Probably the most lackluster and uninspired win at Autzen Stadium for the Ducks in a long while. They mailed it in, and it was the first time you really felt the absence of Jeff Maehl, Brandon Bair, Casey Matthews and Spencer Paysinger as a lot of big plays were missing for the Webfoots.
The defense didn’t have an answer for WSU’s receiver tandem of Jeff Karstetter and Marquess Wilson, who combined for 240 receiving yards. Oregon’s defense was dismal: they allowed 463 yards of offense, 30 first downs and 21 offensive points. Only two interceptions at the goal line kept this from being a dangerously close game, and the big worry is, Washington, Stanford and USC have more offensive talent than the Cougars.
Offensively, freshman sensation De’Anthony Thomas had 280 all-purpose yards, including a spectacular 45-yard touchdown ramble with a screen pass and a 93-yard kickoff return for a score, both in the third quarter. Thomas was a big spark, as was Kenjon Barner, scooting and picking his way through the defense for 107 yards on 11 carries, including a 28-yard dash up the left sideline for a clinching fourth quarter score. Down 43-20, Paul Wulff’s methodical offense didn’t have enough possessions to compete after that, though they did add a late touchdown drive that will make the outcome less impressive for the pollsters.
Along with Barner and DAT, Bryan Bennett also provided a spark, taking over in the third quarter from Darron Thomas, responding by leading three second half touchdown drives, tossing a pair of Td passes, the simple toss to DAT for one score, then adding a pretty 19-yard throw to Lavasier Tuinei, who’s become Oregon’s touchdown machine among receivers with seven scores thus far this year. Tuinei gathered in a 55-yard bomb from Darron Thomas in the first half, easily the most creative and sharp play of the game for Oregon’s junior quarterback, who is now in a bit of a battle for his job.
Trust that Chip Kelly will manage this mini-controversy perfectly. Thomas is still a little gimpy on his knee and no threat to run, but he has the edge in experience, and once he finds his rhythm, he gives Oregon the best chance to win in a four-game November stretch drive that will test their resilience and ability to handle pressure..
Thomas has to be the starter. Redshirt freshman Bennett has an intriguing skillset and moxie, but the veteran has operated an offense that is now 18-2 with him at the controls. Even though he got bailed out by a relief pitcher and a seventh-inning rally in this one, he deserves to get the ball next time out.
But all of the Ducks have to learn from this game. This is a team that has to find its heart and soul, or they could finish 9-3 this year.
On the positive side, the defense sacked Lobbestael four times and picked him twice, and that pressure is just what they need to prevail in November. More heat and urgency, and this could still be a very good team.
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