Recently, Oregon coach Chip Kelly joked that the BCS computers do not like Oregon because they get shut off late at night, before the Ducks play on the west coast. Whatever the reason, the BCS computers continue to attack the Ducks lack of a swamp, or a connection to the Gulf of Mexico, or a questionable seat at the BCS table as an independent.
STORY #1: #2 Oregon Blows Out Arizona State, 43-21
The final score for this game is far closer than the game actually was. Many of Oregon’s starters were resting by halftime, in which the Ducks led 43-7. Kenjon Barner ran for 143 yards on just 16 carries, and scored three times, including a 71-yard scamper after the Sun Devils took an early lead. Marcus Mariota became the first Pac-12 player since Joey Harrington in 2000 to throw a touchdown, run for a touchdown, and catch a touchdown pass, grabbing a two yard throw on a trick play by Bryan Bennett. Mariota would finish the day with 135 yards rushing. Despite this win on primetime, the Ducks dropped to number four in the BCS behind Kansas State, another sad day for the much maligned BCS system.
STORY #2: #8 Oregon State Holds Off Utah, 21-7
On a rainy night in Corvallis, defense was the name of the game for the Beavers who forced four turnovers to beat the Utes. Storm Woods only ran for 47 yards in his first game back from an injury suffered last week, but scored all three of Oregon State’s touchdowns. Cody Vaz, in his second game replacing an injured Sean Mannion, did not show the poise he had when he lit up BYU the week before, but controlled the ball well enough in the inclement weather. The Beavers defense harassed Utah quarterback Travis Wilson all game long, forcing two interceptions. At 6-0, this is Oregon State’s best start in 105 years.
STORY #3: Arizona Stomps Washington, 52-17
It was not a fun night for the Huskies in Tucson. Matt Scott lit Washington up through the air, and Ka’Deem Carey carved them up on the ground in a blowout. Keith Price and the Huskies kept the game close at halftime, 31-17, but the Wildcats scored three scores in the second half to seal the game. Price threw for 256 yards, but only averaged 4.3 yards per completion, and threw two interceptions. Bishop Sankey ran for 87 yards on 19 carries, but the Huskies defense was unable to stop Scott or Carey. Scott also threw for 256 yards, but on thirty less attempts, and Carey ran for 187 yards. The Huskies stayed into the game until the start of the second half, when Scott hit Austin Hill for a score on the Wildcats opening drive, then Richard Morrison returned a punt for a score the next time Arizona had the ball. In a bright spot for the Huskies, Austin Seferian-Jenkins led all receivers with 110 yards on eight catches.
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