Hundley joins UCLA’s No. 2 club

Brett Hundley did everything but hop, skip and jump off the Coliseum turf Saturday night.

Tucked under his arm was the game ball, Superman socks were on his feet and another victory over USC was in his back pocket. This could be habit-forming.

The Bruins’ 35-14 victory over the Trojans was Hundley’s second in the rivalry.

“UCLA runs L.A.,” Hundley said. “Let’s just say it because we got another year.”

The question now is whether Hundley has another year.

Hundley, as a third-year sophomore, can declare for the NFL draft after this season. UCLA fans would rather he stuck around and tried to catch former UCLA quarterback Cade McNown.

McNown was 4-0 against USC. Hundley is tied with quarterbacks Wayne Cook and Paul Cameron with two victories over the Trojans.

Leaving would seem to run counter to the vision Hundley toted along with him when he came to Westwood. He has often talked about leaving a legacy, one that included Rose Bowl victories and a national title.

Hundley said, “It’s still up in the air.” He said he will make a decision after the bowl game.

Coach Jim Mora was trying to coerce him with a postgame sales pitch.

“I’m pretty confident that he will want to stay a part of this thing,” Mora said. “You don’t want to rush through this. The allure of the money and the NFL is great, but there is nothing like a night like tonight.”

Hundley threw for 234 yards and one touchdown, and ran for two touchdowns, in a 38-28 victory over the Trojans last season.

But, he said, “last year, that win over SC, no one gave us credit for it.”

They will this year.

Hundley damaged USC with his arm and his legs. He threw for 208 yards and ran for 80. He scored touchdowns on runs of 12 and five yards, giving him 18 touchdown runs in his career, ranking him fourth among UCLA quarterbacks.

“I knew everything we were doing defensively,” Hundley said. “We got the ball out and had fun out there. When this offense has its rhythm, it’s hard to stop.”

The Bruins’ offense is in rhythm when Hundley is in sync.

Hundley completed 18 of 27 passes. He was quick in his decisions, whether to run or pass. He beat USC linebacker Devon Kennard to the corner of the end zone on his five-yard touchdown run.

“I thought he pulled the trigger a lot quicker tonight,” Mora said. “He didn’t hesitate, whether he was running or passing.”

Hundley demonstrated that, as he willed the Bruins to the end zone for their first touchdown. He completed two passes for 23 yards and ran for an additional 25, setting up a three-yard touchdown run by Myles Jack.

“He came off the field and told me everything was there,” offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone said. “He made the plays he is capable of making. It just felt like he was in control of everything.”

--

chris.foster@latimes.com