Oct 26, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; UCLA Bruins quarterback Brett Hundley (17) runs the ball past Oregon Ducks linebacker Rodney Hardrick (48) at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
The crowd at Autzen Stadium saw something on Saturday evening that they have not seen in a while, a game where Oregon was tied with its opponent at halftime. The game against UCLA was knotted at 14. The Bruins put together some solid scoring drives in the first half led in part by Quarterback Brett Hundley’s legs. However with Oregon’s Defense clamping down in the second half there would be no more scoring by UCLA and the Ducks would take over on the Offensive side of the ball.
Led by Quarterback Marcus Mariota who would end up throwing for 230 yards in the game and the footwork fo Byron Marshall who ran for 133 yards and three scores, the Ducks would not look back. Oregon also capitalized on two turnovers by Hundley. The players of the game were clearly the Oregon Defense. They pushed the Bruins to 3rd Down situations that UCLA could not convert on. In the Fourth Quarter the Bruins had three series. Two were held under 6 yards and the third was the drive at the end of the game that did not see the endzone.
UCLA was held to 50 percent on Third Down Efficiency for the game and on average the Ducks have given up 16 points per game this season for eight games. When it comes to Turnovers Oregon ranks high for getting them in their favor, thanks in part to the Cal game and the Monsoon at Autzen.
For the season the Ducks Defense has pounced for 9 fumble recoveries and 13 interceptions. Not bad for a team that has no true star on Defense. There are a lot of names and they all play a part and that is they way Oregon likes it.
The Ducks have this week off and head to Stanford on November 7th. (5pm PT, ESPN)