College Football Preview: Bruins have eye on Pac-12 Title

The UCLA Bruins are hoping the 2014 season finds the veteran squad in the mix for a national title. Then again, in hearing UCLA coach Jim Mora Jr. talk, that’s the goal every year for this team, which last season (10-3, 6-3 Pac-12) was in the running for a Pac-12 title.

“We need to win Pac-12 championships and Rose Bowls,” Mora said. “We need to be in the national title picture. We need to continue to graduate our student athletes. We’re really just getting started. We’re two years [in]. That’s nothing.”

The good news for the Bruins is there are 16 returning starters, the biggest of which is QB Brett Hundley who is hoping to add to his NFL-ready resume. The offense looks to be in good shape with running backs Jordon James and Paul Perkins, as well as wide receivers Devin Fuller and Devin Lucien.

As powerful as the offense is, the backbone of this UCLA team is its defense. While linebacker Anthony Barr left for the NFL, filling his shoes will be Pac 12’s Offensive and Defensive Freshman of the Year linebacker Myles Jack along with Eric Kendricks.

If there’s a team that could surprise the Pac-12, it’s UCLA with the talent to make a run for the first ever College Football Playoff

ODDS to win the National Championship: 14/1