Pac-12 Football: The MVP for every Pac-12 team for 2015

Nov 28, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins running back Paul Perkins (24) is tackled by Southern California Trojans linebacker Olajuwon Tucker (34) during an NCAA football game at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The defense was riddled with injuries, and Josh Rosen was working through a learning experience this season. To help balance those two out, the UCLA Bruins turned to Paul Perkins. Running the ball was key for the Bruins, chewing up the clock to keep the defense off the field, and opening up the passing game for Rosen, alleviating some of the pressure for the true freshman quarterback.

Not to say that the defense was bad, they had many all-conference selections, but losing so many key players throughout the season hindered the Bruins, and could have been the difference between them heading to the Foster Farms Bowl, or heading to the Pac-12 Championship Game.

In a conference jam-packed with running backs, Perkins was the conferences 4th leading rusher, behind the likes of Christian McCaffrey, Royce Freeman, and Devontae Booker. As a redshirt junior, Perkins will have a tough decision to make when it comes to the path to the NFL.

Next: USC