After practice Wednesday, UCLA football coach Rick Neuheisel said his team is making progress and improving, and he praised the players’ effort in practice.
“We just need a big win,” he said.
On Saturday, the Bruins (2-3, 1-1 Pac-10) will have the chance to get the type of win that could change the dynamic of their season when they face Oregon (4-2, 2-1 Pac-10) in a nationally televised battle at the always raucous Autzen Stadium.
And the Bruins relish the opportunity.
Players and coaches are excited, not intimidated, by the infamous crowd noise at Oregon. They don’t think of the game as a possible setback, even though a loss would drop their record to 2-4, and the team would need to finish 4-2 just to reach a bowl. This week is another chance for the Bruins to improve, to take a few steps forward like they did last week against Washington State.
“I think it is a fun place to play because there is so much excitement and so much energy,” Neuheisel said. “I would rank it high (as a tough place to play), but I am excited about the challenge.”
There is a lot at stake for Oregon, too. The Ducks slipped badly last week at No. 8 USC, falling 44-10 in a game in which their defense allowed 598 yards of total offense. Sophomore Justin Roper, the team’s top quarterback, will return this week after missing the past three games due to a knee injury. Backup sophomore quarterback Jeremiah Masoli may still be the starter, coach Mike Bellotti said earlier this week.
Either way, Saturday will be a challenge for the Bruin defense. The Ducks run a spread-offense and average 483 yards per game.
UCLA defensive coordinator DeWayne Walker said there’s “no question” that this will be the toughest test the Bruin defense has faced this season.
“Speed is key,” redshirt freshman outside linebacker Akeem Ayers said. “It’s all spread out so we have to run to the ball and make a lot of open field tackles.”
The UCLA offense hopes to build upon solid performances in its last two games. Last week against Washington State the Bruins totaled 325 yards, and redshirt junior quarterback Kevin Craft had perhaps his best game of the season.
Craft threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns and wasn’t sacked or intercepted last week.
But so far the Bruins haven’t been able to match a great passing attack with a potent run game. Even against lowly Washington State the Bruins managed just 2.7 yards per carry.
“I just think we have a lot of upside, and I know we haven’t reached our potential,” Craft said. “As long as we keep improving week to week, that’s the main thing.”
If Oregon’s recent losses are any indication, UCLA may have a chance to score a lot of points Saturday. The Oregon defense, coached by former UCLA coordinator Nick Aliotti, has allowed around 26 points per game so far this season.
As far as injuries go, UCLA will be without several key players Saturday. Redshirt senior center Micah Reed is listed as doubtful because of a knee injury, and senior linebacker Kyle Bosworth, who is also suffering from a knee injury, will not play either. Redshirt senior wide receiver Marcus Everett is listed as questionable; Neuheisel said it will most likely be a game-time decision.
In addition to Roper, Oregon will also benefit from the return of starting senior left tackle Fenuki Tupou. Oddsmakers favor the Ducks to win by 17 points, but UCLA is optimistic, if not quietly confident.
“It’s the biggest challenge because it’s the next challenge,” Neuheisel said. “It’s a huge, huge game for us and one where we need to play our best. If we do, we’re going to have a good chance.”