The 2011 college football season for the Ducks was one of the most anticipated seasons in Oregon history.
After suffering a season-opening loss to now-No. 1 LSU, the Ducks have since bounced back, beating every other opponent save for a strong USC Trojan team and are in prime position to make yet another appearance in a BCS bowl game.
Facing the rather lowly UCLA Bruins, the Ducks are 32-point favorites in this game and will be looking to put up huge numbers against a Bruin team that has seemed a little flat heading into the Pac-12 Championship.
For the Ducks, this game not only means a chance to make another Rose Bowl appearance, but will culminate a season that has been rather up-and-down.
A strong performance against UCLA will make the Ducks favorites to win their first BCS bowl game under head coach Chip Kelly and will put them in prime position for a national title run in 2012.
Trying not to look too far ahead (as the Ducks still have to finish this game against UCLA), here are five adjustments they need to make heading into the second half.
1. Eliminate Turnovers
Though the Ducks have put up points, they have also turned the ball over more than any respectable team should, one that led to UCLA's first points of the game on a pick-six.
The Ducks are clearly the better team in this game, but turnovers are allowing UCLA to gain momentum and confidence as they continue to rattle the Ducks.
2. Drown Out the Penalties
The only reason UCLA is able to keep their heads above the water is because the Ducks are allowing them to linger silently in the game, largely due to penalties they have committed.
UCLA keeps getting a second-life from the Ducks, whether on offense, defense or special teams because of avoidable penalties the Ducks have been committing.
If they want to put UCLA away for good, they need to learn to play mistake-free football, and that largely includes not committing these penalties.
3. Get the Crowd in the Game
Autzen Stadium is one of the loudest stadiums in the country, and yet it seems to be lacking a certain dynamic that makes it nearly impossible to play in.
Just because the Ducks are expected to put the Bruins to shame does not mean that the crowd should not be just as intense as if the Ducks were facing a top 10 team.
Oregon needs to find a way to get the crowd into this game and fast, or else the Bruins will silence the crowd even further.
4. Use Your Tight Ends
The Oregon receivers have looked rather unimpressive so far, and the receiving load should now be put on the tight ends who have proven extremely reliable to this point.
Both Paulson and Lyerla have had quality receptions and will be able to find the open field with the Bruin defense keying so much on the Oregon running backs and receivers.
5. Keep the ball in LaMichael's Hands
Even though UCLA will try to minimize the impact James has on this game, Oregon needs to not deviate from their game plan and keep giving him the ball as he always seems to find ways to find the open field.
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