Marcus Mariota was far from great when you glance at the stat book, but that was not enough to slow down Oregon enough to give Virginia much of a chance. Oregon played their first game in the state of Virginia and took home a 59-10 victory as a memento. Surprisingly enough, it was a far from perfect performance by the Ducks but not enough to drop them in the rankings in all likelihood.
Oregon had nine penalties totaling over 100 yards, converted just two third downs, had an extra pint attempt blocked and was stopped short of the goal line on a late first half red zone opportunity. Fortunately for the Ducks, the talent and speed advantage played in their favor. Virginia controlled the time of possession with 38 minutes and change, but managed to put together just 10 points. Oregon’s fast-paced offense will often see the defense on the field for a much longer time, but how often will they be able to hold opponents to that little production?
Mariota ended his day early in the fourth quarter after completing 14-of-28 pass attempts for 199 yards and two touchdown passes. The Heisman hopeful did plenty of damage on the ground though, racking up 122 yards on four rushing attempts which included a 71-yard touchdown run up the middle of the field without being touched to open the game’s scoring. De’Anthony Thomas carried the football 11 times for 124 yards and three touchdowns and added another 28 receiving yards and 31 kick return yards.
Oregon will return home next week to host another team from a power conference. Tennessee will fly to Eugene, Oregon for the back half of a home-and-home schedule deal. Oregon visited Tennessee in 2009 and won 48-13 on their run to a berth in the BCS Championship Game. Tennessee is off to a 2-0 start this season will could face many of the same problems Virginia ran in to next weekend. Tennessee may have more speed to work with the Virginia, but the defense will have to hope to come up with some big plays to pull the upset. Tennessee came up with seven turnovers in a win against Western Kentucky, but Oregon will protect the football much better than the Hilltoppers did Saturday afternoon.
Oregon should manage to hold firm to their spot in the polls, even with Ohio State blowing away San Diego State in Columbus.
Virginia will get a week off before returning to the field. They host Virginia Military Institute in two weeks and open ACC play the following week against Pittsburgh.