Oregon Star Defender Called Out for Punching Nico Iamaleava by UCLA Coach

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Following Oregon's 41-27 win over USC on Sept. 26, Ducks head coach Dan Lanning thought the display by Desman Stephens II was disgusting after the Trojans linebacker celebrated a rough hit on Dante Moore that would put the quarterback in the concussion protocol.

Turn to two weeks later, and an Oregon defender is being called out for a nasty play in Saturday's 17-15 loss to UCLA. 

Bruins head coach Bob Chesney claimed Ducks defensive lineman Bear Alexander threw a punch at quarterback Nico Iamaleava on Saturday. He called the play "egregious," via Pete Nakos of On3.

Chesney was upset that the play was missed.

Stephens was given a suspension by USC head coach Lincoln Riley for his actions after the hit on Moore. It remains to be seen if Oregon will have any repercussions for Alexander for appearing to throw a punch at Iamaleava.

Iamaleava wound up suffering a season-ending knee injury during the game. Backup Ty Dieffenbach threw for 43 yards and a touchdown in relief of Iamaleava.

The play by Alexander was not a good look for a 3-2 Oregon team. The goodwill that Oregon earned against USC dissipated on Saturday afternoon. Alexander finished with six tackles and half a sack in the loss to the Bruins.

Where does Oregon go from here?

The Ducks fell out of the rankings after their loss to the undefeated Bruins at home on Saturday. Oregon will next host a 5-1 Nebraska team that had Indiana on the ropes for much of Saturday before the No. 7 Hoosiers made a late comeback to win 20-17. 

After Dylan Raiola was benched against UCLA, the Ducks will hope Moore can make his return to play the Cornhuskers. Moore participated some at practice last week, but wasn't able to play UCLA.

The Ducks will pretty much need to win out to make the College Football Playoff at this point, making Saturday's game a must-win against Nebraska. 

The offense as a whole must be better if the Ducks are to beat Nebraska, No. 25 Northwestern, and No. 4 Ohio State this season.

Quarterback play has been an issue for the Ducks this season, but Moore and Raiola are not  to blame for a poor running game, missed blocks, and fumbles by skilled players. 

Lanning will need to get his players in the right mental headspace quickly, or the season could quickly get away from them.

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