Oregon Ducks breeze past UCLA Bruins
The Oregon Ducks cemented their place at the top of the Bowl Championship Series standings with a convincing 60-13 win over the UCLA Bruins on Thursday 21 October.
The Ducks were clearly the better team in their week eight engagement, dominating the Bruins in all parts of the field. The number-two ranked team in the nation made quick work of a Bruins side that had been touted as the ‘giant killers’ of the Pac-10.
The Bruins came into the match-up against the Ducks on a low note after losing to the California Golden Bears in week seven. Nevertheless, many pundits were confident that the UCLA side could challenge a Ducks group that has dominated opponents this season.
The Bruins were able to take down the formerly 23rd ranked Houston Cougars in week three and then followed up with a victory over the former number seven, Texas Longhorns. However, Oregon proved to be a different animal all together as the Ducks were quick
to move into their offensive game, exploiting a Bruins defence that was not prepared for the onslaught on the ground and through the air.
The Ducks headed into the competition against the Bruins at the top of the AP Top 25 poll and second in the BCS standings. Regardless of their unquestionable success this season, many were expecting the Ducks to struggle against the UCLA side. Many noted
that Oregon had not yet been challenged this year, despite a convincing 52-31 victory over the previously ninth ranked Stanford Cardinals. The Ducks were clearly out to prove the sceptics wrong and kicked the nation’s best offence into high gear.
The Ducks wasted no time getting on the board, posting two touchdowns and a two-point convert in the opening quarter. The home side kept the pressure on, tallying two more touchdowns and a field-goal in the second quarter, giving themselves a 32-3 lead heading
into half time.
After the break, it was more of the same from the hosts, as they managed two more touchdowns in the third quarter and then added another two in the fourth, cementing an easy victory.
The Ducks were once again able to find a perfect balance between their throwing and running game. Darron Thomas completed 71% of his passes for 308 yards and three touchdowns. In addition, the quarterback rushed for 48 yards. Meanwhile on the ground, LaMichael
James continued his push for the Heisman, picking apart the Bruins defence for 123 yards and two touchdowns.
The win vindicated an Oregon side, who has been questioned as the true number ones over the past week. The win over UCLA displayed how dangerous the Ducks can be on offence, even against a skilled Pac-10 side.
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