UCLA Football vs. Oregon 2018: Go Joe Bruin predicts the game

What will become of the UCLA football team as they travel north to face Oregon in Chip Kelly’s return to Eugene? Go Joe Bruin (tries to) tell you as we predict the game!

There are several unknowns going into the game between the Oregon and UCLA football teams. Will key starters play? Will defenses improve? Will offenses be effective?

Who knows, but even though there is a lot of calamity entering this game, we here at GJB did our best to give our analysis on this crucial Pac-12 matchup.

Mike Crawford

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It will be another close game, but another loss. The Bruins keep it close based on Oregon’s uncertainty at quarterback but struggle for the same reason during their offensive drives. Silver lining: Kelley has another 100+ yard rushing day. Oregon 35 – UCLA 28

Nathan Eberhardt

UCLA’s key will be controlling the ball on offense and getting off the field on defense. The biggest weakness of the team right now is the lack of depth and experience causing the defense to tire out midway through games. The offense has to protect the defense.

If Oregon is missing Herbert and Mitchell, the defense should be able to key on the run and get off the field. Otherwise, it could be a long day. If Justin Herbert and Dillon Mitchell play: Oregon 41 – UCLA 17. If Herbert and Mitchell do not play: UCLA 28 – Oregon 13

Michael Hanna

Oregon is able to move the ball more efficiently against a beaten and battered UCLA defense than a Wilton Speight-led trick or treat offense is able to do against the Ducks. The Bruins stay within the spread against an overhyped Oregon team, but it isn’t enough for a victory with Justin Herbert able to play in this game. Oregon 31 – UCLA 21

Jake Merrifield

If Herbert doesn’t play, UCLA 27 – Oregon 20. If he does play, UCLA 30 – Oregon 24. Either way, Bruins bounce back in Eugene.

Chris Osgood

S&P+ shows both offenses having a distinct ranking advantage against the defenses. The over/unders are hovering around 60, predicted margins are all in the 10 point range. Chip Kelly will also bust out another new formation (Pistol Diamond?) to mixed results. Oregon 34 – UCLA 28.

Mike Regalado

With all the peculiar results occurring in the Pac-12 this year and Chip Kelly’s return to Eugene, I fully expect this game to have some bizarre moments leading to an unorthodox final score. Both teams are having issues and are injury-laden, which will lead to some interesting tactics on the part of both Oregon’s Mario Cristobal and UCLA’s Kelly.

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With that in mind, I believe we see a strong effort by the Bruins’ run game as they streak blue and gold all over Autzen Stadium. UCLA 25 – Oregon 22