When the Oregon offense put up 42 points on California last weekend, it appeared that the Ducks had finally found their stride. And if there was any question of that heading into Saturday’s contest with the Washington State Cougars, the answer came as Oregon jumped to a 42-0 with more than two minutes remaining in second quarter.
In all, Oregon tallied 514 yards of total offense en route to a 52-6 demolition of Washington State as the Ducks improved to 4-1 on the season, 2-0 in Pacific-10 conference play, and completed a four-game winning streak, which they’ll take down to UCLA next Saturday.
“It’s fun when you’re firing on all cylinders,” junior quarterback Jeremiah Masoli said. “Everybody gets to play and get a piece of the pie.”
Masoli saw limited action, as he played a little more than a quarter and a half before putting on his street clothes for the remainder of the game. He completed 14 of 18 passes for 116 yards and one touchdown, while running seven times for 52 yards and another score. Masoli reportedly suffered an injury to his right knee during his last possession, but after the game he said, “it’s just a little sore right now, but I feel fine.”
“He’s playing within himself and not forcing things,” said first-year head coach Chip Kelly. “He understands we have a lot of playmakers.”
And one of Oregon’s biggest playmakers is senior tight end Ed Dickson.
Dickson had another monster game for the Ducks as he reeled in seven receptions for 103 yards and a touchdown. He also took sole possession of the all-time receptions mark by an Oregon tight end as he pulled in the 104th catch of his career.
“Just being in that category of those tight ends,” Dickson said. “I mean, we’ve had great tight ends that have played here in the past and just to be in that category says a lot.”
Dickson has been Masoli’s favorite target over the past two games as he pulled down 18 receptions for 251 yards and four touchdowns.
“A lot of credit goes to Masoli,” he said. “He stuck with me on that touchdown pass and the o-line gave him time to throw that. So the credit goes out to them.”
On the defensive side of the ball Oregon continued to dominate at the line of scrimmage as they gave up just 158 yards of total offense, while allowing just four first downs.
“It starts up front,” Kelly said. “And our offensive and defensive lines have been leading us.”
Senior defensive end Will Tukuafu tallied two sacks in the first quarter for the Ducks, the first of which came against true freshman quarterback Jeff Tuel. Tuel, who recorded his first collegiate start tonight, lasted only three possessions against the Oregon defense before being pulled.
“They play with passion,” Kelly said of the team’s defensive effort. “They play the way the game is supposed to be played.”
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TOP PERFORMERS:
Tight end Ed Dickson — Seven receptions for 103 yards and a TD. He moved into first place on the Oregon all-time receptions list for tight ends with his 104th career grab.
Junior quarterback Jeremiah Masoli — 14 of 18 for 116 yards and one TD, ran seven times for 52 yards and another TD in just over one quarter of playing time