Illinois became just the fifth team in NCAA history to start the regular season at 6-0 and end it at 6-6.

UCLA managed a different, more exclusive distinction on Saturday night.

The Bruins became the first college football team to finish 6-8 after their loss to the Illini.
But despite the dubious distinction, UCLA players were proud to represent their school and were defiant to the criticism about their season.

“No one criticizes Cal; no one criticizes Arizona State,” Jones said. “We beat both those teams. We were supposed to be here. We played in the Pac-12 championship, and we deserve it. Who else would you put in this bowl game?”