Starting off right.
The 2012 college football season kicked off with a bang for the Oregon Ducks, and the week one result couldn’t be much further from last year’s season opener against the LSU Tigers.
The game belonged to the Ducks from the start, and while the Arkansas State Red Wolves closed the gap in the second half, Oregon will take a 57-34 victory into week two.
Offensive Game Ball
Looking good in one of the Ducks’ boldest new uniform combinations, Marcus Mariota stood out in his first game with his remarkable decision making.
The redshirt freshman showed he can execute the read-option, throw on the run, drop back and take off when the play breaks down.
Marcus Mariota completed 17 of his first 18 passes, and while a number of them were in screen-pass situations, he showed calmness en route to 216 yards and three touchdowns.
Say what you want about the level of competition, but the first-time quarterback showed he can handle the pace of Oregon’s offense.
De’Anthony Thomas is a clear-cut honorable mention with 3 touchdowns and 119 yards running and receiving in the first half, but the first game of the season was all about the new guy.
The game belonged to the Ducks from the start at Autzen Stadium September 1
Defensive Game Ball
The entire Oregon defense shut down the Red Wolves from their opening possession.
At the end of the first quarter the score was 29-0, and at one point in the second quarter the team led 50-3.
John Boyett is the one who made an interception early in the second, and while the opposing pass was thrown directly to him, it’s fitting that he makes the first big defensive play of the 2012 season.
Boyett will be one of the senior leaders on defense all year, and he’ll likely earn many game balls as the year progresses.
Special Teams Game Ball
Without any major special teams plays, Rob Beard deserves credit for his efficiency in the extra point game.
Rob Beard missed his only field goal attempt in the game, but he went 7/7 following the Ducks’ scores on opening night.
Stats
- Marcus Mariota—19/23 216 YDS 3 TD
- Bryan Bennett—9/16 100 YDS 1 TD 1 INT
- Kenjon Barner—9 CAR 66 YDS 7.3 AVG 2 TD
- De’Anthony Thomas—3 ATT 64 YDS 21.3 AVG 1 TD, 5 REC 71 YRDS 14.2 AVG 2 TD
- Byron Marshall—24 ATT 65 YDS 6.7 AVG 1 TD
- Josh Huff—2 REC 22 YRDS 11 AVG 1 TD
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About Bryant Knox
