A lot can change in just two weeks.

After beating Washington three games ago, Oregon would have been the clear favorite to beat UCLA in Autzen Stadium. Now, with so much turnover from the Pac-12 in the AP Top-25 Poll, it’s not so clear.
Quarterback Justin Herbert could miss the game if he does not clear concussion protocol. Herbert’s favorite target Dillon Mitchell also suffered a concussion, and neither practiced on Monday. Quarterbacks Braxton Burmeister and Tyler Shough both practiced today, and there has not been a call made yet, according to offensive coordinator Marcus Arroyo.  

“I’m most excited to get him off injury, getting him out there full speed,” Arroyo said of Burmeister. “He’s grown a lot, his maturity has grown bounds since last year.”
Burmeister is coming off an injury from early in the season, so Shough, a freshman from Chandler, Arizona, has gotten more reps the past few weeks.

Even with good week of practice, tight end Jacob Breeland was surprised at how ineffective the offense was. “We got a chip on our shoulder, we just got to come together,” Breeland said. “We can’t let anyone go off by themselves.”  

Breeland said because he got throws in everyday with Shough and Burmeister in the summer, they know each other’s style of play, and shouldn’t have to force any chemistry on Saturday.

Arizona’s defense threw Oregon off its running game, which hasn’t looked in sync since playing Washington a few weeks ago. Up until that point, Oregon had one of the most versatile offenses in the Pac-12, and the running game was consistent. The past two weeks have seen the opposite.

“We had six really good weeks,” Arroyo said. “And our job is to get back to business and our effectiveness. …Our running the football is something we all want to do.”

If Mitchell does not play, the Oregon wideouts will need to step up as well. Brenden Schooler and Jaylon Redd are the top options.

Follow August Howell on Twitter @howell_august