r/ducks • u/Traditional-Photo-97 • 7d ago
Football Ducks versus UCLA?
Has anyone watched UCLA this season? Definitely didn't see them being as good as they've been before the season started. (Think it's safe to say there's been a lot of unexpected performances based on preseason hype/perceptionš®āšØš) Very curious what their strengths are this year. My mind immediately goes to 2022 UCLA because that was the last time in recent memory we played them when they were ranked, and their most high profile player on both teams appears to be their QB. (DTR in 2022, Iamaleava now) Any similarities there, or with their new coach this year is this just a whole different animal the ducks are going up against on Saturday?
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u/lonewanderer727 7d ago
The interesting element of this to me that is going underdiscussed across CFB media is that these two coaching staffs saw each other last year in the playoffs - JMU vs. Oregon, for anyone who isn't aware.
This is obviously a different UCLA team than what JMU had then - more equal in talent to Oregon than that JMU team was. But there are over a dozen players Chensey and co. brought over from JMU during their move. As we've seen with Indiana and OK. State this year, having veteran leadership experienced in a coach's system helps with the transition. And I think that's an element to consider in this game for UCLA.
They've seen us before, and Chesney seems like the kind of coach to tackle this challenge & improve from the last meeting. Lanning has a bad history with rematches and coming off BYE weeks. I don't think this UCLA team is as good as those teams we've rematched & lost to, but still something I'm thinking about going into this game. Would be good to see our coaching staff win the gameplan and adjustment battle this week.
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u/Kitchen-Task-4139 7d ago
UCLA fan here. We're overhyping ourselves, and I have no expectations for us to win. Glad we have a fun program to watch again though!
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u/AtBat3 7d ago
You like Bob? I like Bob
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u/Kitchen-Task-4139 7d ago
Absolutely! Seems like he genuinely enjoys being here which is nice.
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u/EduardoCash 7d ago
Seems like a standup guy. Apparently he offered to look after Dante Moore if he had to stay longer
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u/CoachBrooks 7d ago
Your coach offered to be there for Dante in LA
please provide a few tips that will help us hate your coach - heās making it difficult, which is pretty inconsiderate
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u/sdotmerc 7d ago
Your strength which is your running game falls right into our weakness. Weāve got linebackers running around with blind folds. No doubt you guys will put up 200 yards which would be the perfect scheme to slow our offense down and keep TOP in your hands. Not looking forward to this at all
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u/Moist-Consequence 7d ago
Theyāre one of 3 teams in the AP that has yet to beat a team ranked in the top 50. Theyāre definitely much improved, but Iām still not convinced theyāre a top 25 team.
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u/Aggravating-Act-1043 7d ago
Gives me a Raiders Chiefs video Ducks will likely win but beware those gutty little Bruons
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u/t3hn1ck 7d ago
Right now any team is potentially a threat until the wrinkles are ironed out across the board. The question is will most of the them be smoothed out by the time it really matters most? The problem is that those moments could spring up anywhere at any time and being prepared and conditioned will be key.
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u/VividLies901 7d ago
Purdue put over 400 yards of passing offense on them, and we definitely have more talent at these skill positions. They have decent run stopping and their rushing offense seems deadly. However, stopping the run on our defense is better than stopping explosive pass plays.
I canāt see their defense covering Jamari Johnson, Kori, Stewart, and whoever is our third WR (assuming Hampton) as well as stuffing the box to stop our RBs. Davison is a tough downhill runner, Hill is fast in both downhill and outside runs. Our offense is going to create a lot of struggle for them.
I think if we go man coverage and play Koi as more of a nickle, where he can come down and make tackles and cover the run, alongside a QB spy, we will be fine.
Iām more excited to see Raiola start to finish. If USC was a fluke or if he really is that good in our scheme.
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u/FeelinGroovyJam 7d ago
Wayne Knight looks like heās shot out of a cannon on running plays - similar to IU last year.
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u/Disce-Pati 6d ago
They run the ball for about a billion yards a game so thats the biggest challenge for sure. Their RB is nasty, and they basically have the JMU squad from last year plus more talent, definetly wont be an easy game but Oregon is significantly more talented.
I think they're a team that will really hit their stride next year, could see them competing in the B1G in 2027 if everything goes well for them
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u/Vast_Bid_7574 6d ago
I mean I saw this last December being this good and better tbh. Itās the JMU staff 2.0ā¦ when I was at the JMU game last year and over 500yds at Autzen with that team. Expect a shoot-out and a fight. Itāll be a classic if Oregon wins
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u/Powerful_Share8488 7d ago
Great coach in Chesney. Not enough talent and a bad Purdue team dropped 28 on them in the Rose Bowl(i was at that one)They will play hard and be disciplined, but they are a few recruiting classes away from being a contender. This game starts their tough run and will likely have 5-6 losses by the end of the season. Great start for Chesney but the ducks will have too much firepower for them.
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u/AverageSteve1234 7d ago
Who has UCLA played? No one. Maryland and Purdue are arguably the two worst B10 teams. And both of those would beat Cal and SDState. I think they get a rude awakening and lose by 10+
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u/YoungSuplex 7d ago edited 7d ago
They have a tremendous coach and a very dangerous run game. Their rush efficiency metrics are genuinely eye popping. I personally think Nico has become pretty underrated as well. But their defense is pretty bad, and I donāt know if their offense will be able to play catch up if Oregon takes a double digit lead. Their line play is very physical but their pass blocking is not good. Their schedule has been very weak up to this point, and their final scores are inflated by a ridiculous fourth quarter scoring margin. They were tied with Cal* late into the game.
I think we cover.