Keys to the Game: Oregon @ UCLA

Duck takes a look at what Oregon needs to do against UCLA.

Get on the plane
The Ducks forgot to do this in their only other road game this year, a season opening loss to Boise State, and as a result, it looked like they never really showed up.

Quarterback play
It looks as if Nate Costa will probably start for Oregon this week, although Jeremiah Masoli is still technically number one on the depth chart. Whoever it is, they'll be leading an offense that is about as confusing as Oregon's uniform combination. On the one hand, the Ducks have put up a combined 98 points in their last two games...but on the other hand, the quack attack are still without a touchdown pass to a wide receiver. Costa proved he could play last week, but he is less mobile than Masoli, and the Ducks offense runs around the threat of a quarterback run.

Keep it up on Defense
Okay, so the last two weeks, the Ducks have allowed 9 points. That's pretty good. Even better--those two scoring drives amassed a total of -8 yards, and they both came after.....

Special Teams Turnovers!!!!!
The Ducks cost themself shutouts in consecutive weeks because of turnovers on special teams (a fumbled opening kickoff, and a muffed punt). The Ducks need to get in the practice of not doing this. One more mistake like that, and a gaping hole will be exposed. A clean game, and the Ducks can prove it's a fluke.


Don't pay attention to what the Bruins did last week
FACT: UCLA lost to Stanford last week.
FACT: It doesn't matter, this is a new week. The Ducks should know this more than anyone.

Duck out.