Dylan Raiola and Ducks Offense Stumble in Loss to UCLA

The No. 13 Oregon Ducks had an atrocious performance in their loss to the No. 21 UCLA Bruins. The Ducks' offense was abysmal, struggling to sustain drives throughout the game.

With star quarterback Dante Moore still sidelined, Dylan Raiola got the nod as the starter for the Ducks. Entering the game, there was reason for optimism with Raiola starting, as he had been an efficient passer in the two games he had appeared in for Oregon.

That wasn't the case against the Bruins, as he completed just six of 19 passes for 43 yards, zero touchdowns, and two interceptions. Raiola also fumbled and was replaced in the fourth quarter by third-string quarterback Brock Thomas.

Thomas came in and fumbled on the first drive, which was the Ducks' fourth turnover of the game. However, trailing 17-6, Thomas didn't let it faze him; he led an eight-play, 60-yard drive that ended with a field goal, cutting UCLA's lead to one possession.

After a Bruins punt, Thomas led a quick drive downfield, connecting with Evan Stewart for a 44-yard touchdown to cut the deficit to 17-15 with 2:16 left. Oregon went for two to tie the game, but Jordon Davison was stuffed. 

The Ducks' defense got a stop, giving the offense one final chance to go down and win the game with 48 seconds left and no timeouts from the five-yard line. They picked up two first downs but couldn't get into field goal range.

Oregon's defense played at a high level throughout most of the game. They intercepted Nico Iamaleava twice and forced a fumble before he left with an injury. The Bruins were unable to establish the passing attack, with Matayo Uiagalelei constantly putting pressure on the quarterback.

Uiagalelei had two sacks for the Ducks and was very disruptive throughout the game. However, Oregon struggled to contain Bruins running back Wayne Knight, as he rushed for 103 yards and a touchdown.

Overall, the defense played well for the Ducks, giving the offense many opportunities off turnovers.  

The offense couldn't take advantage, especially with Raiola at quarterback. Star tight end Jamari Johnson was barely utilized in the offense, catching just one pass for six yards. In the previous game, Johnson was a key pass catcher, as he had seven receptions for 119 yards.

The Ducks' offense will have plenty of question marks heading into next week's matchup against the Nebraska Cornhuskers. If Moore is still unable to play, Oregon's starting quarterback position could be in doubt between Raiola and Thomas.