UCLA Football: 5 Takeaways from Bruins' Bowl Game

At times, the UCLA football team looked very impressive in its 40-35 victory over the Kansas State Wildcats in the 2015 Valero Alamo Bowl. 

There were multiple takeaways from the contest—both from a positive and negative perspective.

This game in particular highlighted the importance of a player headed to the NFL. It also demonstrated the emergence of a defensive player, as well as depicting shortcomings at two positions.

Lastly, the victory displayed a newfound change in culture for this program.

Deon Hollins Has Broken Out

UCLA might have found its next star on the defensive side of the ball.

After leading the team in sacks (6.0) during the regular season, Deon Hollins added three more versus Kansas State to up his season total to 9.0.

The Houston native displayed an insanely quick first step off the line of scrimmage.

On multiple occasions, his quickness forced K-State quarterback Jake Waters out of the pocket—funneling the signal-caller directly into other UCLA defenders. 

His impact on the game truly cannot be overstated. With Owamagbe Odighizuwa graduating, look for Hollins to assume the mantle as the top rusher heading into his junior campaign in 2015.

UCLA Needs Corner Help

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Adams trying to make a play.

The corners didn't have a great showing in San Antonio. 

To be fair, the unit was going up against one of the best receivers in the country in Tyler Lockett. Regardless, tackling at times was spotty. Multiple corners had problems locating the ball once it was in the air. 

Truthfully, it was a bit surprising to see both Fabian Moreau and Ishmael Adams struggle as much as they did in this game. Depth at the position isn't great, and it's apparent an influx of talent needs to take place—if only to give the starters some rest. 

Signing a lockdown corner would behoove UCLA greatly. 

There's a Need for a Traditional Tight End

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Duarte trying to come up with the grab.

The offense was effective in large part thanks to the ground game. Brett Hundley and Paul Perkins combined for close to 300 yards rushing, and the passing game wasn't needed much. 

However, the offense did sputter at times in the second half.

For a quarterback, having a traditional tight end to make the intermediate catches is paramount, but UCLA doesn't have this luxury on the current roster. 

The Bruins employ Thomas Duarte at the Y position, which is the closest thing to a tight end in UCLA's offense. However, Duarte functions essentially as a big receiver. Against Kansas State, he was curiously targeted on deep patterns down the field. 

UCLA could desperately use a big tight end that not only has the ability to make plays in the passing game, but also block on the line. 

Scout.com 5-star tight end Chris Clark is a potential recruit who could fit the bill. 

Brett Hundley Will Be Missed

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Hundley running for a score.

This game was truly emblematic of why UCLA will miss Brett Hundley next year. 

Forget the fact Hundley will go down as one of the best quarterbacks to ever play at the university. That's redundant.

The fact is, against Kansas State, Hundley made numerous plays to keep UCLA's offense on the field. If a play broke down, his ability to pick up yardage with his legs was key. Hundley's athleticism took over and made it extremely difficult for Kansas State to defend.

His leadership in the face of adversity is also something to take note of. As Kansas State made its run in the second half, Hundley remained poised and never flinched. 

The Team Showed Great Resolve

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Hundley and Mora embracing after the game.

This truly is a different program with Jim Mora at the helm. 

In past years, a UCLA team likely would not have held onto the victory as Mora's team did. A prior team would have folded in the face of adversity. 

The big difference here is the level of mental toughness this program currently has. Counting the bowl game, UCLA went 7-0 on the road this year. This is a far cry from the last decade, in which UCLA routinely hovered around the .500 mark. 

With its second 10-win season in two years, the UCLA football program is truly rising into the national conversation.