UCLA Football: What Bruins Must Do to Beat Oregon

The UCLA football team has a tough task ahead this coming weekend, as it hosts the explosive No. 12 Oregon Ducks and star quarterback Marcus Mariota. 

This could ultimately be a must-win game for both teams. UCLA is coming off a tough two-point loss at home to the Utah Utes. Oregon also was defeated at home by the upstart Arizona Wildcats. To this point in the season, neither team has played its best football. 

This piece will look at specific principles the Bruins can use in order to beat the Ducks. 

Protect Brett Hundley

This should go without saying. UCLA has given up 23 sacks on the season, which ranks the team near the very bottom of all Division I in the category. 

There comes a point when one has to wonder whether or not Hundley will get seriously hurt due to the lack of protection. Last week against Utah, the quarterback was sacked 10 times. This statistic doesn't include hurries or even hits. 

There are ways in which UCLA could opt to lessen the pressure from the opposition. For one, a heavy diet of screens, misdirections in the run game, quick passes (such as slants or bubble screens) and rollouts would help. Oftentimes in the Utah game, Hundley was essentially nailed-down inside of the pocket.

Rarely did offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone move the launch point. Conventional wisdom also suggests less of an emphasis on five- or seven-step drops—opting instead for three-step drops. 

In terms of helping out on blocking assignments off the edge, a running back could possibly be used to "chip" the defensive end. An extra blocker next to the tackle could also work. Running the football with regularity also helps in this capacity. 

Versus Oregon, UCLA will be facing a very good lineman in defensive end DeForest Buckner. The Hawaii native is an extremely active and athletic player and could pose problems in passing downs.

The other talented defensive lineman for the Ducks—Arik Armstead—is questionable after suffering an ankle injury versus Arizona. According to Ryan Thorburn of The Register-Guard, Armstead has participated in practice this week. His health is a question mark, but a potential return would be a big boost for Oregon. 

Oregon's defense as a whole is mobile. The linebackers in particular are adept at bursting through run gaps and making plays in the backfield. As a result, the play-calling needs to be altered as a means to combat the expected pressure Oregon will likely bring. 

Win the Battle Up Front

While UCLA's offensive line has had problems, the Oregon front has faced similar difficulties. In the last two contests, Oregon's offensive line has given up 12 sacks. On the season, the Ducks rank No. 110 overall in sacks allowed. 

Injuries have ravaged the overall depth of the Oregon offensive line group. Projected starter (and best lineman) Tyler Johnstone is out for the entire season.

Starting tackle Jake Fisher has been nursing a lower-leg injury for the past few weeks. Reserve linemen Andre Yruretagoyena and Haniteli Lousi have also been out for multiple weeks. According to Dane Brugler of CBS Sports, Fisher will be a game-time decision for this weekend's contest. 

As a result, Oregon starts a true freshman (Tyrell Crosby) and a walk-on (Matt Pierson) at both tackle spots.  

UCLA needs to take advantage of these matchups and get after Mariota with pressure. Pierson in particular has struggled versus the speed-rush. Deon Hollins could be a huge factor in this ballgame with his ability to utilize his quickness and speed off the edge. Dually, Crosby will likely be going up against a 5th-year senior in Owamagbe Odighizuwa. 

The Bruins need to win the battle up front with their defensive line against Oregon's group. 

Keep Containment

Utah killed UCLA last week with the zone-read element. Utes quarterback Kendal Thompson was effective running the football in large part because of UCLA's failure in keeping containment on the edge. 

Mark J. Terrill/Associated Press

Against Oregon, this is a must. The defensive end must stay home and not crash down too hard on the tailback. Should this scenario continue on Saturday, Mariota will have a field-day rushing for yardage. 

If anything, last week may have provided UCLA with good practice for what it'll see on Saturday. Regardless, the defense will have to stay disciplined. It also has to tackle well in space against the vast array of skill position talent Oregon possesses.