This Oregon and UCLA game is going to be good. Maybe not in regards to expectations, but the drama will be very alive and kicking. Both teams lost last weekend to unranked teams, giving Oregon and UCLA a 4-1 record. So whoever loses in this game, will be in a spot of trouble as other teams in the conference have shown improvements which currently gives this conference an 11-team race (sorry Colorado).
Offensive Line Woes
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
The Ducks and Bruins have up-tempo offenses which have been slowed due to the sub-standard performance by both offensive lines. In the last two games, Oregon has given up 12 sacks with seven occurring in the game against Washington State. When UCLA lost to Utah last week, the Utes got 10 sacks in the game. Something must be done.
Right now both teams cannot help injuries. Oregon has taken a hit with Jake Fisher, Taylor Johnstone and Andre Yruretagoyena who are currently out with various injuries. Fisher will be a game time decision. For the Bruins, lineman Alex Redmond is also a game time decision and there is still no sign of Simon Goines returning who has been out since fall camp.
Now it is easy to say that if these two lines can galvanize and put together a solid performance, they should be fine. Many times throughout the early season they have been able to hold down the fort but it has not been on a consistent basis. Either way, things need to improve because both defenses will be coming for them.
The Defenses Attack
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The Ducks and Bruins front seven have been average. Strike that, they their entire defenses have been mediocre, it is almost is if these two teams are mirroring each other. The one thing that Oregon does have going for them is their 3.2 sack per game which bring them in at 18th in the nation. UCLA is 109th with a whopping seven total sacks, which comes out to 1.4 per game. There clearly is a difference and the Bruins need to pick up the pace.
DeForest Buckner and Erik Armstead are two excellent pass rushers that UCLA needs to keep in check. The Bruins did not do a decent job at stopping Utah’s Nate Orchard last week as he got to Hundley four times, just for reference. The Duck’s secondary may be their best asset, but they are giving up a lot of yards. They are 11th in the Pac-12 with 309.6 yards, luckily they tighten things up when it comes to scoring as they have only allowed nine touchdowns, making them fourth in the conference. The guys Brett Hundley needs to throw away from are defensive backs Ifo Ekpre-Olomu who wreaks havoc defending the air and Erick Dargan who is second in the conference with three interceptions.
Quarterback Battle
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
These two QBs are still very good, they just need to get their heads in the game and not doubt themselves in this huge Pac-12 match-up. Hundley has looked good, but he has also looked not so good. Holding onto the ball, the inability to run away from pass rushers and a lingering elbow injury can do that to a guy, but he has also looked surprising, especially when he throws the long ball. It is a question now if he can weave through the Oregon secondary without throwing another pick six, then he should be good.
Marcus Mariota on the other hand seems to have trouble holding onto the ball. Because he needs to avoid contact, he must get help from his offensive line. Other than that he is great at connecting with his receivers and can run all over the field. A pass rush would be nice for UCLA right about now.
Coordinator Conundrums
It seems as though both defensive coordinators are feeling some heat. Oregon’s Don Pellum and UCLA’s Jeff Ulbrich are getting called out for their style of play or lack of stay, if you while. Both have seemed a bit predictable and the ability to change comes later than sooner which has gotten both teams in trouble recently. Both are first year DCs and are still learning on the job so this is a game where each have to make a statement. There is no other way to put it. If they do not, then their teams will get a “L” and make it harder for themselves to climb out of this whole. Simple logic.
Oregon And UCLA: Final Thought
This one is going to be close. Despite their faults, they still have a lot of guys that can make the big play. Right now it appears Oregon is in a better place, at least from a consistent stand point (but not by much). There are a lot more things that UCLA has to work on and because of that…
Prediction: Oregon 27 – UCLA 24