Everything we know following Oregon’s thrilling 34-31 win over UCLA
It was closer than it probably should have been, but the Oregon Ducks came out of the Rose Bowl with a huge 34-31 win over UCLA.
Oregon improves to 6-1 for the season and 3-1 in conference play, while the Bruins dropped to 5-3 overall and 3-2 in Pac-12 action.
The Ducks dominated the game in the second and third quarter, outscoring the Bruins 34-3 at one point. But UCLA used an interception from Anthony Brown to set up an easy score and another interception to begin what could have been a game-winning drive in the waning minutes.
Tim DeRuyter’s defense blitzed most of the day and on the last drive, UCLA quarterback Dorian Thompson-Robinson took a big hit and was knocked out of the game. Despite a couple of big first down throws from backup Ethan Garbers, he finally made a mistake by staring down a receiver and DJ James jumped the route and effectively ended the game.
Here’s everything we know directly after the game:
Final Score: Oregon 34, UCLA 31
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Keys to the game
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After falling down 14-0 early, the Ducks were able to pull things together in the second quarter on both sides of the ball to eventually tie the game up 14-14. UCLA managed a field goal right before halftime to take a slim 17-14 lead at the break.
Oregon kept the momentum going in the third, a quarter it has had problems with in the past. The Ducks scored on their opening drive coming out of the locker room to take a 21-17 lead.
Kayvon Thibodeaux and the rest of the defense dominated the Bruins after the first quarter where the Ducks fell down 14-0. But Tim DeRuyter’s defenders brought the pressure and held UCLA to three points in the second quarter and scoreless in the third.
The defense stifled the Bruin offense in the second half for the most part after being dominated in the first quarter. UCLA had trouble making one first down in the third quarter.
Players of the Game
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Anthony Brown: 29-of-39 passing for 296 yards, 85 rushing yards and a touchdown (2 INT)
Travis Dye: 14 carries, 35 yards, 4 touchdowns
Devon Williams: 5 catches, 80 yards
Kayvon Thibodeaux: 9 tackles, 8 solo, 2 sacks, 4.5 tackles for loss
Noah Sewell: 9 tackles, 6 solo, 1 tackle for loss
DJ James: 8 tackles, 6 solo, 2 interceptions
It was over when ...
Harry How/Getty Images
When DJ James intercepted back up quarterback Ethan Garber’s pass with 48 seconds left to preserve a 34-31 Oregon victory. Dorian Thompson-Robinson was injured earlier in the drive and Garbers completed a couple of first downs before James jumped in front of a receiver and stopped a potential game-winning drive or game-tying field goal attempt.
Who's next?
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Oregon comes back home to face a struggling Colorado team. The Buffaloes are 2-5 overall and 1-3 in league play. They’re coming off a 26-3 loss to California. The game is scheduled for Oct. 30. Time and TV hasn’t been announced yet.
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