2014 Schedule Preview: UCLA Bruins

Dec 31, 2013; El Paso, TX, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) throws a pass during the third quarter against the Virginia Tech Hokies in the 2013 Sun Bowl at Sun Bowl Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Quarterback

It’s easy to see why NFL scouts are high on Brett Hundley. The junior threw the ball less than he did in 2012, but he still had 24 touchdown passes to nine interceptions. Last season he showcased his running ability, leading the team in rushing. His ability to scramble out of the pocket cut down on the sacks he took. In 2012, he was sacked 52 times. Last season he cut that number to 35.

Hundley is being mentioned as a possible Heisman candidate. He probably won’t put up the eye-popping numbers a Marcus Mariota or Bryce Petty will, so he will need to win games to stay in the conversation.

So how does Texas stop him? Some scouts have noted that Hundley has trouble reading defenses, and his accuracy can be erratic. Look for defensive coordinator Vance Bedford to disguise his defensive looks to try and confuse Hundley. Applying pressure will only work if the Longhorns can keep him in the pocket. Texas won’t be able to stop Hundley from making plays. Instead the defense will try to limit the damage and hope the offense can take some of the pressure off of it.