Saturday’s showdown at Autzen Stadium pits the No. 13 Oregon Ducks against an unbeaten UCLA Bruins squad. The Ducks will be led by junior quarterback Dylan Raiola, who earned his first start since Nov. 1, 2025, after stepping in for the injured Dante Moore in a comeback win over USC.
Raiola’s calm under pressure
Raiola completed 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards and two touchdowns in Los Angeles, steadying the Ducks when the Trojans tied the game in the fourth quarter. He attributes his poise to preparation, film study, and his faith: “My sense of peace comes from, one, my Lord and Savior, and then two, my preparation.” The Ducks will look to replicate that composure against a UCLA team that boasts one of the nation’s most potent rushing attacks.
UCLA’s ground game threatens Oregon’s defense
Running back Wayne Knight leads the Bruins’ rushing offense, scoring a touchdown in each of the first four games and ranking second nationally with 9.08 yards per carry. Knight’s nine total touchdowns place him atop the national scoring charts. He previously faced Oregon in the first round of the playoffs, rushing for 110 yards on 6.5 yards per carry, though the Ducks rallied to win 51‑34.
Coaches draw parallels to Indiana
Oregon head coach Dan Lanning likens the Bruins to last year’s Indiana team, noting the continuity of players and coordinators who followed coach Bob Chesney from James Madison. “They’re an extremely well‑coached team,” Lanning said, emphasizing the importance of preparation against a disciplined opponent.
Key defensive matchup
Defensive lineman A’Mauri Washington, a former teammate of Raiola at Chandler High School, will anchor Oregon’s front line. Washington, a 6‑foot‑3, 330‑pound presence, warned that UCLA’s low‑center of gravity runners require defenders to stay low and tackle with proper technique. Oregon’s defense has allowed an average of 150 rushing yards per game, a figure skewed by an early loss to Oklahoma State, but recent performances against FCS Portland State and USC show improvement.
Game details and how to watch
The game kicks off at 12:30 p.m. Pacific time on Saturday, Oct. 10, on CBS with Brad Nessler, Charles Davis and Jenny Dell calling the action. Radio coverage is available on KUJZ 95.3 in Eugene and 105.1 The Fan in Portland. Fans are encouraged to wear black, the Ducks’ home color.
Why the game matters locally
Oregon has not lost to UCLA at Autzen since 2004 and has not been beaten by the Bruins overall since 2017. A victory would reinforce the Ducks’ home-field advantage and bolster confidence heading into the remainder of the season. For Eugene residents, the game offers a chance to rally behind a team that embodies perseverance, faith, and community spirit.
Both teams enter the matchup with strong records—Oregon at 3‑1 (1‑0 in the Big Ten) and UCLA at 4‑0 (2‑0 in the Big Ten). The outcome could shape conference standings and set the tone for the rest of the fall football schedule.
Original reporting: Homepage – Lookout Eugene-Springfield — read the source article.
