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UCLA vs. Oregon: How they match up

ben bolch
·3 min read
UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson looks to pass against California on Nov. 15, 2020.
UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson looks to pass during a 34-10 win over California on Sunday. (Kelvin Kuo / Associated Press)

MATCHUPS: UCLA 1-1 at No. 11 Oregon (2-0)

Saturday, 12:30 p.m., Autzen Stadium.

TV: ESPN2. Radio: 570

Marquee matchup

Quarterback Chase Griffin warming up when UCLA faced Arizona on Sept. 28, 2019.
Quarterback Chase Griffin warming up when UCLA faced Arizona on Sept. 28, 2019. (Rick Scuteri / Associated Press)

UCLA’s quarterback vs. Oregon’s defense. If Dorian Thompson-Robinson is sidelined because of COVID-19 issues, the Bruins will have to go with a backup quarterback who has not thrown a pass at the college level. Chase Griffin would be the expected starter in that scenario based on his having replaced Thompson-Robinson last weekend on the final drive against California. He would face an Oregon defense that has already beaten one set of backup quarterbacks during a season-opening 35-14 victory over Stanford after the Cardinal’s Davis Mills was held out because of a testing error.

Getting offensive

Oregon's Tyler Shough passes during a game Nov. 7, 2020, in Eugene, Ore.
Tyler Shough has topped 200 yards passing and 80 yards rushing in both of No. 11 Oregon's games this season. (Chris Pietsch / Associated Press)

UCLA (459 ypg/38 ppg): The absence of Thompson-Robinson would likely lead to a heavy reliance on the ground game. Fortunately for the Bruins, they are well-stocked at tailback. Demetric Felton Jr. (107 yards) and Brittain Brown (71) both set seasons highs in rushing last week against Cal, and the Bruins could also sprinkle in runs involving Kazmeir Allen, Keegan Jones and Martell Irby.

Oregon (538.5 ypg/39 ppg): The Ducks have won with a balanced approach, becoming the only Power Five team to average 250 yards passing and 250 yards rushing per game this season. Quarterback Tyler Shough has contributed heavily to that approach, topping 200 yards passing and 80 yards rushing in each game.

Getting defensive

UCLA's Osa Odighizuwa brings down Cal's Chase Garbers on Nov. 15, 2020.

UCLA (350.5 ypg/29 ppg): The Bruins’ new 4-2-5 defense was disruptive against the Golden Bears, logging nine tackles for loss and five sacks. Defensive lineman Osa Odighizuwa and linebacker Caleb Johnson were the standouts, each finishing with 2½ tackles for loss, while Johnson added an interception. UCLA’s 176 yards allowed in the game was its fewest since giving up 122 against Arizona State in 2008.

Oregon (417 ypg/21.5 ppg): Defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux must be accounted for at all times given his ability to get into the backfield. He picked up two tackles for loss last week during the Ducks’ comeback victory over Washington State. Oregon has been especially stingy in the second half this season, allowing only 17 points in two games.

Something special

UCLA’s blockers faltered in the first quarter against Cal, leading to a blocked punt. Freshman Luke Akers has averaged 44.7 yards on his six punts, but the Bruins have not attempted a field goal.

Of note

Oregon has shown to be a second-half team, outscoring its first two opponents by a combined 50-17 margin.

Injury report

Aside from the COVID-19 issues that could sideline UCLA players, the team is expected to be without defensive lineman Martin Andrus Jr. and linebacker Sitiveni Kaufusi because of injuries. … Oregon wide receiver Mycah Pittman, safety Steve Stephens IV, cornerback Daewood Davis and linebacker Justin Flowe are out because of injuries. Tight ends Cam McCormick, Spencer Webb and Patrick Herbert are questionable and tight end Hunter Kampmoyer is probable.

This story originally appeared in Los Angeles Times.