Even before preparation began this week for Saturday’s game versus UCLA, it was clear that Oregon’s season had reached a crossroads in the moments following their dud of a performance last week at Arizona.

With injuries to key players beginning to mount and challenge the Ducks’ already suspect depth, that notion has gained even more momentum, as the season could take on a wildly different tone should Oregon fail to end their disheartening two-game losing skid.

However, regardless of each team’s respective record, it figures to be an emotionally charged atmosphere inside Autzen Stadium with Chip Kelly set to make his much anticipated return to Eugene. To help set the table, WFOD takes a look at biggest questions for Oregon as they prepare to go head-to-head with UCLA Saturday afternoon.

1. Will Justin Herbert and Dillon Mitchell play?

This is undoubtedly the biggest question surrounding this game. It appears that against Arizona last Saturday, both played picked up knocks that forced each into concussion protocol this week. Mitchell’s injury appeared to have come in the second half when he was tattooed by a Wildcat defender while streaking across the middle of the field, though Oregon head coach Mario Cristobal believed at the time of the postgame press conference that the team’s leading receiver would be fine for this week’s game versus the Bruins. Mitchell was reportedly absent during Tuesday’s practice, but returned to the practice field on a limited basis during Wednesday’s session. Herbert’s placement in concussion protocol came as much more of a surprise, as he played every snap for the Ducks on offense last Saturday. However, it is speculated Herbert suffered a potential concussion late in the fourth quarter, with the game already decided, on a scramble to the end zone in which he was pummeled near the goal line by a host of Arizona defenders. Like Mitchell, Herbert was a no-show at practice on Tuesday, but unlike his top target, the junior signal-caller was suited up and leading drills on Wednesday.

At this juncture, given Herbert’s participation in Wednesday’s practice, it seems more than likely that he will see the field this Saturday. Mitchell, however, appears to be little more than a coin flip. Without Mitchell, the Ducks would lose far and away their best receiving target and most reliable offensive weapon outside of Herbert. In fact, through eight games, Mitchell’s 677 receiving yards account for approximately 32.3 percent of team’s total yardage through the air. Jaylon Redd, the team’s second leading receiver, has just 271 yards by comparison. Redd figures to be the player who would shoulder the majority of the load should Mitchell be ruled out, as beyond him, no other receiver has proven himself capable of being a bonafide receiving threat. Oregon’s offense was already in rough shape with Mitchell healthy and in the lineup. If he’s unavailable, they are decidedly hamstrung.

2. Can the offense remedy its anemic play?

I suppose that depends on whether Herbert and Mitchell are available. As mentioned, Mitchell is probably best described as a 50/50 bet with roughly 48 hours till kickoff. Herbert seems to be a more likely bet, but regardless, neither player has seemingly made much of a difference for an offensive group that has been completely inept in six of their last eight quarters. The the ankle injury suffered by true freshman left tackle Penei Sewell seems to have had a larger impact than many (myself included) initially anticipated, as Oregon’s celebrated offensive line has been shell of itself the past two games. The sub-standard play has revealed itself the most in the running game, where the Ducks have posted their lowest single-game rushing totals of the season the last two weeks (58 rushing yards at Washington State, 84 rushing yards versus Arizona).

Herbert has also been stunningly ineffective of late. Dating back to the Washington game, Herbert has only completed 54 percent of his passes and has averaged only 219.3 yards through the air. He’s looked tentative at times, particularly on the occasions where he hasn’t targeted Mitchell. Of course, his apparent lack of confidence in his receiving weapons makes sense, as Oregon’s receivers – outside of Mitchell – have been the definition of inconsistent this season. It seems to be affecting play calling too, as the Ducks look as bland and as uninspiring as ever. Opposing defenses have seemingly gotten the memo too that Oregon is limited offensively. For a change to occur, it will require someone from the group consisting of Jaylon Redd, Johnny Johnson, and Brenden Schooler to step up and assume a bigger role complimenting Mitchell. The longer that’s delayed, the longer you can expect the Ducks to be one-dimensional on offense.

3. How will the Autzen Stadium crowd receive Chip Kelly?

If it’s anything less than an outpouring of admiration and appreciation, Duck fans should be ashamed of themselves. Kelly’s accomplishments while at Oregon are beyond reproach. Three conference championships, two Rose Bowl appearances (including one win), one Fiesta Bowl appearance (another win), and of course, one national championship appearance, highlight what was an unparalleled four-year stint as the Ducks head coach. Kelly not only compiled a 46-7 overall record, including a 33-3 record in conference play, but also made the University of Oregon the cradle of football innovation for a short period, as Kelly’s offenses at Oregon were routinely the most exciting and productive offenses in all of college football.

It’s been six years since Kelly last made an appearance at Autzen Stadium in a coaching capacity, but it hasn’t been long enough for a fan base to lose touch of the incredible success that came with his arrival in Eugene.