Oregon quarterback Kellen Clemens may have said it best Saturday after the Ducks’ 31-23 victory over Nevada at Autzen Stadium.
“We need consistent intensity throughout the game,” the sophomore said. “We played down to Nevada’s level. They’re a good team, but not a Pac-10 team.”
Clemens was 10 of 24 for 154 and two touchdowns against the Wolf Pack defense, but only in the waning moments of the game did the Ducks assure themselves a victory over their Western Athletic Conference foe.
That was a source of concern for Oregon following the game. After almost blowing a 28-point lead last week against Mississippi State, the Ducks held a 31-14 lead midway through the third quarter Saturday. But proving that no team can take any other lightly, Nevada fought back to within eight and was only out of it when Clemens dropped to a knee with 25 seconds left in the fourth quarter.
“They didn’t give up, battled, and made a game of it,” Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti said. “I don’t think we improved as much as I would have liked from game one to game two.”
Oregon’s quarterback race didn’t seem to be answered as well, although if it was, neither Bellotti or Clemens was willing to say.
Clemens threw for 71 yards in the first quarter and didn’t come off the field until the second quarter. Senior Jason Fife, meanwhile, completed his first two passes and ended the day 3 of 4 for 57 yards and one touchdown strike.
Clemens saw more time on the field, but wasn’t ready to anoint himself the full-time starter.
“I’m the kind of guy that really doesn’t look at that kind of stuff,” he said
And from the other side of the field, the sentiment was much the same.
“(Oregon’s) offense doesn’t change with two quarterbacks,” Nevada head coach Chris Tormey said. “With Clemens, you might get a little more option, but there is not much difference.”
Oregon’s three-headed running back monster reared its head against the Wolf Pack, as well. Kenny Washington led the running attack with 57 yards on nine carries, while Terrence Whitehead had 10 rushes for 53 yards.
Ryan Shaw, who started the game, seemed to take a step back against Nevada, garnering just 12 yards on seven carries. He also fumbled late in the fourth quarter and the ball was recovered by the Wolf Pack.
The Ducks opened the day in impressive fashion, driving to the Nevada 13-yard line on the strength of a 50-yard reverse by Samie Parker. Three plays later, Jared Siegel put one through the uprights for the 3-0 lead.
The first touchdown pass of the day by Clemens came with a minute to spare in the first quarter. He found Demetrius Williams over the middle to cap a four-play, 42-yard drive.
“It’s satisfying as of right now,” Williams said of the win, “but I know when I go back and watch the film, I’m not going to be as satisfied, at least with my play.”
Oregon held a 24-7 lead entering halftime, but both the team and the lead unraveled in the second half. Less than four minutes into the third, Nevada quarterback Andy Heiser connected with tight end Anthony Pudewell for an 11-yard touchdown.
Oregon safety Keith Lewis responded five minutes later by intercepting a Heiser pass — first tipped by defensive end Chris Solomona — and running it into the end zone, just two yards away.
“I was just in the right place at the right time,” Lewis said.
Overall, Oregon outgained the Wolf Pack, 399-301, and on the ground had 209 yards rushing to Nevada’s 89. But, as the Ducks alluded to, the Wolf Pack came out with more intensity, especially in the second half.
“We have to come out fired up no matter who we play,” Lewis said.
Oregon travels to Tucson to face Arizona on Sept. 13. The game, which starts at 7 p.m. and can be seen on TBS, will be the Ducks’ first Pacific-10 Conference game of the season.
And if a win is expected, they’re going to have to play the Wildcats with, as Clemens said, consistent intensity.