Pac-12 Preview: Is UCLA The Favorite In The South Division?

Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA head football coach Jim Mora is congratulated by players moments before the Bruins defeated the Virginia Tech Hokies 42-12 at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ivan Pierre Aguirre-USA TODAY Sports

Reason Why They Will Win: There’s only two names that you need to know if you’re trying to make the claim that UCLA is the best team in the South Division: Brett Hundley and Myles Jack. If those two are healthy this season, and the defense holds up, UCLA is a legitimate Rose Bowl contender. Plus, you get to play Oregon, Stanford, and USC at home. That’s a huge plus.

Reason Why They Won’t Win: Then again, you have to play OREGON, STANFORD, AND USC! Not to mention UCLA has to play at ASU, at Washington, and basically at Texas against a Charlie Strong team that will be looking to make a statement. Once you get past the schedule, you have to be concerned about UCLA’s offensive and defensive lines. They’re not thin (no pun intended) but there’s not a whole lot of studs either. If the line breaks down a bit, on either side of the ball, UCLA could be in trouble. Though, we could say that about any strong team in the conference.

Best Case Record: 11-1

Worst Case Record: 7-5