Heading into the bye week, the Oregon Ducks have a new narrative. After losing on the road to Oklahoma State, the Ducks were cast aside as one of the season's biggest letdowns. While there is plenty of season to go, the Ducks took a big step in the right direction last week, taking down USC and showing that the offense still can score big in critical games.
Oregon will have to navigate the health of quarterback Dante Moore, who suffered a serious concussion in the win. Dylan Raiola proved he has the ability to step in and fill the gap for the Ducks in the backfield if Moore misses time. Dan Lanning said in a press release that the Ducks will use "an abundance of caution" with Moore and his return to the field, so when Oregon returns to Autzen
Stadium after the bye week, Raiola could be the man taking the snap.
The Ducks will face another Los Angeles foe in two weeks, as the undefeated UCLA Bruins will make the trip to Eugene for a game on Oct. 10. FanDuel Sportsbook released an early betting line in favor of the home team. Oregon is a 12-5-point favorite over the Bruins with a total points spread set at 58.5 points.
UCLA has scored more than 50 points in each of its last two games and is also heading into a bye week. Head coach Bob Chesney led James Madison into Autzen Stadium for the College Football Playoff in December and found success. So far, the Bruins have clicked offensively, and they will present another significant challenge for Oregon's defense.
Oregon has -530 odds on the money line, while the visiting Bruins have +390 odds. UCLA is led by Nico Iamaleava at quarterback, but running back and James Madison transfer Wayne Knight has carried the offense. Knight has rushed for 445 yards and nine touchdowns this season, so the Ducks' front seven will have its hands full.
The matchup between former Pac-12 rivals will take place in Eugene in front of a national audience. Kickoff is set for 12:30 p.m., and the game will be broadcast on CBS.
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This article originally appeared on Ducks Wire: Oregon emerges as double-digit favorite vs. UCLA in early betting line
