dailybreeze
As the UCLA Bruins gear up for their Big Ten clash against Oregon in Eugene this Saturday, the coaching staff is taking a cautious approach by preparing for both Dylan Raiola and Dante Moore under center. Moore's availability hangs in the balance after he sustained a concussion from a helmet-to-helmet hit delivered by USC linebacker Desman Stephens II on September 26.
Both the No. 13 Ducks (3-1, 1-0 Big Ten) and the No. 21 Bruins (4-0, 2-0) are coming off bye weeks, but UCLA is uncertain whether Moore will be cleared to face them or if Raiola will also see snaps. Raiola impressed in relief of Moore during Oregon's 41-27 win over USC, completing 19 of 25 passes for 289 yards with two touchdowns and no interceptions. Moore, meanwhile, has been efficient this season, completing 69.7% of his throws for 926 yards, nine touchdowns, and zero interceptions.
UCLA head coach Bob Chesney noted the similarities between the two quarterbacks. "They are both similar," Chesney said. "Neither of them are putting the ball down and running around a whole lot. Just two different style of balls that are coming out of their own hands. They can both execute their offense at a really high level. They are both very good football players. You can't think about who's going to be out there or not. You have to prepare for both. They are still going to give the ball to the running backs. They are still going to give the ball to the tight end. They are still going to take their shots and find their matchups with their two receivers."
To simulate the hostile environment of Autzen Stadium, the Oregon fight song was played over loudspeakers during UCLA's practice on Tuesday morning in Westwood. Chesney believes the experience against Cal earlier this season was a good starting point for handling crowd noise. "The Cal game was a good start for us," he said. "Obviously, it'll be a little bit of a step up. At the same time, we are doing everything we can to deal with noise. We are playing a football game out there 11-on-11 and what's happening on the outside can't affect what we are doing on the inside."
During practice, the Bruins also worked on some Wildcat offense while senior quarterback Nico Iamaleava threw the ball accurately in live sessions. Iamaleava connected with seniors Landon Ellis, Semaj Morgan, Brayden Loftin, and junior Russell Weir. "We need his best, and we need everybody's best," Chesney said. "It's not just any one guy. A lot of it goes through (Iamaleava). He's done a phenomenal job up to this point of getting everyone into the play calls and handling his business the right way. Protection, keeping himself safe, and getting the ball out quickly. Doing all the things he needs to do, and he's got to be spot on come Saturday. It's day one, day two of the new stuff, and he's done a good job up to this point."
Key Analysis
UCLA's preparation for both quarterbacks underscores the uncertainty surrounding Moore's health and the strategic challenge posed by Oregon's offense. Raiola's proven ability to step in and perform at a high level adds another layer of complexity for the Bruins' defense. The emphasis on simulating crowd noise reflects the coaching staff's attention to detail in getting the team ready for a tough road environment. As the game approaches, the Bruins remain focused on executing their own game plan regardless of who lines up under center for the Ducks.
Originally reported by dailybreeze.