GAME BREAKDOWN
KEY MATCHUP: Special teams breakdowns plagued UCLA in its loss at Oregon. The Bruins have been excellent much of the season — coach Chip Kelly referred specifically to kicker J.J. Molson and punter Stefan Flintoft as “bright spots this season” — but last week’s misfires proved critical. One included lining up for a field goal with the field-goal unit not the field, while Oregon scored one punt-return touchdown, started another scoring drive from UCLA’s 11-yard line, and failed to defend a fake field goal converted for a first down.
Special teams play could prove central to Saturday’s outcome, as well. Arizona State comes in as the only team in the Pac-12 with a punt return of 90 yards or more this season.
DRAFT SLANT
–RB Joshua Kelley emerged from relative obscurity as a redshirt transfer from UC Davis. He’s since become one of the most effective ball-carriers in the Pac-12 at 102.5 yards per game, 5.6 yards per carry, with eight touchdowns. Kelley is draft-eligible at season’s end.
ROSTER REPORT:
–QB Dorian Thompson-Robinson was pulled last week after returning to the lineup for the first time since sustaining a shoulder injury in the second quarter on Oct. 20.
–DE/LB Keisean Lucier-South, a breakout performer in the month of October, is questionable with an unspecified injury.
–LB Bo Calvert will not return this season, Chip Kelly told reporters on Monday. Calvert returned from missing the first two games to play the next five, but was sidelined the past two.
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