Instant Reaction: Ducks Wallop Buffaloes 70-14

This is just getting ridiculous now. Oregon embarrasses another opponent with ending the game well before halftime, and the backups finally had a little fun in the second half.

October 27, 2012; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Bryan Bennett (2) throws the ball before the game against the Colorado Buffaloes at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-US PRESSWIRE

The first string never saw the field in the second half (and really after the scored a couple times early in the second quarter). Marcus Mariota completed his day going 10-14 passing with 136 yards and two touchdowns. He did better than both Colorado quarterbacks (Jordan Webb then Nick Hirschman) who combined for 90 yards and an interception.

Obviously, the running game was the big story. The rushing attack had over 300 of the team’s 447 first half yards. Kenjon Barner and De’Anthony Thomas combined for 291 all-purpose yards and four touchdowns. Thomas had a ridiculous punt return for a touchdown where he ran backwards, crossed the field, and ran up the sideline untouched. That’s not how to teach kids to return the ball, but if said kid has the ability to miss tackles like DAT, then it’s all good.

The backups looked bleak early in the third quarter when Colorado scored two quick touchdowns, but they responded well with a long drive and then forcing another special teams turnover. Bryan Bennett had three rushing touchdowns on the day, finishing with 73 yards on 10 carries. He also threw the ball three times, all completed for 43 yards.

A silver lining for Colorado was Christian Powell who sparked the offense a little when the second half began. He was responsible for both touchdowns for the Buffaloes and had 121 yards on 20 attempts.

Oregon moves to 8-0 on the season and won their first five games in conference play. Finally, the meat of the schedule comes to fruition with three of their next four opponents on the road: USC, California, Stanford (the last home game), and Oregon State. This season is just getting started.

Brian Spaen is the lead editor for Autzen Zoo. See his banter with other FanSided writers and love for his favorite west coast professional teams by following him on Twitter.

Read his other work on the Iowa State blog, Clones Confidential, and Lacrosse the Web.