Oregon Football: 3 implications of impressive road win over UCLA

Oct 23, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Anthony Brown (13) celebrates with offensive lineman George Moore (77), wide receiver Mycah Pittman (4) and wide receiver Johnny Johnson III after scoring on a 43-yard touchdown run against the UCLA Bruins in the second half at Rose Bowl. Oregon defeated UCLA 34-31. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

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Oct 23, 2021; Pasadena, California, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Anthony Brown (13) throws the ball against the UCLA Bruins in the first half at Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports /

2. The Anthony Brown we saw vs. UCLA is Oregon’s best QB1 option

I’ve been a little too harsh on Anthony Brown this season. Watching him somewhat struggle against inferior opponents is frustrating, but when he’s facing pressure in a must-win situation, he rises to the occasion.

Brown has a clutch gene and he showcased it on Saturday afternoon against UCLA.

Nevermind the two interceptions he tossed in the fourth quarter which nearly led to a UCLA comeback, the Ducks wouldn’t have been up 34-17 without Brown’s stellar play in the second and third quarters. In fact, he was making just about every throw and Kirk Herbstreit was singing his praises as he marched the Ducks down the field all game long, leading to four short touchdown runs by Travis Dye.

You may look at the numbers and think that Brown just put up a lot of yards with no scores, but he got Oregon inside the top often with his arm and Dye just ran the ball in. Brown finished the day with 296 passing yards on 29-of-39 completions and he easily could have had 3-4 touchdown passes. He also led the team in rushing with 85 yards and a touchdown on six carries.

This version of Brown that we saw against UCLA gives the Ducks their best chance to win.

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