#27 Joshua Kelley / Running back / UCLA
Oregon’s defense has allowed nine rushing touchdowns this season, and when UCLA comes to town on Saturday, the Ducks’ defense will have to expect a ground attack led by running back Joshua Kelley. With 659 rushing yards and a team-high six touchdowns, Kelley is a big threat on the ground while UCLA does not present much of an aerial threat. Kelley’s six scores have all come in Pac-12 play, scoring three touchdowns in the Bruins’ win over Cal. If Kelley gets loose against the Ducks, Oregon could be in trouble.
#37 Quentin Lake / Defensive back / UCLA
As of Wednesday, Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert was questionable for Saturday’s game. If Braxton Burmeister or Tyler Shough replace Herbert for Saturday’s game, then the Ducks’ passing game will be missing its key component. Quentin Lake has two interceptions on the season. With Oregon’s run game stuttering, the Ducks will need to have a good performance in the air. Lake will be UCLA’s defensive back to avoid for the Ducks’ quarterback, whether it’s Herbert or one of his backups.
# 3 Johnny Johnson III / Wide receiver / Oregon
Johnny Johnson III has struggled this year with the Ducks. He has just 185 yards and two touchdowns on the year. After coming into the season with the expectation that he would be one of Herbert’s favorite targets, Johnson III has fallen down the pecking order. But with Dillon Mitchell in concussion protocol, Johnson III will have to help in the junior’s absence. If Johnson III can have a decent performance against the Bruins, the Ducks’ offense can be a threat against a UCLA defense that is allowing an average of 221.75 yards per game this season.
#35 Troy Dye / Linebacker / Oregon
Troy Dye is one of Oregon’s most valuable players on defense. But during recent games, he has had to step out due to minor injuries. A healthy Dye is key for the Ducks’ defense, especially with a run-heavy Bruins side visiting Autzen on Saturday. Defending the run game, Dye will have to be ready to pick up on running backs. At middle linebacker, Dye is the glue in Oregon’s defense, leading the team with 70 total tackles, 21 of which are solo tackles.
Follow Shawn Medow on Twitter @ShawnMedow
Players to watch when Oregon plays UCLA
November 2, 2018
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