4 bold predictions as Oregon football looks for ranked win vs. UCLA
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Just two weeks following an emotional, gut-check win over USC in Los Angeles, the Oregon football team will look to take down UCLA on Oct. 10 in Eugene.
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The Ducks (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) were idle last week in their only bye of the season and take on a Bruins' (4-0, 2-0) squad in the same position.
"UCLA is playing a high level of ball," coach Dan Lanning said. "It's a coaching staff that we have a really high level of respect for."
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The game will kick off at 12:30 p.m. Saturday and air on CBS. Here's what to look for ahead of the ranked matchup.
Oregon vs. UCLA scouting report
Why Oregon has an advantage: The Ducks are the only team in the country to average over 300 passing yards per game without an interception, split between starter Dante Moore and backup Dylan Raiola. Oregon ranks third nationally in passing yards per game and has done a good job of avoiding turnovers. If the Ducks can dictate tempo through the air, create explosive plays and avoid turnovers, they should win this game.
Why UCLA has an advantage: The Bruins, to this point in the season, have run the ball much more consistently than the Ducks. UCLA ranks in the top five nationally in rush yards per play, rushing touchdowns and rushing yards per game. Led by standout back Wayne Knight, the Bruins average nearly 7 yards per carry. The Ducks rank toward the back half in the country around 4.6 yards per rushing attempt. If the Bruins can establish their ground game and control the tempo of this game, they'll have a chance to spring an upset.
Oregon vs. UCLA injury updates
For Oregon: The main storyline for the Ducks this week will likely be the health of starting quarterback. After suffering a concussion against USC, Moore returned to practice this week, but his status moving forward is unclear. Oregon's first mandatory injury report will be released Wednesday night and should offer clarity on his availability moving forward. Elsewhere, receiver Jeremiah McClellan is expected to be out still while Jalen Lott could make his return after a hand surgery sidelined him through Oregon's first four games.
For UCLA: The Bruins' injury report will also be released Wednesday night, but several banged-up players made their returns in UCLA's last outing against Maryland in Week 4. Receiver Aidan Mizell, DB Jhase McMillan and tight end Josh Phifer were all listed as questionable or probable and shifted to available on game day. Safety Tao Johnson, a starter, could make his return after an upper-body injury in Week 1.
Oregon vs. UCLA: 4 bold predictions
Oregon needs to run the ball, much better than it has, to win
Outside of a record-breaking outing against a completely outclassed opponent in Portland State, the Ducks haven't run the ball nearly as well as they typically have under Lanning. If you take out Oregon's 84-0 win over PSU, it is only rushing for roughly 115 yards per game, which would rank near the bottom of the country. The Bruins are one of the top rushing teams in the country. Though Oregon's offense has been able to move the ball effectively through the air, it will absolutely need to run the ball better than it has to beat the Bruins.
Quarterback play will determine winner
Through four games, Oregon's quarterback play has not been a major issue. Moore has been effective and avoided turnovers while Raiola stepped in masterfully to deliver a satisfying win over USC. That, obviously, needs to continue this Saturday, but the play of UCLA quarterback Nico Iamaleava might just determine how this game plays out. The previously maligned former five-star quarterback had a season to forget in 2025 but has been more effective in 2026. Still, the emphasis for Oregon all week will be on stopping the run, meaning Iamaleava will have opportunities to make plays throughout the game. If he can take advantage and outduel whoever starts at QB for Oregon, UCLA will be in the driver's seat to win.
Oregon will play its best game of the season vs. UCLA
Though the Ducks are 4-1, Lanning himself admitted during the bye week that they are nowhere near where they want to be. USC was a big step forward in multiple facets, but the defense has some lingering issues and the offense still has things to figure out. Saturday's game will be Oregon's best effort of the season, following a recalibrating bye week. Still feeling the urgency from the Oklahoma State loss in Week 2, getting back in front of fans at Autzen Stadium will energize the Ducks, who will roar out to a double-digit win this Saturday in Eugene.
Oregon football vs. UCLA score prediction
Oregon 38, UCLA 21
Alec Dietz covers University of Oregon football and women’s basketball for The Register-Guard. You may reach him at [email protected].
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This article originally appeared on Register-Guard: 4 bold predictions as Oregon football looks for ranked win vs. UCLA
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