The Oregon players all help wide receiver Marshaun Tucker (5) celebrate one of his two TDs.
Four more to go.
That’s how many games No. 7 Oregon has left on its Pacific-10 Conference schedule after Saturday night’s 14-10 win over then-No. 21 Arizona.
The win puts the Ducks (4-0, 6-1 overall) atop the Pac-10 and in control of its Rose Bowl fate. It also gives the Ducks their all-important sixth victory to ensure them of bowl eligibility.
“I’m glad the Arizona game is behind us,” head coach Mike Bellotti said. “I thought our defense stepped it up another notch.”
It certainly did. On a night when Oregon’s offense struggled, the defense came through and preserved the win in front of 45,950 fans at Autzen Stadium, as well as a nation-wide television audience.
The Oregon defense held Wildcat rushers to just 32 yards on 17 carries, and made the crucial fourth quarter stops when it needed to.
“I’m confident in our defense and felt like we could win with just 14 points,” cornerback Rashad Bauman said. “Our coaches prepare us every week and we know we can shut down anyone.”
Arizona’s defense was equally impressive as it contained Oregon’s offensive double threat in quarterback Joey Harrington and tailback Maurice Morris.
“They were good,” Harrington said. “We planned all week, but you just can’t prepare for a defense like that.”
Still, Oregon came through with the victory and will head to Tempe, Ariz., next week to face the Arizona State Sun Devils.
“We control our own destiny at this point,” defensive end Saul Patu said. “We’ve just got to keep on winning.”
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