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The UCLA Bruins are taking on the Oregon Ducks today, on a short week for the Bruins, and amid a COVID-19 positive test case that may see them without multiple players.
News broke earlier this week that the Bruins would potentially be without starting quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson, and that would mark the second time this season that the Ducks welcomed an opponent from California, and without their starting quarterback on the field.
Oregon dominated Stanford in Week 1 when it was found out just hours before the game that Mills would be unavailable to play due to what ultimately became a false positive result.
Game prediction
This one ultimately comes down to availability for the Bruins and their players. The key to shutting down Oregon is to keep them off the field and that’s exactly what DTR could do with his legs as well as his arm. The Bruins will have to avoid turnovers in this game to have a chance to win against a talented Ducks defense, most notably their terrific secondary.
Watch out for multiple players on their defense to win matchups against UCLA’s offense who struggled against Colorado and Cal, despite for some successful box score figures.
UCLA’s defense will have to play a full four quarters as well to have a chance in this one but Oregon QB Tyler Shough has shown enough in his two games to warrant concern. Their play-calling has been the best in the Pac-12 and UCLA better be ready on defense.
UCLA may keep this one close, but the Ducks are still out to prove that they are better off without Chip, and better than the Bruins on the field.
How to watch
Date/Time: Saturday, November 21, 2020 at 12:30 pm @ Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon
TV: ESPN family of networks (Jason Benetti, play-by-play; Andre Ware, analyst; Taylor McGregor, sidelines)
Radio: AM 570 Josh Lewin (play-by-play), Matt Stevens (analyst), Wayne Cook (reporter) XM Ch. 198 / Internet 960