In a lopsided game from the start, No. 8 Oregon (4-0, 1-0) defeated UCLA 34-13 in their first Big Ten matchup. The Bruins have started their inaugural season in the Big Ten 0-2 in conference play.
The highlight of the game for UCLA (1-3, 0-2) came with 23 seconds left in the half, when Dillon Gabriel's pass was intercepted and returned for a touchdown by defensive back Bryan Addison.
Despite the pick-six, Ducks coach Dan Lanning expressed pride in Gabriel’s overall performance. Gabriel finished the night 31-for-41 with 280 yards, three touchdowns, and one interception.
"Well, it's all him," Lanning said. "He's the one making every play. Dillon's been extremely efficient all year. I think he's taken what the opponent gives him, but he's got to continue doing that for us."
Oregon's offense started the night strong, scoring on each of their first five possessions and taking a 28-10 lead into halftime.
"I'm trusting the guys. When you get the ball in the playmakers' hands, they make plays," Gabriel said.
"The trust and belief are there, but more importantly, the guys are elite with what they did."
The Bruins' defense held the Ducks scoreless in the third quarter and limited them to only six points in the second half.
"We came out in that third quarter and were doing what we wanted to do," junior linebacker Carson Schwesinger said. "I think our goal every quarter is to come out and play with discipline, respect, and enthusiasm, and we were able to do it for one quarter. We’ve got to be able to string it together for all four."
On offense, the Bruins struggled, finishing the night with only 172 total yards.
"Nobody should be excited about what happened," coach DeShaun Foster said.
A major point of concern was the offensive line, which allowed four sacks and seven tackles for loss during the game.
"I just think people need to take more pride in keeping the QB upright," senior center Josh Carlin said. "As the leader, I need to continue pushing my guys and holding myself to a high standard to prevent Garbs (Garbers) from getting hit so much. That's the biggest nightmare for an offensive lineman."
Partway through the fourth quarter, quarterback Ethan Garbers limped off the field with a towel over his head. Garbers has faced various injuries throughout his career at UCLA.
"Well, if you know Ethan, you know he was fighting to stay out there," Foster said.
"It's hard to play quarterback when you're not upright. He's a tough kid, and he's trying to find ways to make plays. But you know, I'm riding with Ethan no matter what."
UCLA (1-3, 0-2) will travel to Pennsylvania to take on No. 9 Penn State (4-0, 1-0) on Saturday at 12 p.m. EST. Oregon (4-0, 1-0) hosts Michigan State (3-2, 1-1) on Friday at 6 p.m. PST.
