The last time the two teams met, Oregon led UCLA 35-17 at halftime during the 2011 Pac-12 Championship.
However, in today’s matchup against the Bruins both teams are tied at 14-14 heading into the second half.
The Ducks got off to a shaky start fumbling on their second play of the game and allowing the Bruins to score first.
Oregon received to start out the game only to have Keanon Lowe fumble the ball on the second play of Oregon’s first drive. The fumble eventually led to the first score of the game, bringing UCLA up 7-0.
Oregon had two fumbles in the first half.
Mariota was sacked and the ball was fumbled for the second time by UCLA’s Anthony Barr, but was recovered by Oregon, forcing the Ducks into a fourth-down situation. Kicker Alejandro Maldonado then set up formation for a kick return but ran a trick play that Oregon brought to the 8-yard line by linebacker Rodney Hardrick with a 66-yard rush.
That setup the Ducks for their first touchdown of the game.
De’Anthony Thomas made his return to the field after sitting out for the Colorado, Washington and Washington State games due to an ankle injury.
Thomas ran in the touchdown for one-yard after a seven-yard previous rush. The score was tied at 7-7.
Oregon’s defense came out strong making stop after stop on the UCLA offense. The Bruins did not rush for more than 14 yards on a single play in the first quarter.
Derrick Malone led the defense in tackles with five in the first quarter.
To start off the second quarter, running back Bryon Marshall quickly rushed for 40 yards just 1:50 into the quarter for Oregon’s second touchdown of the game. The touchdown was Marshall’s 10th of the season.
UCLA quarterback Brett Hundley then rushed the ball 33-yards and then another three. The seventh play of the Bruins’ drive ended in an interception by linebacker Boseko Lokombo who progressed the ball nine yards for the Ducks.
On the fourth down, UCLA received the ball with Maldonado on the kick. The ball was blocked by Myles Jack, giving the Bruins excellent field position at Oregon’s 28-yard line.
Hundley passed to Thomas Duarte on a third-down conversion for an 11-yard rush good for a touchdown, tying the game at 14-14.
On Oregon’s last drive before the end of the half, Mariota threw for 38 yards and rushed 25 before he was sacked for a loss of two yards. Maldonado then kicked a 37-yard field goal that went wide, keeping the score 14-14 to finish out the half.
Things to look for in the second half
How will Oregon react to being in their first close game of the season?
Can the Ducks control UCLA linebacker Anthony Barr?
Who will step up on offense for the Ducks?
Will the Oregon defense continue its momentum with pressure on Hundley?