BrUInS PROVE ThemSELVES IN EUGENE: OREGON vs ucla game recap

It was definitely an ugly one in Eugene this past Saturday, in a game where both starting quarterbacks combined for 205 passing yards, zero touchdowns and four interceptions. Ultimately, the Bruins would come out with a huge win and would move up to the 12th ranked team in the AP Poll.

UCLA would start the game with a field goal, following a 62-yard pass from Nico Iamaleava to Wide Receiver Aidan Mizell on the first play from scrimmage. This would be Mizell’s only catch of the game. Oregon would fail to respond, but would get the ball back at the 1-yard line following an Iamaleava fumble. Running Back Jordon Davison would punch it in on the first play of the drive for an Oregon touchdown. Oregon would fail a 2-point conversion, a very questionable decision by Dan Lanning. Following the touchdown, four punts would end the first quarter.

The second quarter was arguably the ugliest in recent memory. The quarter had three interceptions, all in a row, four three-and-outs, two fumbles (both by Oregon), and a missed field goal by UCLA. The only points of the quarter would come from a 35-yard rushing touchdown from Star UCLA Running Back Wayne Knight. 

The third quarter wouldn’t be any prettier. Oregon would have three drives: the first was a 3-play, -8 yard drive resulting in a punt, the second a fumble from Wide Receiver Evan Stewart, and the last was the second interception of the game for Dylan Raiola. It wasn’t much better for UCLA, who had a punt and a turnover on downs. 

However, UCLA started the fourth hot, with a 14-yard pass from Backup Quarterback Ty Dieffenbach, who replaced an injured Iamaleava, to Semaj Morgan. The Bruins would lead 17-6. Now, surely Oregon would respond, but no, another turnover. This time a fumble from third-string Quarterback Brock Thomas, who replaced Raiola, who was benched. UCLA’s last three drives would end in punts, giving Oregon a chance. Oregon cut the lead to 8 with a field goal, helped set up by a 35-yard reception from Dakorien Moore. However, Oregon had 1st & Goal from the 10 on this drive and failed to capitalize. 

Oregon would cut the lead to two on a 44-yard touchdown to Evan Stewart, a play where UCLA completely failed to bring him down. However, Oregon would fail to complete the two-point conversion, which was only needed to tie the game because of a failed two-point conversion earlier in the game. From there, the Ducks had nothing left, besides a botched lateral play at the end of the game, resulting in another fumble in the statsheet. The Bruins would come out with a 17-15 win. 

Six punts on 4-play drives or less. Five fumbles. Two interceptions. An absolutely unheard of game for Ducks fans. UCLA wasn’t much better, recording six punts on 4-play drives or less, a fumble and two interceptions, along with a turnover on downs and missed field goal. Ugly game aside, it is a check in the win column for UCLA and the Bruins are now 5-0. They will need Iamaleava to get healthy and cut out the turnovers if they want to make a miracle run into the CFP. He finished the game with 162 passing yards and three turnovers. Wayne Knight continued to impress, however, recording 103 rushing yards on 22 carries and two total touchdowns. Aidan Mizell and Semaj Morgan led the Bruins with 62 and 55 yards, respectively.

Obviously, the UCLA defense showed out. They had 7 tackles for a loss, a sack, five fumble recoveries and two interceptions. Ta’Shawn James and Tao Johnson each had an interception and Jalen Woods led the Bruins with 9 tackles, two for a loss. Anthony Sacca had a strip sack, the Bruins’ only sack of the game.

Overall, the Bruin defense had Oregon in shambles. Raiola ended the game with an inefficient 6/19 passing with 43 passing yards and three turnovers. Backup to Raiola, and the team's third string, Brock Thomas, performed much better with 156 passing yards on 15 attempts, and a touchdown. However, the late push would not be enough for the Ducks. The UCLA defense also shut down the Oregon rushing attack, as Dierre Hill Jr. and Jordon Davison combined for 85 yards on 23 carries. 

Dakorien Moore led the Ducks in receiving with 77 yards and Evan Stewart was just behind him with 74 yards and a touchdown. Obviously, an absolutely disastrous showing from the Oregon offense, who will now have to hope that Dante Moore is ready for the remainder of their season. The Ducks have zero room for error and must win out in order to make the CFP.

Defensively, Koi Perich led the Ducks with 11 tackles and an interception. Jerry Mixon also had 8 tackles and an interception, along with Matayo Uiagalelei recording two sacks. The Duck defense stood strong, despite an absolutely lackluster performance from their offense. They held UCLA to 4 for 16 on 3rd downs, but their own offense was an even worse 1 for 12.

Is it time for Oregon fans to press the panic button? Yes. I am aware they didn’t have their quarterback for this game, but this was an absolute embarrassment from the Ducks. Raiola is an experienced college football player who has made countless starts in his career, and played great for Oregon in their prior game against USC. There’s absolutely zero excuse for this performance. It was an all-around failure of a game from the Oregon roster and coaching staff. As stated before, they must win out now, unless they miss the 12-team CFP for the first time in program history. They still play on the road at Ohio State. 

On the other hand, UCLA’s CFP path seems wide open now. They play Wisconsin at home next week, which will be a true test, along with at Minnesota, at Michigan and home against USC. Besides that, the Bruins play Michigan State, Nevada and Illinois. Most likely, the Bruins can go 6-1 and still make the CFP as an at-large team. UCLA is one of nine undefeated teams remaining in the country. Bob Chesney certainly is succeeding at his job to rebuild the UCLA program. Their future is bright.