will the bruins slow down in eugene? oregon vs ucla game preview

With Dante Moore ruled out, Dylan Raiola looks to hold the ship down for Oregon this week against UCLA. Since the upset loss versus Oklahoma State, Oregon has rebounded strongly with a two touchdown win on the road at USC. UCLA comes into the game 4-0 with three wins over Power 4 teams, along with a win over San Diego State, who was considered a preseason contender in the new look PAC-12.

UCLA is currently drawing Indiana comparisons, most notably from Oregon Head Coach Dan Lanning. While he compared UCLA to last year’s version of Indiana, I don’t believe UCLA is there yet. However, this team is capable of all that the 2024 version of Curt Cignetti’s Hoosiers achieved during his first season. Both coaches are in their first season, trying to rebuild a Big Ten program by bringing their players over from James Madison. Also similar to 2024 Indiana, the UCLA schedule is relatively light. After this big game, they play against Wisconsin, Michigan State, Nevada, at Minnesota, Illinois, at Michigan and USC. I see at least three free wins there, and every other game there is likely a one possession spread, maybe even in favor of the Bruins. Even with a loss against the Ducks, an 11-1 season is entirely possible for Bob Chesney. 

The big difference between 2024 Indiana and 2026 UCLA is the quarterback position. The Bruins have arguably one of the most talented quarterbacks in the entire country in Nico Iamaleava. He has thrown for 820 yards and ran for 143, totaling six touchdowns, through his first four games. The talent is there, but oftentimes the execution isn’t. UCLA will need him at his ceiling on Saturday and he must limit the turnovers if the Bruins want to leave Eugene with a win. Semaj Morgan, the Michigan transfer, has been Iamaleava’s main target this season. He has 14 catches for 174 yards and 2 touchdowns on the season.

Running Back Wayne Knight has been the star for the Bruins offense this season. He has over 500 all-purpose yards this season, and 9 rushing touchdowns, the second most of any FBS running back, only behind Jadan Baugh who has 11 in one more game. The Oregon defense has surprisingly struggled defending the run this season, giving up 100+ yards to two different Oklahoma State players, and most recently allowing 115 yards on 22 carries to USC’s best backs. Creating holes for Wayne Knight against a stacked Oregon front seven, headlined by Bear Alexander and Matayo Uiagalelei, will be a necessity for the Bruins on Saturday. 

On the flip side, Dylan Raiola will be making the start for the injured Dante Moore. However, he is not your typical backup quarterback in today’s age of college football, as he was a highly rated recruit and two year starter at Nebraska. He starred after Moore’s departure, totaling 289 passing yards and two touchdowns with a 76% completion rate against USC. Raiola was also 11 for 11 passing with 124 passing yards and three touchdowns in his only other appearance this year, against Portland State. The Ducks will be without Jeremiah McClellan again this game, but Dakorien Moore, Evan Stewart and Jamari Johnson will be more than enough help for Raiola. 

The Ducks haven’t run the ball great to start the season. They averaged just three yards per carry in the loss to Oklahoma State and just over four yards per carry against a physically weak USC defense. Establishing the run will be crucial for Dan Lanning’s offense, in order to take some pressure off of Raiola. UCLA has allowed 1.3 YPC vs Maryland, 2.3 YPC vs Purdue, 3.8 YPC vs San Diego State and 3.0 YPC vs California. Their run defense ranks 14th in the FBS, allowing only 91.3 rushing yards per game so far this season. UCLAs defense is headlined by Linebackers Sammy Omosigho and Jalen Woods, who have combined for 71 tackles, 4 sacks, 4 forced fumbles (all by Omosigho), 2 pass deflections and an interception. Defensive Back Ta'Shawn James has also recorded three interceptions this season. The UCLA defense ranks 2nd in the nation in turnover margin this season, winning the turnover battle by an average of 2 per game. 

One thing that is for sure is that there will be an electric atmosphere in Eugene. If UCLA can stay composed and take care of the football, a win is completely achievable. If Oregon were to win, this could be looked at as the game that kickstarted a run to the CFP after an early season loss. For UCLA, if they were to win, this could be the beginning of something special for Bob Chesney and the Bruins. Either way, this game will certainly have its impact on the college football history book. I can’t wait for this game, it’s going to be special. Kickoff will be at 3:30 EST on CBS.