**Editor’s Note: The matchup doesn’t carry as much national attention as it would’ve had between Oregon and UCLA if the teams had remained undefeated. However, when the two preseason favorites meet in the Pac-12 Championships, plenty will still be on the line. Leading up to the matchup, sports editor Justin Wise and associate sports editor Hayden Kim answered a roundtable of questions, offering insights, opinions and predictions.
Both teams are coming off losses in which they were heavy favorites coming in. Who do you think has the most to lose coming into this week’s contest?
Wise: It’s a tough answer, considering one of these teams will have its lofty preseason expectations entirely dismantled. However, it’s pretty clear which program has the most on the line. Oregon, if it is to lose this weekend, will have lost consecutive games for the first time since 2007 and have shown a clear digression since Chip Kelly’s departure.
Kim: This is a make or break situation for Oregon. As a former No. 2 ranked team that controlled its own destiny in regards to the inaugural College Football Playoffs, the Ducks don’t have any more time or opportunities to waste.
It’s clear that Brett Hundley and Marcus Mariota will play large parts in whether UCLA or Oregon wins Saturday. However, what player besides them do you see carrying the most weight on the game’s result?
Wise: How will these offensive lines fare? Oregon’s given up 15 sacks this year to UCLA’s 22. It’s clear why these offenses led by preseason Heisman candidates aren’t performing at the rate one would expect them to. Whichever unit shows up and is able to establish a bit of control, whether it is protecting the quarterback or rush blocking, should be an obvious indicator for why the end result is what it is.
Kim: DeForest Buckner will have to step up in place of Arik Armstead — assuming he won’t be 100 percent healthy — and help anchor the Oregon defensive line. UCLA is most vulnerable on its offensive line and the game could be heavily impacted if Buckner can consistently create havoc in the trenches. Brett Hundley is a Heisman candidate for a reason and is as good as any when given time. Having said that, Buckner will need to perform.
Prediction. Why?
Wise: Oregon 27, UCLA 20. This one will be close, possibly ugly at times, especially after watching these teams perform last Saturday. However, Oregon’s offense seems to be at least clicking marginally better than UCLA’s. Also, as far as the Ducks’ defense is concerned, the unit matches up much better against an opponent like this with its huge deficiencies at the offensive line.
Kim: Oregon 24, UCLA 20. There is no doubt that this game will be close. Two of the nation’s top tier quarterbacks will be going head-to-head and it will surely be a defensive battle. As long as both teams perform up to their usual standards, this will be a grind-it-out game. Considering this is a do-or-die situation for the Ducks, they will likely come out with a lot of fire and passion. This could either win or lose them the game.