Oregon Ducks Dominate UCLA Bruins in Historic Big Ten Matchup

PASADENA, Calif. — In a night marked by milestones, the Oregon Ducks delivered a powerhouse performance against the UCLA Bruins, clinching a 34-13 victory at the Rose Bowl. This match not only marked Oregon's first victory in the Big Ten but highlighted quarterback Dillon Gabriel’s ascension in college football history.

Gabriel shone brightly under the lights, completing 31 of 41 passes for an impressive 280 yards and three touchdowns, solidifying his place as one of the sport’s elite quarterbacks. With this game, he joined the ranks of only four players in NCAA Football Bowl Subdivision history to surpass 16,000 career passing yards, bringing his total to 16,059 yards across three institutions. Remarkably, this talented sixth-year senior has now thrown for 134 touchdown passes, tying him for third all-time.

It was a complete game in a lot of ways,” Oregon head coach Dan Lanning praised, emphasizing Gabriel’s strategic use of the pocket and his ability to adapt under pressure. “Dillon continues to prove that he’s a savvy quarterback. The defense played their best game yet, adjusting well to UCLA's rhythm after their opening series.”

The Ducks charged through the first half, scoring on their first five possessions and showcasing a relentless defense that stifled UCLA's momentum. After UCLA briefly closed the gap to 7-3 with a field goal, the Ducks countered effectively, forcing turnovers and holding the Bruins to negative yards in the second quarter. By halftime, Oregon had established a commanding 28-10 lead.

Tez Johnson was a standout for the Ducks, snaring 11 receptions for 121 yards and two touchdowns. His chemistry with Gabriel was evident, particularly on a jaw-dropping 52-yard touchdown connection that demonstrated both players’ capabilities and confidence.

On the opposite side, UCLA struggled under first-year head coach DeShaun Foster, suffering its third consecutive loss and failing to score over 20 points in any of its first four games for the first time since 1963. Foster voiced his frustrations, stating, “Actions speak louder than words. We need to change our actions out there, and hopefully, that’ll fix some stuff.”

Despite a valiant fight from Bruins quarterback Ethan Garbers, who threw for 118 yards but struggled with two interceptions and was sacked four times, the offense fell flat. Garbers attempted to rally, even as he battled an apparent ankle injury late in the game.

Looking ahead, Oregon (4-0, 1-0 Big Ten) is set to host Michigan State for its first Big Ten home game, while UCLA (1-3, 0-2) faces a daunting trip to take on ninth-ranked Penn State next Saturday.

With their strong performance against UCLA, Oregon is poised to ascend in the rankings, especially following the sixth-ranked Mississippi's loss to Kentucky. As the Ducks continue to build on their momentum, fans are eager to see if they can keep their unbeaten streak alive in the upcoming games!