It's a good news-bad news situation for UCLA.
Good news? Quarterback Brett Hundley looks like he will be back in blue and gold next season.
Bad news? It took a second consecutive deflating defeat to confirm that assessment, this time a 42-14 loss at Oregon.
Hundley fared little better than he did a week ago in the loss at Stanford, but still threw two interceptions, the second after failing to see free safety Avery Patterson back in coverage early in the fourth quarter. The Ducks turned that takeaway into a Marcus Mariota touchdown pass seven plays later for a 28-14 advantage that effectively put the game away.
Hundley was 13-of-19 passing for 64 yards and one touchdown, adding 72 rushing yards and one touchdown. With a run-heavy game plan clearly intended to protect the three true freshmen starting on the offensive line, Hundley again missed the handful of deep shots that were available. Hundley also took three sacks, but was more willing to take off and run that he was against the Cardinal.
It's hard to evaluate Hundley's progression behind a young and makeshift front five, but his erratic footwork and accuracy down the field under pressure must be addressed before he can be considered a viable franchise quarterback prospect.
But those look to be problems that head coach Jim Mora and offensive coordinator Noel Mazzone will be addressing on Saturdays rather than watching Hundley try and work through them on Sundays.
Follow Dan Greenspan on Twitter @DanGreenspan.
