The bye week is over, and Oregon is now moving full speed ahead into game week ahead of a massive showdown on Saturday. UCLA enters this matchup undefeated and ranked inside the Top 25, making this an important test for the Ducks. Dan Lanning has already compared Bob Chesney's team to the Indiana team that won the championship last season, and if the Ducks don't bring their A-Game, it'll be a long Saturday.
While UCLA presents unique challenges for the Ducks, Oregon also comes out of the bye with issues that needed to be corrected regardless of this week's opponent. The 3-1 record shows this team is far from it's final form, and reaching their potential, and the staff has plenty of holes to show the team as everyone looks to get better.
It's not always easy to make massive changes over a week, but the coaching staff should've been able to use the week to reflect and make some adjustments. After a week off, the hope will be that Oregon got better in 3 areas to set the team up for an important stretch of the season.
The 3 areas Oregon needs to show improvement in following the bye week
Finding a way to get Dakorien Moore more involved
One of the biggest priorities for the Oregon offense the rest of the season has to be finding a way to involve Sophomore wide receiver Dakorien Moore more often. Through 4 games, Moore has scored a touchdown in each game, for a combined 172 yards on scoring plays. Since the Boise State game, Dakorien Moore has had 8 receptions over 3 games, and if the offense is going to hit the next level, it's going to start with getting the offense's biggest threat after the catch the ball more often.
Cutting down on opponents' passing yardage
The Oregon Ducks have been hurt the most on defense by opposing passing attacks, as Oregon has allowed 274.7 passing yards per game, which ranks 121st in the country. The Oregon defense has been solid on early downs, forcing opponents into 3rd and long, but that has been when the defense has let up a big play. Oregon is going to have to sell out to stop the run against UCLA, and when they force the Bruins into long 3rd downs, the defensive backs are going to need to step up in coverage.
Finding better safety play
One of the biggest reasons for Oregon's struggles against opposing passing attacks has been the fact that the Ducks' safety play has been abysmal. Minnesota transfer Koi Perich hasn't lived up to the hype after joining Oregon as the highest-ranked safety transfer in the country, and Aaron Flowers has taken a step back after playing alongside Dillon Thieneman last season. Whether the staff rolls with the duo or makes a change, the defense needs better play on the back end, and with pieces like Peyton Woodyard and Jett Washington in the wings, a change wouldn't be the worst idea.
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