UCLA Begins Big Ten Play at Oregon Saturday

Bruins Open Conference Slate as 9.5-Point Underdog

UCLA football (6-4, 4-3 Pac-12) opens its Big Ten schedule on Saturday at Oregon (8-2, 5-1 Pac-12). The Bruins are 9.5-point underdogs against the Ducks, who are ranked No. 10 in the College Football Playoff rankings. This is the first meeting between the two schools since 2019, when Oregon won 31-24 in Eugene.

UCLA is coming off a 42-16 win over Arizona last Saturday. Quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson threw for 329 yards and three touchdowns, and running back Zach Charbonnet rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown. The Bruins' defense held Arizona to just 296 total yards and forced two turnovers.

Oregon is coming off a 45-38 loss to Washington last Saturday. Quarterback Bo Nix threw for 327 yards and two touchdowns, but he also threw two interceptions. Running back Bucky Irving rushed for 109 yards and a touchdown. The Ducks' defense allowed Washington to score touchdowns on its first five drives of the game.

The game will be televised on ABC at 5 p.m. PT. UCLA is looking to win its first game against a ranked opponent this season. The Bruins have lost their last three games against ranked opponents, including a 49-22 loss to Utah on Oct. 8.

Key Matchups

UCLA offense vs. Oregon defense

The Bruins' offense is averaging 35.7 points per game, while the Ducks' defense is allowing 21.4 points per game. UCLA has a balanced offense, with Thompson-Robinson leading the passing attack and Charbonnet leading the rushing attack. Oregon's defense is led by linebacker Noah Sewell, who has 7.5 tackles for loss and 3.5 sacks this season.

Oregon offense vs. UCLA defense

The Ducks' offense is averaging 37.9 points per game, while the Bruins' defense is allowing 26.5 points per game. Oregon has a high-powered offense, with Nix leading the passing attack and Irving leading the rushing attack. UCLA's defense is led by linebacker Darius Muasau, who has 5.5 tackles for loss and 2.5 sacks this season.

Prediction

This is a tough matchup for UCLA, as Oregon is a very talented team. The Ducks are also playing at home, which gives them a big advantage. However, the Bruins have a good team too, and they are coming off a big win over Arizona. I think this game will be close, but I think Oregon will ultimately win. Oregon 31, UCLA 24