Ducks Run Through The Desert, Wildcats

LaMichael James sprints 19 yards for one of his two scores against Arizona.
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)

Oregon got out to an early lead and rode the efforts of LaMichael James last night in Tucson as the Ducks prevailed 56-31 over the Arizona Wildcats. James lead the rushing attack with a record setting 288 rushing yards, the most since Onterrio Smith set the record against Washington State in 2001. According to James he wasn't even aware how close he was to the record, saying "I was like, 'Oh, hopefully I can stay in the game,'" James also eclipsed former Duck standout Derek Loville's career touchdown mark, scoring his 42nd and 43rd touchdowns on the ground.

Oregon jumped out to a 35-3 lead when Nick Foles started to bring the Wildcats back to make the game competitive at 35-24. "We knew, especially against Nick Foles, that this game never is in hand," Coach Chip Kelly said. "We were aware that we were going to get a great shot from them in the second half, and I thought our offense responded well." With the momentum set on the side of the home team, memories of similar comebacks by Arizona started to well up, mainly 2008 when Oregon jumped out to a 45-17 half time lead, only to hold on 55-45, thanks to a key run by LeGarrette Blount. Darron Thomas calmly lead the Duck offense on a 8 play 75 yard drive that eclipsed a little more than 2 minutes which was capped off by a hard 5 yard run by Thomas himself.

Coach Kelly commented talking about his prolific rushing attack "We're starting to find our rhythm. We've still got some issues up front that we've got to clean up at times, but when our running back's running like that -- it makes us a real tough team to defend from a running standpoint when the quarterback can hit it, Kenjon can hit it, and LaMichael can hit it." The visitors amassed over 400 yards on the ground and when they can move the ball like that, they are very tough to defend.

The Ducks pressured Nick Foles all night who still managed to throw for 398 yards and 3 scores. It was a testament to the caliber of quarterback Foles is, who received little help from a green offensive line and an anemic running game. Late in the game, under duress Foles appeared to be wrapped up for a sack but switched the ball to his off hand and flipped the ball to Keola Antolin who rambled for a big first down. Despite Foles passing numbers, the Wildcats were held under 100 yards on the ground, an issue that has plagued the team all season. Despite his efforts, Arizona has lost 8 of the last 9, all losses to FBS opponents, the only win against Northern Arizona to start the season. The road doesn't get any easier as they have to travel to Los Angeles to play against a USC team who lost their last game against ASU 43-22 and likely looking for retribution. If Mike Stoops doesn't turn this season around he could begin to feel his seat as coach starting to get warmer as the season progresses. Oregon goes into their bye week with a week and a half to prepare for California coming to town. Last season, the Ducks got their biggest test of the regular season scoring only 15 points in Berkley last year.

#11 Badgers Blow By Rebels

QB Russell Wilson looks down field against UNLV

Every coaches dream is to have a balanced attack. If that is Bret Bielema's goal than he couldn't be happier about the Badgers season opening trouncing of UNLV last night. Montee Ball and James White combined for 127 yards and 4 TD on the ground Thursday Night as Wisconsin rolled at home 55-17. Montee Ball takes home player of the game honors adding another TD and 67 yards receiving on a night when everything went right for the home team.

Many eyes were on NC State transfer Russell Wilson and how he would perform under the bright lights of Camp Randall stadium and he did not disappoint. After shaking his first quarter jitters overthrowing a couple wide open receivers he went 10-13 for 225 yards and two scores. Last season, Wisconsin rode their tandem of Ball and White all the way to the Rose Bowl and they look primed to do it again. Only, there is a difference maker under center. With 1:14 remaining in the first half, Wilson dropped back to throw, the pocket held and seeing daylight; the veteran signal caller scrambled out of the pocket. 48 yards, and Nick Toon's great down field block later Wilson was in the end zone on a play that felt like it would put it away right then and there. By that point Wisconsin had gone up 34-3 and it wasn't that close.

The added element of a running quarter back could give Wisconsin the edge it needs to return and possibly win the Rose Bowl for this next year. It's never easy breaking in two new starters on the offensive line, but knowing your quarter back has the ability to break free has to be of some comfort to the newest members of one of the NCAA's finest units. Wilson gave them a glowing review; himself, "I don't think I got touched at all today, which is pretty unbelievable. The offensive line did a great job. They're tremendous up there. Got to keep getting better, but they really are special up front."

UNLV scored late to get the game within 35 but by that time Wisconsin was already taking a look at their second stringers. Sophomore Caleb Harring gave a valiant effort against the size and power of Wisconsin's front 7 but at the end of the day the Runnin' Rebels got ran over, around and through.