Pun intended. What we have learned about Oregon and UCLA these last two weeks is that at times, the lines of both teams are very offensive. Not in the powerful dominating way, but in an abhorrent “what are you doing?” kind away. Basically, to put it nicely, they’re performing well below the standards.
Oregon and UCLA’s Injuries
Jan. 3, 2013; Glendale, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks tight end Colt Lyerla (15), offensive linesman Jake Fisher (75), offensive linesman Ryan Clanton (60), offensive linesman Kyle Long (74), and offensive linesman Hroniss Grasu (55) look back to the sidelines prior to snapping the ball against the Kansas State Wildcats in the Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. The Ducks defeated the Wildcats 35-17. Mandatory Credit: Jennifer Stewart-USA TODAY Sports
Oregon knew before the season that they would be one man down as Taylor Johnstone (who has 26 career starts) tore his ACL for a second time in the last year. In the last few games, Andre Yruretagoyena and Jake Fisher have gone down with respective ankle and leg injuries.
UCLA had it a bit worse in fall camp as several Bruins sat out a large number of practices. One of the most significant injuries was to junior Simon Goines who had bone spurs removed form his ankle. The 6’7″ offensive lineman was expected back by the Texas game, but that was three and a half weeks ago. Last week, Alex Redmond was sidelined with an ankle injury, taking the Bruins down two linemen, at least for the Utah game. Redmond’s status is still unclear.
Missteps
Betsided
Let us start with UCLA. Sure they have injuries, but they have been pushed around all season long, especially the guys who have experience. Injuries has a little to do with the Bruin’s missteps, but in general, they are inconsistent.
Against Utah, the line was getting manhandled. Utah’s Nate Orchard was running past, pushing through and generally dominating the UCLA offensive line. The Bruins need to garner the strength to hold teams back or they just gonna get run over every single game. Now Oregon may not be as physical with their front seven, but they are getting the job done. The Duck’s defense is 18th in the nation in sacks, getting 3.2 a game. The Bruins have given up 23 sacks for the season. Those are two statistics that do not bode well for UCLA when combined in the same game. Now can the Bruins avoid this, or will it be more of the same? UCLA can do it, it is just impossible to detect when they will show up.
But what about Oregon’s offensive line? They have exemplified the phrase, “you’re only as strong as your weakest link”. Having several inexperienced guys in the trenches is haunting them right now. The Ducks have given up 15 sacks on the year, with the most embarrassing being the seven they gave up against Washington State.
Has Oregon learned enough in there short time together to get it together? Can UCLA find a way to blow past the Ducks O-line to get at Marcus Mariota? It is incredible that a game like this has so many questions, but the one that fans of both programs need to know is…
Can The Situation Be Fixed?
Sep 25, 2014; Tempe, AZ, USA; UCLA Bruins offensive linesman Jake Brendel (54) prepares to snap the ball as he lines up against the Arizona State Sun Devils defense during the first half at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Of course! This year we have seen both teams hold down the line in various games. The only difference between the two is that Oregon has lost a lot of key guys along the way, while UCLA has just been generally inconsistent. If Oregon wants to win, they need to stop UCLA’s pass rush, which is yet to present itself to the world. If the Bruins can have a really good game, protect Brett Hundley and allow the running game to move, UCLA could have the advantage.
If we learned anything in this Pac-12 Conference it is that no one has any clue about what’s going to happen from one week to the next. Fasten your seat belts, it is going to be a bumpy ride.