UCLA vs. Oregon State: Here’s how they match up for Saturday’s game

Oregon State (2-7) at UCLA (3-6) at the Rose Bowl. TV: Pac-12 Networks, 6 p.m.

Los Angeles Times staff writer Ben Bolch analyzes Saturday’s matchup:

Most intriguing story line: Conference officials probably wish there was a Pac-12 Networks3 that could carry this game. A matchup of teams on four-game losing streaks featuring backup quarterbacks doesn’t figure to make for compelling viewing. At least UCLA’s helmets, featuring an American flag cut out into the school’s letters, look pretty cool. The Bruins must win to keep intact their long-shot bowl hopes.

UCLA pass offense vs. Oregon State pass defense: It’s officially Mike Fafaul’s team now, which isn’t the worst thing that could happen to the Bruins. The fifth-year senior quarterback has been productive in his three starts, but doesn’t have a victory to show for it because of dropped passes, interceptions and the lack of any sort of running game to support him. The dropoff in production from injured starter Josh Rosen hasn’t been dramatic; Fafaul has averaged 302 yards passing per start compared to Rosen’s 319 yards passing per start. The problem is that Fafaul has as many interceptions (nine) as touchdown passes.

EDGE: UCLA

UCLA run offense vs. Oregon State run defense: There may be only one thing that can save the Bruins’ run game — 2017. These are UCLA’s rushing totals over the last four games: minus-one yards against Arizona State, 43 yards against Washington State, 46 yards against Utah and 25 yards against Colorado. The Bruins have rotated Soso Jamabo, Nate Starks and Bolu Olorunfunmi in an attempt to find a productive tailback, going 0 for 3. But Oregon State could provide a rare crease in a season of nowhere to run after giving up 365 rushing yards last week against Stanford.

EDGE: Oregon State

Oregon State pass offense vs. UCLA pass defense: The Beavers’ air attack has triggered as many gripes as the Bruins’ ground game. Oregon State is down to backups Conor Blount and Marcus McMaryion — who both might play against UCLA — after starter Darrell Garretson was sidelined for the rest of the season. Blount returned to practice this week after sustaining a knee injury last month against Utah. The Beavers rank No. 112 among 128 Football Bowl Subdivision teams in passing offense, averaging 165 yards per game.

EDGE: UCLA

Oregon State run offense vs. UCLA run defense: Beavers tailback Ryan Nall is questionable to play because of a foot injury that required him to wear a walking boot earlier this week. He is averaging 84.0 yards per game, more than UCLA’s 78.8 yards per game as a team. He’s also topped 100 yards in a game twice — including a 221-yard field day against California — something a Bruins tailback has not achieved this season. UCLA’s run defense has been spotty but was solid against Colorado last week, allowing 144 yards.

EDGE: UCLA

Special teams: UCLA Coach Jim Mora has committed to J.J. Molson and Austin Kent after benching the freshmen in favor of other players in recent weeks. Oregon State’s Jordan Choukair is taking over for Garrett Owens on field-goal attempts after Owens missed five of his last seven tries. Owens will continue to kick extra points.

EDGE: UCLA

Ben Bolch’s pick: Oregon State Coach Gary Andersen trotted out a “Dumb and Dumber” reference this week when talking about his team’s bowl chances: “So you’re saying there’s a chance?” Andersen said. It would require the Beavers winning their final three games, hoping there weren’t enough eligible teams to fill all the bowl berths and then gaining an invitation based on a high Academic Progress Rating. World peace by the end of the weekend seems more likely. UCLA 31, Oregon State 20

ben.bolch@latimes.com

Twitter: @latbbolch