In a way, it is sad to see how far UCLA football has fallen in the 2000s. The old Pac-8 and Pac-10 used to be comprised of USC, UCLA, sometimes Washington (I begrudgingly confess), and everyone else. UCLA is the poster child of the old school, classic stadium, traditionally solid program that utterly failed to adapt to the new order of college football.
Other than being in LA and tied to USC, the Bruins did nothing to earn their “promotion” into the B1G Conference. The uninspired hiring of DeShaun Foster as head coach did nothing to tell the world that they were ready for their venture into college football’s elite class. If anything it was a “what the hell were they thinking?” moment. So much for a “splash” or even just a “solid” hire. It comes across as more of a thrifty, money-saving move. And, we know how well that mentality works in big-time college football.
The Bruins gave it their all at LSU and lost by 17 points. LSU is not the offensive juggernaut of last season without Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels. After that long trip to the deep south, they seem primed for a “letdown” against the Ducks and Oregon will romp.
Just another fall in Westwood waiting for basketball to begin, where at least they have a fighting chance.
Former Ducks in the NFL
It was nice to see four former and recent Oregon Ducks playing in Bo Nix’s first win in the NFL. Along with Denver quarterback Nix (2022-23), wide receiver Troy Franklin (2021-23), backup center Alex Forsyth (2017-22) and Tampa Bay running back Bucky Irving (2021-23) were teammates at Oregon. Before placing any bets on former Ducks in the NFL, be sure to find out more about sports betting in Oregon to stay within the legal guidelines.
A Little Beaver Redemption
It was good to see the Beavers beat Purdue. The Boilermakers stink (thank goodness the Ducks play them this year), but it must feel great to beat a team from the super conference that snubbed you and took your rival.
The Ducks swarm the Beaver. (Photo by Eric Becker)
USC is Still Sketchy
USC lost to Michigan with Michigan having only 32 passing yards. Michigan’s defense will keep them in games, but at this rate, they are not a playoff-caliber team. Meanwhile, USC is a dangerous team as evidenced by their win at LSU, but questions about the defense still linger.
While the defense has much improved under new coordinator D’Anton Lynn, the lack of sound tackling in crunch time continues to haunt the Trojans. Nowhere was that more evident than on Michigan’s game-winning drive.
Big Games This Week
This Friday night features two schools that Oregon loves to root against. Washington travels to Rutgers, and Miami, featuring ex-Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal, hosts Virginia Tech. Go Scarlet Knights and Hokies!
The Ducks do not kick off until 8 p.m. Pacific time this Saturday, so we will be able to take in almost all of Saturday’s games beforehand.
Ohio State-Michigan State: A matchup of Oregon’s next two opponents after UCLA.
Illinois-Penn State: A Top-25 matchup of Oregon’s new B1G brethren. Ducks play Illinois on Oct 26th.
Georgia-Alabama: No words needed.
Washington State-Boise State: For you rabid channel flippers, this is a 7 p.m. kickoff, so this would be the game to flip to during breaks in the Oregon game.
It should be exciting and a preview of the new version of “Pac-12 After Dark.”
Darren Perkins
Spokane, WA
Top photo credit: Eric Becker
Natalie Liebhaber, the FishDuck.com Volunteer Editor for this article, works in technology in SLC, Utah
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Darren Perkins is a sales professional and 1997 Oregon graduate. After finishing school, he escaped the rain and moved to sunny Southern California where he studied screenwriting for two years at UCLA. Darren grew up in Eugene and in 1980, at the tender age of five, he attended his first Oregon football game. His lasting memory from that experience was an enthusiastic Don Essig announcing to the crowd: “Reggie Ogburn, completes a pass to… Reggie Ogburn.” Captivated by such a thrilling play, Darren’s been hooked on Oregon football ever since. Currently living in Spokane, Darren enjoys flaunting his yellow and green superiority complex over friends and family in Cougar country.