UCLA Football: Ranking the 4 Best Moments for the Bruins in 2014

There were some prominent moments within the 2014 season for Jim Mora and the UCLA football team. In fact, four specific moments in particular stand out. 

This piece will rank the four best moments this year for the Bruins. Criteria for each slot in the rankings is determined in two ways.

For one, the sheer excellence of the moment from an athletic standpoint will hold clout. The context in which the moment was manifested will also count in ranking the moments. 

Here are the four best moments for the UCLA football team in 2014.

4. Ishmael Adams vs. Arizona State

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Ishmael Adams making a defender look foolish.

Ishmael Adams put on a complete show in the 62-27 trouncing of the Arizona State Sun Devils in Tempe. 

The diminutive athlete not only returned an interception 95 yards for a touchdown, but he also had a 100-yard kickoff return for a score. 

Adams truly did show what a dynamic athlete he is. The interception return completely flipped the momentum in favor of the Bruins. The kickoff return early in the third quarter virtually broke the Sun Devils' back—essentially putting the game out of reach. 

On both returns, Adams demonstrated considerable quickness and agility to go along with elusiveness and vision. It's one of the more impressive games you'll find from a defensive player. 

3. The Domination of USC

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Thomas Duarte scoring on a long touchdown.

The city of Los Angeles is firmly in the grasp of the UCLA Bruins at this point. 

A 38-20 victory over the crosstown foe USC Trojans marked the third straight year in which the Bruins have won the rivalry game. 

The score wasn't indicative of the performance Mora's team put on in front of their home crowd, either.

UCLA completely dominated the Trojans on both sides of the ball. USC quarterback Cody Kessler essentially had no time to deliver passes down the field—in large part due to the effort of UCLA's defensive line. 

This game further cements the rising nature of UCLA's football program. Surely, this will resonate with recruits all across the state of California.

2. The Marcus Rios Interception

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Marcus Rios making an important interception.

Corner Marcus Rios should be an inspiration to not only the football team, but anyone and everyone on the planet. 

His issues well chronicled, there was a real chance Rios would never play football again. Due to his diligence and hard work, though, the northern California native was able to return to the field this season.

Not only did Rios return, he came back with a bang. 

In the waning seconds of the contest versus Cal, Rios was able to intercept Jared Goff to preserve UCLA's first victory in Berkeley since 1998. 

It truly was a special culmination of a long and arduous road. 

Congratulations, Marcus.

1. The Heroics of Jerry Neuheisel

Hollywood couldn't have written a better script if it tried. 

Jerry Neuheisel is a mirror image of his father—former UCLA head coach and star quarterback Rick Neuheisel. Like his dad, the blonde-haired signal-caller is not blessed with tremendous physical tools.

However, his intangibles are off the charts. 

In the wake of a Brett Hundley injury, the reserve quarterback led UCLA to a come-from-behind 20-17 victory on national television versus Texas. 

Incredibly poised, Neuheisel fired a perfect pass down the sidelines to Jordan Payton for the eventual game-winning score late in the fourth quarter. 

As he triumphantly was carried off the field by his teammates at the conclusion of the contest, his dad was absolutely beaming.