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UCLA Football: 3 takeaways from heartbreaking loss to USC in Week 15

By Connor Muldowney

Dec 12, 2020; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kyle Philips (2) reacts at the end of the game against the Southern California Trojans at Rose Bowl. USC defeated UCLA 43-38. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2020; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Kyle Philips (2) reacts at the end of the game against the Southern California Trojans at Rose Bowl. USC defeated UCLA 43-38. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 12, 2020; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Ethan Fernea (36) celebrates with running back Brittain Brown (28) after scoring on a 33-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Southern California Trojans at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 12, 2020; Pasadena, California, USA; UCLA Bruins wide receiver Ethan Fernea (36) celebrates with running back Brittain Brown (28) after scoring on a 33-yard touchdown reception in the first quarter against the Southern California Trojans at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

1. UCLA has turned a corner

Call me crazy, but if this season has proven anything, it’s that UCLA looks like it has finally turned the corner and looks to be headed toward the top half of the Pac-12 for years to come.

I know, a 3-3 record isn’t the most impressive finish in the country, but UCLA was just a few plays away from being 6-0 on the regular season. The Bruins were competitive in every single game and their only three losses were against Colorado, Washington and USC which were all ranked teams in Week 15. They also nearly beat all three of them.

UCLA could have very well toppled Colorado in the opener and almost took down Washington shortly after. On Saturday, the Bruins probably should have beaten USC but stumbled down the stretch.

Chip Kelly was on the hot seat heading into the season and a 3-3 record may not be enough to make people say “wow, he saved his job”, he has done enough to earn himself another year, at least.

Progress was shown in 2020 and UCLA looks to be headed back in the right direction.

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