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This was supposed to be an epic battle of epic proportions. After last weekend, it seems to have lost its luster a bit. Oregon Vs UCLA, the game that could be a preview of the Pac-12 Championship game, has now it has turned into a game of survival. It all started last Thursday when the Oregon Ducks lost to the Arizona Wildcats to start a wacky week in college football that ended with the UCLA Bruins losing to the unranked Utah Utes. Both Oregon and UCLA had a chance to win their respective games, but did not kick it into high gear to end the game. To use an ‘EA Sports NCAA Football 14’ term, their “Light A Fire” skill was not activated. It was a painful affair for both programs.
So where does that leave each team? Both have a 4-1 record with a 1-1 conference tally. The most important thing that can be taken out of that, is after this game, one of these teams will have two losses overall and in conference. It also comes with the possibility that one of them could lose grasp on going to the first ever college football playoffs.
Sep 20, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) drops back for a pass against the Washington State Cougars during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Both of these teams were supposed to win. It was given. Critics, pundits, experts and even armchair quarterbacks got their say of how these games were supposed to happen this past weekend. Instead of two undefeated teams going at it, we get two teams in a thick Pac-12 race that are trying to not lose position.
For Oregon, they are a team that is not supposed to lose, at all or ever. Head Coach Mark Helfrich‘s second-year was intended to be a blast as Oregon was suppose to contend for the national championship… again. But now they have lost early and need to do anything to stay alive. Part of that would include improvements on their offensive line because they are letting opposing defenses get at Marcus Mariota one too many times.
Speaking of getting at the opponent too many times, you could say the exact same thing about UCLA’s O-line. Against Utah, they allowed 10 sacks on Brett Hundley. As I said in a previous article, that is unacceptable.
Oct 4, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) throws a pass during the second quarter against the Utah Utes at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Robert Hanashiro-USA TODAY Sports
The worst thing is the reminder of what a complete game UCLA had in an impressive run against Arizona State in the previous week. They put up 62 points whilst limiting the Sun Devils to 27. Against Utah, the Utes came out with fists flying and sent a bold message that they will not be bullied. The result was a win for a team that knew how to dominate the line.
So what happens now? I can tell you that if it was me and my team did not show up, you’re damn right I would be pissed. Which is what I hope to see on the Rose Bowl field this Saturday… two really angry teams going at it, blow for blow. Sure this isn’t the matchup we expected at the beginning of the season, but then again, it may be even better.
Just imagine what these two teams are going to do each other this weekend. Oh, college football, how I love you. Enjoy.