Chip Kelly previews Top-10 matchup against Oregon

The top college football matchup of the weekend resides in Eugune, with Oregon playing host to UCLA. Bruins head coach Chip Kelly will be making his way back to his old stomping grounds, bringing a top-10 team to Autzen Stadium. A win would keep them undefeated and in the driver’s seat of the Pac-12.

Kelly took some time to preview the matchup against Oregon, starting with their defense. Of course, Ducks head coach Dan Lanning will have a huge influence on how they line up. A lot of nickel will be played according to Kelly, no matter how the front seven lines up.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

But when it comes down to it, Kelly is impressed with the players Oregon has in the front seven.

“I see a 4-2-5 defense,” Kelly said. “They play a lot of nickel. Played a little bit more 3-3 stack in the Arizona game, trying to get some linebackers on the field and get some speed on the field. Really good defensive end in Brandon Dorlus. D.J. (Johnson) is really good at the other side.

“The linebackers have been outstanding. (Noah) Sewell has been a really good player in this league for a long time. Justin Flowe seems like he’s getting back into the flow of things.”

Offensively, Bo Nix will be the focal point for UCLA this week. The former Auburn transfer has impressed Kelly, saying his ability both in the air and on the ground will be something to watch for going forward.

“On offense, think it revolves around the quarterback,” Kelly said. “He’s really athletic and can run. He’s the guy you have to stop with his feet and his arm. So, that’s what we see when we watch the tape.”

Nix is on pace to finish with a career high in completion percentage, currently sitting at 70.4%. He’s thrown for 1,526 yards, 12 touchdowns, and just three interceptions. Quite the improvement since his time on the Plains.

Kelly said UCLA must be ready for his feet as well. Nix has run for 331 yards and eight touchdowns while averaging just over eight yards per carry.

Chip Kelly, UCLA ‘excited’ to play UCLA

At the end of the day, Saturday will be a top-10 matchup. UCLA has not been a part of one of those since 2001. Getting to play against Oregon is “exciting” for Kelly and everyone involved with the program.

“They’ve got a really good run game with their quarterback but he also has the ability to beat you with his arm,” said Kelly. “They do a good job on both sides of the ball schematically. They’re a one-loss team for a reason, they’re a really good football team. We’re excited about playing them.”