Oregon Ducks secure victory at UCLA to commence Big Ten competition following a robust beginning.

The Oregon Ducks commenced the game with vigor, encountered some challenges in the middle phases, and concluded with composure, securing a 34-13 victory against the UCLA Bruins late Saturday night at the Rose Bowl. This win represents Oregon's inaugural triumph in Big Ten Conference competition and their 11th victory in the last 12 encounters with the Bruins (1-3, 0-2 Big Ten), a streak that extends back to their shared history in the Pac-12.

The Ducks (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) demonstrated offensive efficiency in the early stages but encountered difficulties at times during the second half. Defensively, they delivered a commendable performance, although there remains significant room for improvement, especially concerning the intermediate passing game. Tez Johnson played a pivotal role in Oregon's initial drive, making three consecutive receptions as the Ducks advanced down the field. Following a 12-play, 74-yard drive, Oregon took a 7-0 lead with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Dillon Gabriel to Traeshon Holden. UCLA managed to penetrate deep into Oregon's territory on their opening drive; however, the Duck defense stiffened, forcing a field goal that brought the score to 7-3. In a moment of creativity during their subsequent offensive series, Oregon attempted a double pass, but Johnson's throw to Patrick Herbert fell short of the intended touchdown. Atticus Sappington then increased the lead to 10-3 with a 41-yard field goal early in the second quarter. Bryce Boettcher continued his impressive start to the 2024 season by achieving his first career interception, which allowed Oregon to regain possession at the UCLA 24-yard line. The Ducks quickly capitalized on this opportunity with a two-yard touchdown run by Jordan James.

The Ducks employed a distinctive goal-line formation during James' touchdown, featuring Zach Grace and A’mauri Washington in blocking roles. This strategy proved effective, allowing James to score without any opposition. On the defensive side, Jordan Burch excelled for the Ducks, penetrating the backfield and disrupting another UCLA offensive drive. Following this, Gabriel delivered an impeccable pass to Johnson on the subsequent Oregon drive, executing a fake quarterback run before connecting on a 52-yard touchdown to his agile wide receiver, who was making a cut across the field. The Ducks successfully converted a two-point attempt, with tight end Kenyon Sadiq passing to Terrance Ferguson, extending the score to 25-3. Late in the second quarter, Ferguson exited the game after sustaining a blow to the head and was assessed in the medical tent before proceeding to the Oregon locker room, where he did not return.

A subsequent field goal by Sappington extended the Ducks' lead to 28-3. Just as Oregon seemed ready to increase their advantage to 35-3, a pivotal mistake altered the game's momentum as the teams approached halftime. Johnson stumbled while running a route toward the end zone, prompting Gabriel to attempt a throw that resulted in a 96-yard interception return for a touchdown by former Duck Bryan Addison. This play allowed UCLA to narrow the gap to 28-10 by halftime. Following a series of unsuccessful possessions by both teams at the start of the second half, Mateen Bhaghani successfully kicked a career-best 54-yard field goal for UCLA, bringing the score to 28-13. During that drive, UCLA quarterback Ethan Garbers appeared to sustain an ankle injury, which he would subsequently tape and favor for the remainder of the contest. Oregon's offense struggled to regain its earlier momentum in the second half, as UCLA effectively tackled in open space and applied consistent pressure on Gabriel. Despite Garbers' ongoing injury, UCLA managed to achieve some success in the intermediate passing game, taking advantage of Oregon's defensive backs playing conservatively. However, on a crucial 4th and short near midfield, Oregon secured another interception when Tysheem Johnson intercepted a deflected pass. As the fourth quarter commenced, Oregon orchestrated a powerful drive, capitalizing on the Bruins' lack of discipline, culminating in a 12-yard touchdown pass from Gabriel to Johnson. A missed extra point left the score at 34-13 in favor of the Ducks with 9:37 remaining. The Oregon defense maintained its composure, while the offense effectively managed the clock with a strong running game. Austin Novosad took over at quarterback late in the game, receiving several snaps in place of Gabriel, while former UCLA quarterback Dante Moore also saw some action.