Oregon wins the Rose Bowl

Chip Kelly and the Oregon Ducks have their signature accomplishment. They used a determined fourth quarter and some clutch performances to outlast a formidable Wisconsin team 45-38. In true Duck fashion it came down to the last play of the game and a timekeeping ruling, but Oregon won their first Rose Bowl since 1917.

John Boyett set a Rose Bowl record with 17 tackles. De’Anthony Thomas set another with 304 all-purpose yards. Kiko Alonso was named defensive MVP after 5 tackles and two sacks. Lavasier Tuinei, with a career-best 8 catches for 158 yards and two touchdowns, was the offensive MVP. LaMichael James, playing in what could be his last game in an Oregon uniform, rushed 25 times for 159 yards.

It was a day of vindication for a program dismissed by some as unable to win a big game, or against elite schools, or against teams with extra time to prepare. The Ducks were resilient. They got big stops in the fourth quarter. The coaches managed the clock and timeouts better, and made crucial decisions perfectly, converting 2-2 on 4th down.

Darron Thomas caused Duck fans some anxious moments with passes that sailed high, suffering a interception and a fumble for touchdown, but he shook off those errors to complete 17 of 23 for 268 yards, a 206 passer rating.

The Ducks struck with big plays in the first half and ground it out in the second, showing poise and versatility on their way to a victory that will be marked and remembered by Duck fans for a long time.

The win sets up a run at the National Title in 2012, pending the NFL decisions by James and Barner, the outcome of the closing period of recruiting season, and the off-field discipline and dedication the returning players maintain in the coming off season.

2011-12 was a great ride for Duck fans, who will savor this milestone in a program that was once mired in futility. Regardless of the evidence of dusty photos from leather helmet days, at 12-2, Rose Bowl Champions, this stands as the greatest season in Oregon history.