Oregon Offense
Oregon’s offensive production has tanked in the last two weeks and hit rock bottom last week against Arizona. The Ducks only rushed for 84 yards against the Pac-12’s 10th-best rushing defense. The passing game didn’t fare much better. Quarterback Justin Herbert completed 50 percent of his passes and failed to consistently find open receivers besides Dillon Mitchell. But the two have missed practices this week in concussion protocol, and their statuses for Saturday’s game is to be determined. Regardless, it is important the Ducks regain control of the line of scrimmage. They’ve lost the battle up front in the last two games, and it seems the Ducks aren’t built to become an air-raid offense.
UCLA Defense
The UCLA defense is statistically similar to Arizona. They have a poor run defense and an average pass defense. Like the Ducks’ offense, it struggled last week, allowing Utah to score 41 points. Six of the Bruins’ starters are underclassmen, including two freshmen on the defensive line. Outside linebacker Keisean Lucier-South is toward the top of the Pac-12 in sacks with four, but the Bruins often struggle to generate a pass rush. They only average 1.6 sacks per game, which is 10th in the Pac-12. They struggle to force turnovers and have been pushed around on the line of scrimmage.
Verdict:
If Oregon can find its running game, then it should go the Ducks’ way. The Ducks have all the advantages on paper, but they did against Arizona as well. Assuming Herbert plays, the Ducks still have a weapon that UCLA’s defense can’t match.
Advantage: Oregon
UCLA Offense
The Bruins’ Chip Kelly-led offense is far from what the coach had at Oregon. The only senior starter is quarterback Wilton Speight, who has missed much of this season with a back injury. He played last week against Utah and the offense struggled against one of the Pac-12’s best defenses. They are a balanced offense when it comes to play calling, but the Bruins’ passing offense is the worst in the Pac-12. The rushing offense is better but not great. Speight is not a mobile quarterback, but backup Dorian Thompson-Robinson is, and he is second on the team in rush attempts. Kelly might play a little of both, but they have yet to show the consistent ability to move the ball.
Oregon Defense
Oregon’s defense held its own in the first half against Arizona. Yes, the Wildcats scored a lot of points, but the Duck defense was constantly put in poor field position via the offense. Still, when the offense slightly improved, Arizona was able to move the ball. The Ducks were pushed around in both the passing game and the running game, which is surprising given it’s one of the best in the Pac-12. Oregon’s passing defense is 10th in the Pac-12, but it has been the best at grabbing interceptions. Luckily for Oregon, they are going against the worst passing offense in the Pac-12. UCLA can’t exploit that weakness.
Verdict
Again, Oregon owns the advantage on paper. But can Kelly make some magic against his former team? Maybe; however, Oregon’s defense has been good at home this season.
Advantage: Oregon
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