Oregon Football: 5 Reasons the Ducks Blast the Bruins

This Friday, the Ducks and Bruins will meet up for the conferences first Pac-12 title game. The one thing that will make this game unique is the fact that the conference made the decision to allow the team with the best conference record to host the game.

In this case, that team is Oregon.

While the Ducks are coming off a dominating performance over Oregon State, the Bruins are coming off of an embarrassing loss to the Trojans and have already announced that coach Rick Neuheisel will be coaching his last game.

Here is a look at five reasons why the Ducks will run away with their third straight conference championship. 

Deflated Bruin Team

While the Ducks have talent all over the field, they will be going up against a UCLA team that just got destroyed by USC 50-0 and will be playing with a head coach that has already been fired.

Amongst all of the other challenges that face UCLA on the field, they are also having to deal with the constant reminder that the only reason they are in this game is because of the sanctions placed on USC.

The only way the Bruins can hope to keep this game close is if they can let go of the off-the-field issues and focus on the task at hand.  

Win-the-Day Approach

One thing that most people are agreeing on is that one of the only ways that UCLA will be able to pull this game out is if the Ducks look past this game and are not focused. 

Since Chip Kelly took over this team, one thing he has done really well is kept his team focused and has done so with his Win-the-Day approach.

UCLA may find a way to win this game, but it will not be because the Ducks overlooked them. 

DeAnthony Thomas

DeAnthony Thomas has quickly become a game changer this season and in this game, not much will change. 

The benefit of Thomas is that he can impact the game in three different ways: the run game, passing attack or on kick returns. 

So far this year, Thomas has already totaled 15 touchdowns and against the Bruins, he will likely add to that season total. 

Ducks Defense

After the first half of the season went by, people were beginning to comment on how the Ducks' defense was not forcing turnovers and putting additional pressure on the offense.

Since that midway point, the Duck defense has turned it up a notch and have done a great job of giving the offense additional possessions and have allowed them to take over the game.

Against UCLA, the defense will look to get the ball back to their offense as quickly as possible so that they can grab control of this title game early. 

Home Field Title Game

One very unique aspect to the upcoming Pac-12 title game is the fact that the conference had made the choice to allow the team with the best conference record to host the title game. 

Due to that rule, UCLA will be making the trip up from Southern California to Eugene to take on the Ducks. 

Earlier this year, the Ducks had the longest home-field winning streak but had it broke by a loss to USC. Oregon is eager to show that they still have one of the best advantages in the nation when playing at home and will be able to do so on national television.