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‘Definitely a Blessing,’ ‘The Pasadena Kid’ — Bryce Young Backs Hometown UCLA With Kirk Herbstreit Against Oregon on College GameDay

Bryce Young, the former Alabama quarterback and 2021 Heisman Trophy winner, made his debut as a guest picker on *College GameDay* and backed his hometown UCLA Bruins in their upcoming showdown against Oregon. Young, who grew up a die-hard Bruins fan in Pasadena, was the only picker alongside Kirk Herbstreit to select UCLA over the favored Ducks, despite Oregon holding an 11-1 edge in their series.

The matchup, originally scheduled outdoors, moved inside Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa due to Hurricane Isaias, adding a unique setting for Young’s appearance, where he also picked Alabama over Georgia and Texas A&M over Missouri in other games.

Oregon enters the game as a 10.5-point favorite, but the Ducks will start junior quarterback Dylan Raiola in place of injured starter Dante Moore, who remains in concussion protocol. Raiola, a transfer from Nebraska, has shown promise with two strong performances this season, including a 289-yard, two-touchdown outing against USC.

Moore’s absence leaves Oregon relying on Raiola’s leadership, though the Ducks’ playoff chances remain strong, with a 69.5% win probability per Pro Football Network’s College Football Playoff Meter.

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