The Ducks couldn't overcome a determined Boise State team, watching the visitors grab a 24-6 halftime lead, which was expanded to 37-13 by the end of the third quarter. A strong rally led by true freshman Darron Thomas fell just short in an exciting but tough game that left me with a headache from yelling so much in that critical fourth quarter.
Seeing as how I brought my 14-year old nephew from Corvallis to the game, I was happy to forgo my perch on the 30 yard line in section 13 for some corner tickets in section five next to the students (view above).
I am not under the illusion that Oregon deserved to win this game, the Broncos certainly executed their game plan much better than the Ducks did. Special kudos to redshirt freshman Kellen Moore for keeping his composure, standing tall and spreading the ball around to a number of receivers (including the third string tight end) who often times found themselves wide open. That was one of the biggest factors of the game for me, the strength of the Bronco passing game and the relative lack of pressure that the front seven of the Ducks could bring upon the young quarterback. Even when they did, as I recall a couple of times, Moore would throw the ball to the spot where the receiver was supposed to be just as he was about to be hit, and the receiver would make the catch just as the play was drawn up. The lack of success running the ball with Ian Johnson did not faze Boise State at all as they continued to throw the ball all over the field, especially in the decisive second and third quarters as they built up their insurmountable lead.
The bad news for the Ducks is that they could have been in a position to win the game if all aspects of the game had been functioning "normally (yes, I know, that's why they play the games, mistakes and injuries are part of the game, etc. etc. etc. ). A couple of missed field goals, some botched extra point attempts and some woeful punting, including one of three yards that set up an early Bronco touchdown, were the visible signs of inadequacy from the kicking game. Of course, the lack of being able to defend the pass was where the defense came up short. All of this was compounded by the lack of ability to throw the ball in the first half and keep the Ducks in the game by a reasonable score before the issue was truly well out of hand.
Part of the issue from the last aspect was due to starting quarterback Jeremiah Masoli being knocked early on by a blatant late (and cheap) hit from Bronco safety Ellis Powers, who led with the helmet in his effort to knock the Duck quarterback to the ground. Masoli got right back up and continued to play for a bit, but soon exhibited signs of a concussion and was forced to the sidelines. Another freshman, Chris Harper, continued to struggle with his passing, failing to complete any of his three passes save the two that were intercepted by the Broncos. The Ducks, though they ran the ball quite well against their opponents, had just a meager 27 passing yards at the half, a staggering number when considering how significant the pass has been to offenses here at Oregon. This lack of balance of offense is what led the Ducks to play Thomas in the second half, who for the record went 13 for 25 and 210 yards with three TD's and one interception, though it must be said that even as a freshman he threw a couple of ill-advised passes in which was fortunate not to have been picked off.
The other play which has to be mentioned is the late hit (and ejection) of Boise State's Jeron Johnson on Oregon's last touchdown drive, another blatant hit which led to his immediate ejection as he leveled an Oregon receiver (it was on the other end of the field, I couldn't see who ) well before the ball was in the area.
In the end, it was a disappointing loss to be sure, but it's not the end of the world, except perhaps in the macho-posturing world of internet tough guy message boards about whose conference is better, etc., but I'm glad to say that I was proud to have stayed to the end ( in my view, I honestly didn't see that many people leaving at the end of the third quarter); the kids on the field have practiced hard all week, and the least I can do is offer them my support...........even if I was a dizzy as Masoli at the end of the game. At any rate, the Washington State Cougars are next up...........let's go Ducks!!!!!
R-G STORY
ESPN RECAP
No comments:
Post a Comment