The UCLA Bruins and the Stanford Cardinal went head to head in a game that was decided at the very end. Stanford would squeeze by with the victory with a final score of 48-47. Despite the loss, the Bruins can be proud of their effort throughout the season. Here are some takeaways from this season and what to look forward to in UCLA’s future.
Quarterback Situation
We very well could have seen the last of Dorian Thompson-Robinson in a UCLA uniform as he could forgo his final season and enter into the NFL draft. Thompson-Robinson had a much improved season from last year despite being sidelined for part of the season due to Covid-19.
If DTR decides to leave, the Bruins are still in good hands at quarterback with Chase Griffin. Griffin stepped in for the Bruins in the absence of Thompson-Robinson multiple times this year. In just three games, He threw for six touchdowns, 491 total yards, and completing over 60 percent of his passes.
DTR did, however, send a tweet that makes it seem very likely that he will be back for a final season at UCLA.
https://twitter.com/DoriansTweets/status/1341124910005907456?s=20
Run It Back
Of all the players on the 2020 roster, only two players will be leaving: running back Demetric Felton and defensive linemen Osa Odighizuwa. Both of them will be missed based on their productions this season but UCLA will be fine with many of their young players improving going into the offseason.
A defense that led the Pac-12 with 23 sacks and nine interceptions consisted of mostly juniors and sophomores. Many of these players were first-year starters. This unit will be much improved next season and look to improve on their momentum this season.
Signees To Look Out For
While the Bruins are still a young team, they added more fuel to the fire with some of their recent commits. Four-star signees, defensive linemen Quintin Somerville, athlete Devin Kirkwood, and three-star dual-threat quarterback Kajiya Hollawayne top the list of players that could make a future impact on the Bruin’s roster.
One of the nation’s top running backs in Deshun Murrell re-committed to the team and could help add more competition to the backfield in the absence of Demetric Felton.
Overview
Despite the up and down season, UCLA’s future is bright. If not for Covid and injuries, the Bruins could’ve easily ended the season with more wins on their record. Many of their losses came in close games against opponents who were more dominant on paper. Chip Kelly will look to continue this momentum going forward into next season. A young team that will only get better in the future. Fans have a lot to be excited about going into the offseason.