UCLA Football: 3 bold predictions vs. Oregon in Week 8
By Dana Becker
Unfortunately for Oregon fans, Justin Herbert isn’t walking through that door this weekend. Instead, the Ducks will need to find their rhythm as they take on UCLA football in a key Pac-12 showdown.
Interestingly enough, the game will not present us with any “Pac-12 After Dark” moments, as kickoff is scheduled for 4:00 p.m. ET from the Rose Bowl.
We can still expect plenty of fireworks, though, as they two teams are averaging close to 40 points per game – and allowing a combined 70, as well.
The Bruins were unable to contain Arizona quarterback Khalil Tate last week, falling on the road 47-30. If Herbert was healthy, he would likely be in for a Heisman-worthy day vs. this defense, but instead, the Ducks must rely on new faces at quarterback.
Oregon, as mentioned, will start either true freshman Braxton Burmeister or senior Taylor Alie. In a 49-7 drubbing vs. Stanford last Saturday, the two combined to go 5-for-13 passing for 33 yards with two interceptions. Burmeister, a highly-touted recruit for head coach Willie Taggart, did run for 31 yards and a touchdown, which might give him the upper-hand in the rotation.
No matter who heads under center, the Oregon offense must get on track, as they have scored just 17 points the last two weeks.
Here’s three bold predictions for Saturday’s Pac-12 showdown between UCLA and Oregon: