#4 Ducks Overpower Tennessee Tech 63-14

Marcus Mariota heads for daylight against the Golden Eagles
(Statesman Journal)

From the first time De'Anthony Thomas touched the ball it was clear the Heisman hopeful was a class above the defenders trying to keep him out of the end zone. Thomas took his first touch 59 yards on the ground for the score and truly looked effortless doing it. The only real blemish on Thomas' 222 all purpose yard performance was after breaking free and getting to the goal line, he was stripped from behind and fumbled into the end zone. The play still resulted in a touch down as Jake Fisher fell on the ball for the Ducks in what is likely best called a teaching moment.

While Thomas was wowing the fans with his electric playing style, quarter back Marcus Mariota was "quietly" throwing for 309 yards and 4 touch downs while completing 75% of his passes. Also coming on in relief of Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas was freshman Byron Marshall who had his first career 100 yard rushing day. The Oregon defense also stifled the Golden Eagles allowing only one third down conversion, harassing quarter back Tre Lamb and forced two turnovers en route to a decisive 63-14 win for the Ducks.

Tennessee Tech started the game with the ball and found themselves in trouble going 3 and out but recovered the ball when Oregon touched the punt and did not cover it giving the Golden Eagles new life. They capitalized quickly as Tre Lamb would find Da'Rick Rogers down the sideline to put the Eagles up 7-0 early in the first quarter.

That scoring drive was answered by the typical barrage of Oregon offense scoring the next 49 consecutive points before Tech's Darian Stone connected with Doug Page for the only other score the Eagles would have. Coach Kelly turned the keys to the offense to back up Bryan Bennett in the second half who after settling into the offense would lead the Ducks to several scoring drives in the second half. Fans have voiced concern over Oregon's lack of explosiveness in the second half and despite the caliber of the opponent, their worries should be allayed by the second and third stringer's efficiency in finding the end zone.

This game provided plenty of learning opportunities for the coaching staff as they iron out the wrinkles for the conference season. The Ducks showed room for growth when it comes to both turnovers and penalties. Oregon gave the ball over to Tech 3 times, both quarter backs throwing a pick and fumbling the ball away once. They also committed 12 penalties for 105 yards, many of which kept opposing drives alive. Oregon is going to have to clean up the mistakes when Arizona comes to town next week. The Wildcats have been a bit of a surprise in the non conference season, knocking off Oklahoma State and come in to Autzen with an undefeated record.