UCLA takes subtle shot at Oregon's physicality ahead of showdown

Logan Brown, Ducks WireFri, October 9, 2026 at 6:10 PM UTC

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The Oregon Ducks and UCLA Bruins have shown plenty of mutual respect this week leading into an important ranked showdown in Autzen Stadium. Dan Lanning compared the Bruins to last year's national champion Indiana Hoosiers, and Bob Chesney reached out to offer support for Oregon quarterback Dante Moore as he recovers from a concussion.

Still, Oregon and UCLA are an old Pac-12 matchup with a long history, and with plenty on the line this Saturday, coaches are searching for an edge at every turn. The Bruins believe they have an edge against the Ducks' defense on the ground. Wayne Knight has been the engine for a UCLA offense that has done nothing but run the ball with their depth at the position, and that will undoubtedly be the game plan for Chesney's offense heading into Eugene.

ESPN's Paolo Uggetti has followed UCLA's 4-0 start to the season closely, publishing a story detailing how Chesney has quickly turned the Bruins into a threat within the Big Ten in year one on the job. As UCLA prepares for its first major test of the season against the Ducks, running backs coach A.J. Steward didn't shy away from his thoughts on Oregon's defense.

"Don't be surprised if we have success," Steward told UCLA's running backs, according to Uggetti. "They (Oregon) don't play as hard and as physical as we do."

In fairness, the Ducks haven't been as stout up front as many believed they would be coming into the season. Oregon allows 4.1 yards per carry and 150 yards per game, both of which range in the middle of the pack in FBS. UCLA, meanwhile, leads the country, averaging seven yards 6.9 yards per carry, and ranks second, averaging 281.5 yards per game.

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Knight has led the charge, rushing for 445 yards and nine touchdowns through four games this season, but UCLA's ground attack shines because of its depth and the use of counter to set up blocks. Anthony Woods, Jaivian Thomas and quarterback Nico Iamaleava are all part of the rushing attack, and the Ducks will need to find a way to slow all four runners on Saturday.

A'Mauri Washington and Bear Alexander have been admirable against the run, but veterans Matayo Uiagalelei and Teitum Tuioti have struggled to set the edge, while linebacker Jerry Mixon and safety Koi Perich have struggled to make tackles at the second level.

The callout from Steward isn't completely inaccurate, but it could light a fire for the Ducks out of the bye week and be featured in one of Lanning's famous pregame speeches to provide some extra motivation.

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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: UCLA takes subtle shot at Oregon's physicality ahead of showdown

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