The Oregon defense forced three turnovers and sacked Cougar quarterback Alex Brink six times as the No. 9 Ducks dismantled Washington State 53-7 Saturday, in front of 58,749 at Autzen Stadium.
Washington State had its first two drives end deep in Oregon territory on interceptions by Oregon linebackers John Bacon and Jerome Boyd. Bacon’s 49-yard return set up a Jeremiah Johnson 42-yard touchdown run on the Ducks’ first offensive play. Boyd’s pick set up a 13-play, 69-yard drive that ended in a 44-yard Matt Evensen field goal.
Johnson would go untouched up the middle of the field for an 18-yard touchdown just before the end of the first quarter to put the Ducks up 17-0. Unfortunately for Oregon, they also lost senior wide receiver Cameron Colvin for the rest of the season.
Colvin fractured his right ankle on a wide receiver screen early in the quarter and his college career is probably over, according to Oregon coach Mike Bellotti.
“I feel very bad for Cameron Colvin,” said Bellotti. “He has worked very hard and was coming into his own and playing the most focused football of his career.”
The second quarter would bring more solid defense from the Ducks, who forced a safety and held the Cougars to just nine offensive yards. Oregon senior quarterback Dennis Dixon would run for a touchdown and throw two more and the Ducks led comfortably at halftime, 40-0.
But in another unfortunate turn for the Ducks, they would lose Johnson to a sprained knee midway through the second quarter. The junior running back will have an MRI Monday, but is “likely out for the season,” according to Bellotti.
“Those are serious blows,” said Bellotti of the injuries to Colvin and Johnson. “Our depth will be tested.”
The Oregon defense held the Cougars to 63 yards rushing for the game, and were led in tackles by Junior defensive end Nick Reed. Reed also recorded three-and-a-half sacks and five tackles for loss.
“He has an unbelievable motor,” said Bellotti. “He’s not the biggest and fastest guy, but it’s his effort that separates him.”
The Oregon offense put up 551 yards of total offense and Dixon threw for 287 yards and three touchdowns on the day. Washington State coach Bill Doba was impressed with the Ducks’ performance.
“Oregon is definitely better than a number nine team,” he said.