UCLA‘s ability to force turnovers could lead the Bruins to an upset win against the No. 13 Oregon Ducks at Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore. this weekend. Bob Chesney and the No. 21 Bruins certainly hope so.
The Bruins’ defense has been superb at forcing turnovers this season with 12 turnovers in just four games. Due to UCLA’s success at giving their offense more opportunities with the ball, Logan Brown of Ducks Wire believes defensive turnovers could decide the outcome of the game.
“[Dante] Moore tossed two interceptions against James Madison last season, one of which was the result of a poor pressure pickup up front,” Brown wrote in his preview of the upcoming game. “That’s how UCLA is going to try to win this game: confusing whoever is under center so they never know where the blitz is coming from. Oregon can neutralize that threat with quick passes or running on the edges, but it will be a big challenge either way.”
Brown’s assessment of the Bruins defensive gameplan could play out accurately, especially since UCLA’s now defensive coordinator Colin Hitschler forced Oregon’s star quarterback to throw those two interceptions without all of the Big Ten talent that the Bruins currently have. Moore won’t be in action against his former team due to a head injury but the UCLA’s nose for the football could strike against former Nebraska star Dylan Raiola.
Raiola played well for Oregon in the win over USC, as he completed 19-of-25 passes for 289 passing yards and two touchdowns without being sacked or intercepted.
This time around, Bruins head coach Bob Chesney has the Big Ten interception leader through Week 5 with senior defensive back Ta’Shawn James securing three interceptions. It’s very plausible to see a path where the Bruins win because they were able to make Oregon’s backup quarterback Dylan Raiola uncomfortable.
It won’t be easy for the Bruins, but they have had an interception in each of their four games they played this season. If UCLA can continue to pile up the turnovers, then that could be just what they need to gain the advantage against one of the Big Ten’s fiercest.
This article originally appeared on UCLA Wire: Could UCLA’s defense lead the way versus Oregon by forcing turnovers?