Ducks’ Defense Devours the Dawggies

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Craig Mitchelldyer/Getty

October 6, 2012, 11:46 pm

Saturday’s match-up between the Oregon Ducks and the Washington Huskies was supposed to be a hard-fought rivalry game between two of the Pac-12’s most potent offenses and two of its hottest teams. It ended up being an Oregon blowout as the Ducks beat the Huskies 52-21 at Autzen Stadium – marking the ninth consecutive time that the Ducks have beaten the Huskies.

Oregon quarterback Marcus Mariota had a very efficient night going 15 for 24 for 198 yards and four TDs.  The young man from Hawaii also rushed for 40 yards on seven attempts, using his feet to extend plays and get himself out of trouble the entire game.  Mariota did have have an interception on his opening drive, but it really wasn’t his fault.  Washington safety Shaq Thompson made a diving grab after a tipped ball popped straight up into the air.

The Oregon running backs piled up more than 250 yards on a Washington defensive line that is young and beaten up.  Kenjon Barner quietly had a very nice night as he rushed for 122 yards on 20 carries.  De’Anthony Thomas rushed for 75 yards on ten carries and one TD.  And the youngster, Byron Marshall rushed for 59 yards on just eight carries and a fourth quarter TD.

However, the real story of the night was the defense and special teams.  Avery Patterson recorded a pick-six for his second consecutive game.   Isaac Dixon recorded his first career interception.  Kiko Alonso had a sack, a forced fumble and fumble recovery to go along with several tackles.  Boseko Lokombo forced a fumble, which was recovered by Brian Jackson.  And redshirt freshman BJ Kelly recovered a muffed punt in the first quarter.  And perhaps most important, the defense held the always dangerous Keith Price to just 19 completions on 31 attempts.

Tags: Oregon Ducks, Washington Huskies, Marcus Mariota, Colt Lyerla