The night ended in bitter disappointment for the #3-ranked Oregon Ducks as they failed to replicate last year’s perfect regular season record by starting their 2011-2012 schedule off with a loss to the #4-ranked LSU Tigers.
Oregon running back LaMichael James is dragged down by the LSU defense. James ran for 54 yards and one touchdown in the Ducks 40-27 defeat to the Tigers. (Aaron Marineau/Oregon Daily Emerald)
LSU tight end Deangelo Peterson runs away from the tackle by Eddie Pleasent during LSU’s 40-27 victory over Oregon. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Oregon wide reciever Lavasier Tuinei gets stopped by LSU cornerback Morris Claiborne after hauling in a catch. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Things got vertical for the Tigers in the first-half as two defensive backs collided while trying to stop Oregon wide out Lavasier Tuinei from making a catch in the red zone. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
A host of Ducks including Issac Remington (left) brings down LSU’s Michael Ford during Oregon’s 40-27 loss. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
DeAnthony Thomas evades safety Eric Reid after a long catch and run during the second half. The freshman scored his first career touchdown late in the Oregon’s 40-27 loss to LSU. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Quarterback Darron Thomas struggled with accuracy during a forgettable performance on the national stage. LSU shut down Thomas and another key offensive Ducks player in LaMichael James. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
LSU players congratulate Tharold Simon (#24) after he picked off a Darron Thomas’ pass. (Aaron Marineau/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Oregon booster Phil Knight watches the action during the closing minutes of UO’s 40-27 loss. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Textbook blocks sprung Michael Ford for a touchdown late in the fourth quarter. LSU’s offensive line dominated Oregon’s front seven for much of the game leading the Tigers to a 40-27 victory over Oregon. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Oregon cornerback Anthony Gilden reacts after the Ducks recovered an LSU fumble. (Aaron Marineau/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Darron Thomas looks to Head Coach Chip Kelly along the sideline after the Ducks went down by 20 points to begin the 4th quarter. (Aaron Marineau/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Jarrett Lee played a consistent game leading the Tigers to a 40-27 victory over Oregon. (Alex McDougall/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Darron Thomas comforts De’Anthony Thomas near the end of the 4th quarter. De’Anthony had two fumbles during key stretches in the Ducks 40-27 loss to the LSU Tigers. (Aaron Marineau/Oregon Daily Emerald)
Head Coach Les Miles and the LSU Tigers celebrate their 40-27 triumph over the Ducks. (Aaron Marineau/Oregon Daily Emerald)