5 Things To Watch: Oregon-UCLA

PASADENA, Calif. — The eighth-ranked Oregon football team will pass a milestone in program history Saturday, when the Ducks play their first Big Ten Conference matchup, albeit against a familiar foe.

The UO football team plays its first official conference game as a member of the Big Ten against a fellow conference newcomer, former Pac-12 rival UCLA. The Ducks and Bruins meet in the Rose Bowl on Saturday at 8 p.m.

Oregon brings a 3-0 record into the game, having swept through nonconference play before enjoying a bye last week. UCLA opened its season with a win at Hawai'i, lost its Big Ten opener to Indiana and then went on the road and dropped a tough battle at No. 16 LSU last week.

UCLA leads the all-time series between the two, 40-32, though Oregon has a 9-7 lead in games played in Pasadena. The Ducks have won four straight against the Bruins, and 10 of the last 11.

Saturday's game will be televised by FOX, with Connor Onion on play-by-play, former UO coach Mark Helfrich providing analysis and Josh Sims reporting from the sidelines.

Some storylines to watch come kickoff …

1. In the continuum of the 2024 season, Saturday is a chance for the Ducks to build on their encouraging performance against Oregon State two weeks ago, following two uneven games to open the season.

But there's no denying the big-picture significance of Saturday's game, too, in the wake of conference realignment for the Ducks.

"Excited," UO coach Dan Lanning said. "Obviously, first Big Ten matchup for us. We get the opportunity to travel to the Rose Bowl, always an iconic place to play. And certainly, a team that we're excited to go out there and play against."

2. A big reason for Oregon's breakout at Oregon State was stability on the offensive line, with Nishad Strother inserted into the lineup at guard and Iapani Laloulu moving inside to center.

After rushing for 107 yards against Idaho and 109 against Boise State, the Ducks ran for 240 at OSU. They'll look to sustain some momentum in the run game this week.

"I think the five are coming together and everyone is just putting it at the forefront of what we do," UO quarterback Dillon Gabriel said. "Naturally, you'll get results from what you emphasize."

3. Oregon's front on offense will face a big challenge this week, in UCLA linebacker Kain Medrano.

A returning starter for the Bruins, Medrano leads the Big Ten with 6.5 solo tackles per game, and 2.0 tackles for loss per game.

"I just think he's athletic and an athlete in general," Gabriel said. "He's not afraid to get in the run game or be super-elusive in the pass game. For a linebacker, I think he can move very well. I'm super impressed with a lot of their players, with their size, length and speed, and also just what they do."

4. One guy who could help stress Medrano and the rest of UCLA's defense is Oregon tight end Terrance Ferguson.

The Ducks have an array of talent at wide receiver, and as noted above the run game had a breakout performance at Oregon State. Ferguson is yet another weapon, and enters Saturday second on the team with 13 receptions for 159 yards.

"He's a guy who's played a bunch of ball and also a trustworthy target," Gabriel said. "I think you see that with a lot of our guys, when you see the experience they have. They've seen a lot of looks, so that helps them and it helps me — it helps everyone.

"For 'Ferg,' obviously I think the world of him. He's my neighbor. He's my best friend. We spend a lot of time together. But more importantly, I just see the way he works, and when you see that, you respect it and that's a guy you want to go to war with. I'm excited for him and I know there's a long way to go, so he's going to keep competing."

5. Given the 8 p.m. kickoff, Oregon will be looking to extend a record of success in night games under Lanning.

The Ducks are 4-0 under their third-year head coach in games that start at 7 p.m. or later. Overall, the UO football team has won 12 straight games when kicking off at 7 p.m. or later.

"What an opportunity," Lanning said. "That means more time for us to prepare, more time for us to get ready. We're excited about the challenge and what that provides."