Bruins Face Tough Test as Ducks Visit Rose Bowl for Rare Showdown Saturday

The UCLA Bruins face the No. 8 Oregon Ducks at the Rose Bowl on Saturday, marking a rare appearance for Oregon at the iconic venue.

This matchup represents only the third time Oregon has played at the Rose Bowl since 2015. Kickoff is set for 8 p.m.

UCLA, under first-year head coach DeShaun Foster, enters the contest with a 1-2 record after a 34-17 loss to Louisiana State University last weekend.

A former UCLA running back and National Football League veteran, Foster is in his inaugural season leading the Bruins after spending 11 years in collegiate coaching.

Quarterback Ethan Garbers showed promise in the defeat, throwing for a career-high 281 yards and two touchdowns against the Tigers.

Linebacker Carson Schwesinger made an impact with 12 tackles in his first career start against Louisiana State University, leading the Bruins’ defensive effort.

The Bruins hold a slight historical edge over Oregon, boasting a 40-32 all-time record against the Ducks, who come in undefeated at 3-0.

Oregon emerged victorious in their last Rose Bowl encounter in 2020, securing a narrow 34-31 win over UCLA.

Saturday’s game, UCLA’s second home game of the 2024 season, will be broadcast nationally on FOX, with Connor Onion handling play-by-play duties alongside analyst Mark Helfrich and sideline reporter Josh Sims.

Local fans can tune in to the UCLA Sports Network on AM 1150, with Josh Lewin, Matt Stevens, and Wayne Cook providing radio coverage, or listen via SiriusXM channel 372.

UCLA’s defense aims to replicate its 2023 performances, when it limited opponents to just three second-half points in two games that season.

Linebacker Kain Medrano leads the Big Ten in solo tackles per game, averaging 6.0, and will be crucial in containing Oregon’s offense.

The Bruins’ defensive unit recorded five sacks, 11 tackles for loss, and two interceptions in their season opener against Hawaii.

This game marks a new era for UCLA athletics, as the university officially joined the Big Ten Conference on Aug. 2, 2024.

For fans attending the game, UCLA has implemented several enhancements, including an expanded student section and a new stadium sound system.

The university has also introduced new concession items and revived the pre-game “Bruin Walk” tradition to enhance the gameday experience.

A new tailgating area called the “Then Now Forever Tailgate” has been established in Area H for fans to enjoy before the game.

Parking passes for the event are available for $38, with a shuttle service operating between Old Pasadena and the Rose Bowl.