The last time Oregon and Nevada met was in 2003 with Oregon coming out victorious 31 – 23. This year in Oregon’s home opener and Nevada’s first game of the season, Oregon dominated. Darron Thomas tied the school’s record for TD passes in a game at six, LaMichael James and De’Anthony Thomas were both the rushing and receiving leaders for the Ducks and Oregon made a statement with the 69 – 20 victory over the Wolf Pack.
In Six’s preview of this game earlier this week he projected Oregon to come out fast and aggressive. That is exactly what they did. On the first drive of the game James started things off rushing to the Oregon 40 with a 19 yard gain. The Ducks found themselves in a 4th down situation twice during that drive and both times the offensive call was to go for it. The drive ultimately ended in a TD for Oregon; 11 plays, 79 yards in 3:43. That first drive set a tone that would last throughout the entire game.
Ultimately Oregon was too fast for Nevada on offense and on defense. Oregon had breakout plays to the end zone and they were able to run down Nevada for most of the afternoon. The loss to Oregon broke a seven-game winning streak for the Wolf Pack. Darron Thomas had an amazing day at Autzen tying Oregon’s record for most TD passes in a single game at six. The final TD pass came in the 3rd Quarter with about 7:30 to go. About four minutes later Bryan Bennett came in for Thomas to play out the rest of the game. Darron Thomas completed 13 of 19 passes for 295 yards, and looked confident doing it.
Nevada got within field goal range late in the 1st Quarter, but Anthony Martinez’ attempt was blocked by John Boyett and the Ducks were able to capitalize with a TD on the next drive that included a 62 yard gain by De’Anthony Thomas. The 1st Quarter ended with the Ducks up 13 – 0.
The 2nd Quarter was thrilling for Oregon fans; the Ducks put 28 points on the board. Early in the 2nd Quarter Nevada was driving down the field when Troy Hill intercepted the ball and ran it for 45 yards. The Ducks were able to take advantage of that Nevada mistake, ending the drive with a 44 yard TD pass from Thomas to James. Oregon’s next points came about 4 ½ minutes later when Thomas completed a TD pass to Rahsaan Vaughn. A few minutes later Thomas put the ball in the hands of Colt Lyerla, a freshman from Hillsboro OR, for another TD. The Wolf Pack was able to put seven on the board with a little under two minutes to go, but Oregon’s offense answered back quickly with one final TD in the first half. Thomas to De’Anthony put the Ducks up 41 – 7 going into halftime.
Early in the 3rd Quarter James showed us his magic again coming out of traffic and sprinting for a 63 yard TD adding seven more for the Ducks. Midway through the 3rd Nevada fumbled the ball and recovered it with about a yard to go, they were able to punch it in, scoring their second TD of the day.
Nevada’s final TD happened midway through the 4th Quarter while Oregon would put up three more TDs; a TD pass to De’Anthony, a TD run by redshirt freshman Ayele Forde, and a 67 yard pick-six by Boseko Lokombo. The damage was done; Oregon made their statement after last week’s disappointing performance against LSU. Time ran out with Oregon leading 69 – 20.
Oregon will host Missouri State next, Saturday September 17th. Kickoff 12:30pm GO DUCKS!!