UCLA vs. Oregon Football: A History of Close Contests and Memorable Moments
The UCLA Bruins and the Oregon Ducks have a storied football rivalry dating back decades. While the Bruins hold a 36-28 edge in the series, the advantage is largely due to a dominant 34-year stretch from 1945 to 1979. Many of their matchups have been nail-biters, with 27 games decided by eight points or less. Of those one-possession games, UCLA has won 14 times and Oregon 13, proving that this series has produced its fair share of dramatic finishes.
Early Encounters and a Bruin Dominance (1932-1979)
The series began in 1932, with UCLA securing a narrow 12-7 victory. A standout moment came when Oregon, leading late in the game, threw a fateful interception that led to a remarkable, last-second touchdown pass from UCLA quarterback Mike Frankovitch to Ransom Livesay.
In 1938, Oregon triumphed 14-12 in a game filled with spectacular plays. A touchdown pass from Jay Graybeal to Ted Gebhardt secured the win for the Webfoots, while Graybeal's interception in the end zone as time expired sealed the victory. Despite the win and Rose Bowl enthusiasm, the team finished below .500.
The 1950s saw UCLA maintain its dominance. In 1958, UCLA edged out Oregon 7-3 in a game that marked Oregon's last appearance in Los Angeles for a considerable time. After a scoreless stalemate, Oregon took the lead with a field goal, but UCLA responded with a touchdown. Oregon's Charley Tourville fumbled the ensuing kickoff return, allowing UCLA to run out the clock.
Thrilling Shootouts and Comebacks (1970-1990)
The 1970s brought about some high-scoring affairs. In 1970, Oregon pulled off a stunning 41-40 comeback victory over UCLA. With UCLA leading 40-21 with just over four minutes remaining, Oregon's coach Jerry Frei replaced quarterback Dan Fouts with Tom Blanchard. Blanchard led the team on a scoring spree, throwing for two touchdowns. After recovering an onside kick, Blanchard led the team to the 10-yard line before being forced to leave the game with a separated shoulder. Fouts returned and connected with Greg Specht for the game-winning touchdown.
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In 1984, Oregon defeated UCLA 20-18 in a game that saw a late UCLA comeback fall short. Despite trailing 17-3, UCLA rallied with two touchdown passes from quarterback Steve Bono. However, a crucial fourth-down stop by Oregon and a well-placed punt by Mike Preacher sealed the victory for the Ducks.
The 1990 matchup provided another memorable moment, with Oregon securing a 28-24 victory. Bill Musgrave's 16-yard touchdown pass to Vince Ferry with just over two minutes remaining gave Oregon its first lead of the game. The Ducks had trailed 24-13 with less than ten minutes left, but a touchdown run by Juan Shedrick and Musgrave's heroics secured the win.
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