4th and Season

Oregon's 3rd down defense has been deplorable, and the offense has moved the ball in spurts but managed low production. The Ducks need a big play.

If OSU gets a touchdown here, Oregon needs a response. A decisive response. They haven't managed enough tempo to tax OSU's defense, and OSU's offense has kept the ball for long periods.

Bair with a crucial tip on 3rd down.

Field goal good, 23-13.

Oregon needs to score.

Instead, no blocking inside and two running plays go for nothing. Michael Doctor bails the Ducks out with a P.I.

Another false start. Brutally bad rhythm. Ducks need to make a play.

Thomas hasn't kept once.

Maehl snares a big catch in traffic.

Kenjon Barner bursts up the middle for 23 and a score. Now its a three-score game with 13 minutes to go, 30-13.

Barner has had a beautiful game, 122 yards rushing, 1 td, another td on a pass out of the backfield. This was the one-two punch Oregon hoped to have earlier in the year. Helfrich and Kelly have used it masterfully today.

I owe the offensive line an apology. They hung together and sucked it up beautifully on that drive.

Oregon has more resilience and resolve than any team I've ever seen.

Halihuni pushes off, offensive pass interference, and the Beavs have to give up the football.

Penalty negates a nice return by Harris.

Oregon with the ball and a chance to ice the game. 11:16 left. The Beavs are running out of possessions, trailing by 17. Interestingly, the spread was about 17 1/2.

They'll get a heavy dose of James right and Barner left, I'll bet.

Ducks 3 and out. Serviceable punt by Maldonado, and the Beavs take over about the 34. 9:17 to play to the natty. Putting the beer can and glass in the freezer.

Gildon misses a tackle, Wheaton for a first down.

Zac Clark stuffs Quizz.

Ducks have nine tipped passes today.

Make it ten. Paysinger with another tip, and Boyett gathers it in. Ducks ball in plus territory.

Maehl takes a screen to the 20. Barner slashes right for 11.

Too many negative running plays. Announcers are sucking up to Oregon now after touting OSU for the first three quarters.

James scoots inside for a nine-yard td, and it's time to crack open the Natty. A toast with my beautiful, yummy wife.

Cheap, meaningless touchdown by the Beavers. Wheaton on the slant. 37-20. I predicted 38-24.

Seniors are trying to run the Gatorade play on Chip. He gives Drew Davis a hug and a big smile. It's evident that these guys love and respect their coach, and follow his lead in how they prepare and think.

That last touchdown illustrates how Oregon's defense is misleadingly good. The Stats lie. At least three times this year opposing qbs have tacked on 100 yards of passing and a score in decided games.

The Oregon Ducks are 12-0, undefeated Conference Champions, headed for the national championship game.