.bruinsnation.com/2013_sun_bowl_ucla_bruins_virginia_tech_hokies/2013/12/31/5262848/ucla-42-virginia-tech-12-jim-mora-is-excited-about-bruins-10th-winNestor