GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: An Oregon defense that came into last week’s game among the best in the Pac-12 against the run surrendered 276 yards on the ground at Arizona. The Wildcats were able to apply pressure on the Ducks defense by building a three-score lead in the first half, the result of repeatedly advantageous starting field position off turnovers.
Generating turnovers and establishing the run with RB Joshua Kelley was UCLA’s M.O. in its victories, but something it failed to do against Utah. Kelley only carried 16 times, the result of the Bruins playing from behind almost all night — due in large part to giveaways setting up Utah with good field position.
The UCLA and Oregon defense are tied for the most total turnovers generated among Pac-12 defenses. The unit that can continue that theme on Saturday should be able to assert its game plan on offense more effectively.
DRAFT SLANT
–S Adarius Pickett has an opportunity to showcase his elite coverage ability Saturday at Oregon. The last two weeks, Ducks QB Justin Herbert — widely considered a future first-round draft pick — has had his two lowest outputs with 6.1 and 3.9 yards per attempt. Pickett’s ability to prevent receivers from getting open deep can contribute to continuing Herbert’s woes.
ROSTER REPORT:
–QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson, who came out of the Oct. 20 game vs. Arizona, dressed and warmed up on Friday, but did not play. His availability for Saturday was uncertain as of early in the week.
–LB Krys Barnes left the Utah game with an arm injury. His status for Saturday is uncertain.
–OL Justin Murphy was declared out for the remainder of the season on Oct. 24. Murphy had been questionable since September with a knee injury. The Texas Tech graduate transfer tweeted shortly after the news was made public, insinuating he will petition the NCAA for another year of eligibility.
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