The upcoming college football game between No. 8 Oregon and UCLA is set to take place on Saturday at 11 p.m. ET, with Oregon favored to win by 25 1/2 points according to BetMGM College Football Odds. The series record shows that UCLA leads 40-32.

For Oregon, this game is crucial as they aim to secure their first Big Ten win and showcase their potential as College Football Playoff contenders. Following a dominant 49-14 victory over Oregon State, the Ducks are eager to maintain their momentum. On the other side, UCLA is looking to bounce back from a tough 34-17 loss to No. 14 LSU and continue their rebuild under first-year coach DeShaun Foster.

One of the key matchups to watch will be between Oregon’s running back Jordan James and UCLA’s linebacker Kain Medrano. James displayed his effectiveness in the red zone in the previous game, while Medrano leads UCLA in tackles and tackles for loss, making him a crucial player in the Bruins’ defense.

Players to keep an eye on include Oregon’s edge rusher Matayo Uiagalelei, who leads the team in sacks, and UCLA’s wide receiver Logan Loya, who showed promise in the passing game against LSU. Both teams have areas to improve, with Oregon focusing on their pass rush efficiency and UCLA aiming to enhance their struggling offense.

In terms of historical performance, Oregon has been dominant against UCLA in recent years, winning 10 of their past 11 matchups. UCLA, on the other hand, is looking to avoid starting conference play with two losses for the first time since 2018. Oregon’s quarterback Dillon Gabriel leads the FBS in completion percentage, while UCLA has struggled in rushing offense, ranking 132nd out of 134 FBS teams.

As both teams gear up for this crucial game, fans can expect an intense battle on the field. The outcome of this matchup could significantly impact the trajectory of both teams’ seasons moving forward.