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Know Your Opponent: UCLA Football vs. Oregon Ducks 2017

By Michael Chavez

PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Jim Mora of the UCLA Bruins looks at his team prior to a game against the Washington State Cougars at Rose Bowl on November 14, 2015 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)
PASADENA, CA - NOVEMBER 14: Head coach Jim Mora of the UCLA Bruins looks at his team prior to a game against the Washington State Cougars at Rose Bowl on November 14, 2015 in Pasadena, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images) /
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Oregon Defense

It all starts upfront for the Ducks. Last year they played in a 4-3 defense but only after one year new defensive coordinator Jim Leavitt has moved them back into a more flexible 3-4 that allows him to show off what will be a very stout DL for years to come and some of the more exciting LBs in the PAC-12 this year.

The Ducks have received a few boosts via transfer including DT Scott Pagano and DT Malik Young that help shore up a DL group in need of a few more bodies. The depth or the need for more of it was felt most heavily in the interior of the 3-4 where the NT position was being manned by two true freshmen in Austin Faoliu and the mountain that is Jordan Scott.

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The linebacker group is where the star of this defense lives. Troy Dye is a tackling machine using his athleticism as a former safety to seek out ball carriers and bring his 244 pound frame to bear with devastating power. If that last name sounds familiar to UCLA Football fans it should. Dye is the younger brother of former Bruin safety Tony Dye. Jonah Moi provides a pass rush on one end but the Ducks have a number of players they’ll rotate in which has helped them notch 24 sacks on the season so far. Second best in the nation. Take that with a grain of salt though.

11 of the 24 sacks on the season have come against Washington State and Cal where the Ducks racked up four against the Cougars and seven against the Golden Bears. Not quite a consistent rush but they could be in line for a big haul against an improved but shaky UCLA Football OL.

A pass rush is a secondary’s best friend and while the Ducks have been able to get home to QBs the back end of this defense is still vulnerable. They rank 112th out of 130 teams in terms of pass defense and have surrendered 15 touchdown passes halfway through the season. UCLA Football QB Josh Rosen could have his way with this secondary provided the vaunted pass rush doesn’t get home. Freshman CB Thomas Graham is tied for the lead with two interceptions but six different players have at least one.