UCLA vs. Oregon: TV Schedule, Live Stream, Radio, Game Time and More

The inaugural Pac-12 Championship is not the marquee matchup that it could be, but that does not mean that it is impossible for the UCLA Bruins to upset the high-octane Oregon Ducks.

The Bruins enter this game on the lowest of lows. In addition to losing their rivalry game against USC last week 50-0—way to inspire confidence heading into a conference championship game—they have fired head coach Rick Neuheisel, though, he still gets to coach this game. That sounds more like a program in disarray than one worthy of a Pac-12 title.

The Ducks will not achieve their ultimate goal of playing for a BCS championship thanks to their two losses, but they can still get back to the Rose Bowl if they are able to win this game. This would be the third straight BCS game for this team if they can knock off the Bruins.

Where: Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon

When: Friday, Dec. 2 at 8:00 p.m. EDT

Watch: FOX

Listen: KLAC 570 AM Sports Talk Radio (UCLA); KUGN-AM 590 (Oregon)

Betting Line: Oregon (-32)

UCLA Injury Report

Questionable: LB Sean Westgate (Concussion), S Dietrich Riley (Neck), QB Richard Brehaut (Leg), S Alex Mascarenas (Concussion), PK Kip Smith (Hip)

Doubtful: S Tony Dye (Leg)

Out: CB Jamie Graham (Knee), CB Anthony Jefferson (Back), FB Damien Thigpen (Hamstring), QB Brett Hundley (Knee)

Oregon Injury Report

Probable: RB LaMichael James (Elbow)

Questionable: LB Rodney Hardrick (Undisclosed), WR Ben Butterfield (Undisclosed), CB Anthony Gildon (Undisclosed), TE Curtis White (Leg)

Doubtful: CB Cliff Harris (Suspension)

Out: DB James Scales (Knee), OL Ramsen Golpashin (Knee)

BCS/Top 25 Implications

This is the biggest game of the season for both UCLA and Oregon. All that these teams have done this season comes down to these 60 minutes. When you sign up to play for a Pac-12 team, you dream of playing in the Rose Bowl even more so than a BCS championship.

UCLA is only in this position by virtue of USC being on probation. Following a 50-point loss and firing their head coach, the Bruins need something to get excited about. They are going bowling, it is just a question of how high profile a game they play in.

Oregon had unfinished business entering the season, but things did not turn out so well for them. Yet with all that, they can still play in the Rose Bowl on January 2. That is quite the consolation prize for one of the most electric teams in the country.

What They Are Saying

Lame-duck UCLA head coach Rick Neuheisel is making the media rounds this week, including an appearance on ESPN Radio with Colin Cowherd. He was very candid and said that the program needs to make drastic changes to keep up with the Pac-12 powerhouses. 

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In an interview with Colin Cowherd on ESPN Radio, Neuheisel likened the UCLA coaching job to 'taking a knife to a gunfight' when it comes to trying to compete with elite-level programs such as crosstown rival USC.

'I think every program across the country has to make a determination as to what their expectation level is and then finance that expectation level, and in some places those numbers don't jibe,' Neuheisel said.

 

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UCLA Players to Watch: RB Derrick Coleman and RB Johnathan Franklin

UCLA’s best chance to win this game is to try and score with Oregon, but that strategy is only going to go so far because they don’t have the playmakers to do that.

But Coleman and Franklin are a terrific duo in the backfield and have the ability to put up points in the right situation. They have combined for 16 touchdowns and over 1,500 yards, so there is no reason to think that they can’t do anything in this game.

The Bruins need them to play the game of their lives and make sure that they are able to break big plays and control the clock to keep the ball away from Oregon.

Oregon Player to Watch: QB Darron Thomas

We all love LaMichael James, and he is great, but Thomas has had a great season that no one seems to be recognizing.

Thomas has thrown for over 2,200 yards with 27 touchdowns and five interceptions. He isn’t running the ball as much as he used to, but because he has been so effective in the pocket, he doesn’t have to do anything else to help his team win.

In his last four games, Thomas has thrown for nine touchdowns with no interceptions. Two of those games were against Stanford and USC, so he won’t be intimidated by the stage of the Pac-12 Championship.

Key Matchup: Oregon Offensive Line vs. UCLA Defensive Line

UCLA has to pull a rabbit out of its hat in order to win this game. The easiest way to stop Oregon’s offense is to contain LaMichael James in the backfield. That is a lot more difficult than it sounds because he is so fast that no one outside of LSU can match his speed.

UCLA has to break through the wall up front to create pressure on James and Thomas, and the Bruins have to make tackles when they get a hand on someone.

Prediction

Of all the conference title games this week, this one is going to be the most boring and lopsided.

Oregon 56, UCLA 14