The Oregon Ducks are looking to make a statement as they head to Los Angeles to face the UCLA Bruins on Saturday. Here’s our preview, which includes a prediction, using the best college football odds from the top sportsbooks.
NCAAF Pick: Over 55.5 (-110) at Bet365 (check our Bet365 Review)
Oregon vs. UCLA
Saturday, September 28, 2024 – 11:00 PM ET at Rose Bowl
Oregon’s Bye Week Came at the Perfect Time
Oregon enters this matchup following a much-needed bye week, which came after two close home wins against Idaho and Boise State, and a dominant 49-14 road victory over Oregon State. Despite the win over Oregon State, it’s clear that the team still needs a bit of a “reset” and “refocus” moving forward.
Quarterback Dillon Gabriel has been outstanding, showing strong chemistry with his receivers, while the running game remains a key asset with Jordan James and Noah Whittington leading the charge. However, the offensive line has struggled in the early part of the season. The issues from the first two weeks must be addressed, whether through personnel changes or a shift in mentality, as the group has shown they aren’t invincible.
Defensively, Oregon improved in their matchup against Oregon State, but their earlier performance against Boise State was concerning. Allowing 34 points and failing to contain Ashton Jeanty—who ran for 192 yards and scored three touchdowns on 25 carries—revealed major gaps in their run defense. Oregon will need to tighten up on that side of the ball to compete at the highest level.
Ultimately, it’s all about refocusing on the goals they set at the start of the season. If they execute as they’re capable of, Oregon has the potential to reach great heights. Head coach Dan Lanning is unlikely to let his team come out flat after the bye week.
UCLA’s Second Half Collapse Against LSU
UCLA, meanwhile, is coming off a 34-17 loss to LSU in a marquee matchup. Despite a solid first half in which the Bruins tied the game at 17-17 after being down 17-10, they were shut out 17-0 in the second half, allowing LSU to pull away.
Bruins’ quarterback Ethan Garbers had a strong performance, completing 22 of 36 passes for 281 yards with two touchdowns and one interception. Logan Loya and Rico Flores Jr. each recorded four catches, while Kwazi Gilmer contributed 61 receiving yards on two catches, and Keegan Jones added 50 yards on three receptions. However, UCLA’s defense faltered, allowing LSU’s Garrett Nussmeier to throw for 352 yards and three touchdowns.
LSU took control of the game in the second half, beginning with Josh Williams’ two-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Later, an 11-play, 92-yard drive capped by a 35-yard touchdown pass from Nussmeier to Caden Durham extended LSU’s lead, with a late field goal sealing the victory.
NCAAF Pick
This matchup between Oregon and UCLA has the potential to be a high-scoring affair, with both teams featuring explosive offenses and showing defensive weaknesses.
Gabriel’s impressive play, coupled with the consistent production from James and Whittington on the ground, gives Oregon the ability to move the ball efficiently and score in bunches. Although their offensive line has struggled, Gabriel’s quick decision-making and ability to push the ball downfield should keep the Ducks on the attack.
On the other side, UCLA’s offense, led by Garbers, has demonstrated the ability to make big plays through the air. With a balanced offense and multiple reliable targets, UCLA has shown they can compete with top-tier defenses, as seen in their strong first half against LSU.
However, both teams have defensive question marks. Oregon’s struggles to contain Boise State, especially in the run game, leave them vulnerable to UCLA’s offensive weapons. Meanwhile, UCLA’s defense has been exposed by elite quarterbacks like Nussmeier, and Gabriel could similarly exploit those gaps in coverage.
With both offenses clicking and defenses that are susceptible to big plays, this game could turn into a high-scoring shootout. Oregon’s quick-strike offense will look to dictate the pace, but UCLA has the firepower to respond, setting the stage for a thrilling and potentially back-and-forth contest.
NCAAF Pick: Over 55.5 (-110) at Bet365
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