Offense
Oregon
The Ducks come in with the nation’s second best offense (57.6 ppg) and have scored 54.8 points per game against Pac-12 opponents, also second best in the country. Oregon’s 332.43 rushing yards per game are good for second in the land and De’Anthony Thomas is expected to play this week after missing the last three games due to an ankle injury suffered on the opening kickoff against Cal, which should open up more options in the running game as well as in the air. Marcus Mariota committed his first two turnovers of the season last weekend but still hasn’t thrown an interception through seven games.
UCLA
Sophomore quarterback Brett Hundley has catapulted himself into the elite category among collegiate QBs. He’s passed for 1,661 yards and has ran for 287 more, combining for 16 total touchdowns. He’s also caught a seven-yard score and has one punt on the season, officially making him the most versatile quarterback around. As a team, the Bruins score 39.8 points per game and emphasize the passing attack (301.7 ypg to 198.5 rushing ypg). Leading rusher Jordon James was help out of UCLA’s game against Stanford with an injury and his status is unclear for Saturday’s date with Oregon.
Advantage: Oregon
Defense
Oregon
The pass-happy Washington State Cougars put up 38 points on Oregon last weekend and the Ducks still only allow 17.3 points per game. Opposing rushers are gaining a measly 3.25 yards per carry and have scored just five rushing touchdowns on 225 attempts. Oregon’s pass defense took a hit last week against Connor Halliday, but has still forced 11 interceptions and the unit has a plus 13 turnover margin, second best in college football.
UCLA
The Bruins have a stout defense of their own, led by linebackers Anthony Barr and Eric Kendricks, who lead the team in tackles for loss and total tackles, respectively. They’ve forced nine picks of their own and hold opposing quarterbacks to 6.1 yards per pass attempt. However, the Bruins yield 147 yards on the ground per contest and have a turnover margin of only three.
Advantage: Oregon
Special Teams
Oregon
Thomas’ return will be huge in the return game. He and Bralon Addison are two of the quickest, most dynamic players in college football and increase scoring opportunities in an aspect of the game that’s often overlooked. Kickers Alejandro Maldonado and Matt Wogan have alternated point after attempts for the most part, and have combined to attempt just five field goals all season, converting on four. Maldonado has filled the role of punter nicely, averaging a respectable 39.91 yards per kick on limited attempts.
UCLA
The Bruins have two solid return men in Steven Manfro and Shaquelle Evans, but neither has recorded a return touchdown this season. Sophomore kicker Ka’imi Fairbairn is 10 for 13 in field goal attempts but is accurate from inside 45 yards. Sean Covington has averaged 42.62 yards per punt and has also seen limited action, but has proven himself as a quality punter when needed.
Advantage: Oregon