2017 Oregon Football vs UCLA Bruins: Run Game and Defensive Pressure Keys To Win

The Oregon Ducks Run Game, Defensive Efficiency and Quarterback play are keys on Saturday vs UCLA.

Oregon Football travels to UCLA to take on the Bruins in the Rose Bowl and among the bevy of things to watch, there are a few things that stand out to me for the Ducks to get a road win snapping their current two game losing streak.

Head Coach Willie Taggart started the season with a team putting up 60 points per game. Over the last two weeks, Oregon has returned to earth not scoring much and their average dropping to 35 points per game under Freshman Quarterback Braxton Burmeister. It has also not helped that the Ducks’ Top Two Wide Receivers were pretty much absent from the Offense against Stanford and out vs Washington State.

Run Game Needs To Get Going

This weekend could be special for Running Back Royce Freeman who needs 160 yards to become the top Rusher in Oregon Football History. The Offensive Line will have to play better to make holes for Freeman and the other Oregon Running Backs, The key to the game though is the play of Burmeister(or Taylor Alie).

Oregon Offense Needs To Pass The UCLA Defensive Test

Burmeister has shown in practice that he is capable of throwing short to mid range passes with accuracy. The Coaching Staff is preaching protecting the football, but as we saw last weekend, it did not do much good when you have a one-dimensional Rushing Attack. That will need to change this week against the UCLA Bruins.

Oregon Defense Needs To Pick and Roll

The Oregon Defense will have to find a way to get to not only the Quarterback for UCLA, Josh Rosen, but also find a way to get their hands on the ball for an interception. After starting the season as one of the top takeaway teams in the country, the Defense has just a single interception in Pac-12 play.

An Oregon win would also turn the season around and give the team 5 wins. Regardless, the Ducks already have as many wins last season, but the goal of a Bowl Game is still within reach with 5 games left.

Next: Bruins Look Less Scary at 3-3

Autzen Zoo will have Live Coverage starting at 12:30 pm Pacific Time. Oregon and UCLA kickoff at 1

pm PT on Pac-12 Network.