Ducks, Thomas bounce back, rout Nevada 69-20

De'Anthony Thomas #6 of the Oregon Ducks runs for a touchdown against the Nevada Wolf Pack on September 10, 2011 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)

Oregon returned home Saturday, hoping to bounce back from their opening day loss to LSU, and did so in a big way, defeating the Nevada Wolf Pack 69-20 in front of nearly 59,000 fans. Oregon took their opening drive 79 yards and even though they failed on the 2 point conversion, they never looked back.

Darron Thomas threw for 295 yards and freshman De'Anthony Thomas added 81 yards on the ground including a 62 yard sprint to lead the offense and  All American LaMichael James found his way into the end zone 3 times; once on the ground, through the air and even on a punt return as he put in a quality performance to keep the Nevada defense off balance all day. Oregon had a balanced attack amassing 603 yards from scrimmage without turning the ball over once.

Freshman DeAnthony Thomas continued to impress, learning from his mistakes. "I've been working hard all week," he said. "Just hold the ball high and tight. High and tight." Thomas had two catches for 93 yards both going for touchdown receptions, one on a fantastic individual effort. Darron Thomas hit him on a roll out, made a man miss and was off to the races.

Oregon's defense was in control much of the first half, intercepting Tyler Lantrip twice and once the Wolf Pack started to get something going, John Boyett blocked Nevada's first field goal attempt. Nevada didn't score until late in the second quater to make the score 34-7, but was answered quickly before half when Thomas and Thomas connected for De'Anthony's first score on the day. Coach Kelly had reinstated both Kiko Alonso and Cliff Harris who were suspended indefinitely but played minimally on defense.

Junior quarter back Darron Thomas tied an Oregon record, throwing for 6 touch downs, five in the first half which was a record for the Ducks. Bryan Bennett came in to replace Thomas late in the third quarter, coach Chip Kelly pleased with his starters performance to that point in the game.

Oregon will face their final tune up game against Missouri State next week, before they begin conference play while Nevada will go on the road to face San Jose State who held their own, but ultimately fell to UCLA 24-14.

Oregon Vs. Nevada: Preview

The Oregon Ducks open up Autzen stadium with a test from the Nevada Wolfpack. Last year, Nevada tied for the WAC division title, mostly thanks to a wild November night in Reno when they defeated the Boise St. Broncos. Last year, Nevada was the type of team that no one wanted to see due to their dynamic pistol offense and trigger man, Colin Kaepernick. When Kaepernick wasn't running the ball or throwing it down field he would turn and hand the ball to Vai Taua who rushed for 1610 yards and 19 touchdowns. Combined they put together a powerful offense that lead them to a 13-1 record and a bowl win over Boston College in the Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl.

What a difference a year makes. Nevada's offense was decimated by a senior laden squad last year and they return only 4 starters, one at a skill position in talented senior Rishard Matthews. If he is going to get going, Nevada is going to need production from QB Tyler Lantrip. Lantrip, a senior who played in mop up duty last year. In his career he has thrown a total of 24 passes, completing half of them. The senior has the unenviable task of opening his starting career at Autzen Stadium, one of the loudest in the country.

Conversely, Oregon looks to bounce back from a disappointing performance against LSU last week in the Cowboy Classic. Autzen will be a welcoming sight as Darron Thomas and LaMichael James look to get back on track. After a dismal first performance it may take some more effort to get this offense back to the way it was last year. James is expected to be a little more physical of a runner this week and it would be a disappointment if he was held under 100 yards for the second consecutive week. Oregon looks to be an overwhelming favorite with Vegas seeing the line at 26 1/2 for Oregon.