Oregon's Path to the CFP Takes a Major Turn, One Way or the Other, On Saturday
NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos...
The Oregon Ducks' path back to the College Football Playoff is going to take a major turn, one way or the other, on Saturday afternoon against the UCLA Bruins.
This game is a historic one between two former Pac-12 teams that have now become part of the Big Ten's finest. So far this season, these two teams have been on two totally different trajectories.
Oregon came into the campaign as one of the teams that was most hyped going into the year. They had the most expensive roster, the best talent collection, one of the most experienced quarterbacks, with their eyes set on making a run to the National Championship.
The season has been far from a cakewalk. They have been in a dogfight with Boise State; they were upset on the road against the Oklahoma State Cowboys before taking out their frustrations against Portland State and stealing a win over USC.
It has been a bumpy road and this is a team that desperately needs a big victory.
On the other side, UCLA is this year's Cinderella story. New head coach Bob Chesney has come in and completely changed the culture of this team almost immediately. He is following a pretty successful blueprint from the guy he worked for at James Madison.
As UCLA approaches this game, they believe that a win against UCLA is going to catapult them into the College Football Playoff conversation.
Through the Oregon lens, Saturday is a very nervous day for the Ducks. They are a wounded animal right now that is facing off against a very formidable opponent. If Oregon loses this football game, they will have their backs completely against the wall with a trip to Columbus, Ohio, in two weeks.
If they win this game, they won't get many brownie points, but it will be enough to keep their nose above water at least for the time being.
To get it done, they are going to have to do it on the back and on the arm of quarterback Dylan Raiola. Dante Moore is still out after that vicious hit he took in the USC game that could have ended his career at Oregon.
The Ducks rallied behind Raiola and fought for Moore. You never know if that becomes a moment when the team turns the corner on the year and starts playing for something bigger.
The Ducks and the Bruins take center stage this afternoon in a massive game within the Big Ten.
More at NCAAF College Football News, Photos, Stats, Scores, Schedule & Videos