Saturday’s game in Eugene is a must-win for both sides. Oregon has to beat UCLA to remain unbeaten and stay strong in the BCS standings to keep their national championship hopes alive. UCLA needs to win to keep pace in the Pac-12 South after suffering their first loss of the season last weekend at Stanford.
Speaking of last weekend, UCLA is about to complete what is perhaps the toughest two consecutive weeks in college football. A week after facing No. 6 Stanford (ranked 13th at the time) in Palo Alto, the Bruins have to travel further north to take on the third ranked Ducks in the not-so-friendly confines of Autzen Stadium. UCLA’s offensive line is banged up and three true freshmen will start Saturday against Oregon. Scott Quessenberry will be making his college football debut, widening the eyes of Ducks defenders.
For Oregon, swing man De’Athony Thomas is expected to play this weekend after missing the last three games with an ankle injury. He’ll open up possibilities on offense and special teams as well as complete the running back trio that was missing its leader.
While the Ducks get back a running back, the Bruins will likely be without their starter Jordon James, who suffered an injury against Utah and was unable to play against Stanford.
One thing to watch for Saturday: The turnover battle. Marcus Mariota suffered his first two giveaways of the season last weekend against Washington State when he coughed up two fumbles. Byron Marshall lost one as well, and the Cougars were very much in the game at halftime. With all-world linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks lining up opposite of Mariota on Saturday, Oregon’s QB has to be extra careful with the football.
Here’s a breakdown of the two teams by the numbers:
Points per game (for/against)
Oregon: 57.6/17.3 UCLA: 39.8/19,2
Rushing yards per game (for/against)
Oregon: 332.43/118.29 UCLA: 198.5/147
Passing yards per game (for/against)
Oregon: 310.7/251.9 UCLA: 301.7/210.2
Turnover margin
Oregon: +12 UCLA: +3
Sacks
Oregon: 21 UCLA: 13