The 2008 college football season for the Oregon Ducks came to an end Tuesday night. Throughout the many ups and downs of the year, the Ducks ultimately finished tied for the second most wins in Ducks football history. The 10th and final win came at the hands of the 13th ranked Oklahoma State Cowboys.
On paper, this was a perfect matchup. It featured two great offenses and star-studded talent all across the field, there was no doubt that it was going to be a shootout.
FIRST HALF
The first half was far from a dream half for the Ducks. Dropped passes, the inability to convert on third downs and missed (blocked) kicks allowed the Ducks' offense to be on the field for less than 10 minutes.
The Cowboys capitalized by utilizing their All-American receiver Dez Bryant. In single coverage, he managed to get open nearly every time. And often get yards after the catch. In double coverage he would also make catches, or leave the field open for Pettigrew or other playmakers.
Unfortunately all that could slow Bryant down was an awkward plant and twisting of the knee, sidelining him for the rest of the half and limiting his ability in the second half.
The Ducks managed a few notable plays on both sides of the ball. A 76-yard touchdown run by Jeremiah Johnson excited fans. And the interception by Walter Thurmond near the end of the half showed some life for the Ducks.
It wasn’t that the Ducks were unable to do anything during the first half, they just didn't when it mattered the most. You knew the Ducks weren’t out of the game, but the hope was that they wouldn’t let the explosive OSU offense get ahead by too much more after the 17-7 halftime score.
SECOND HALF
Fortunately football is a game of two halves and it was a different Ducks team that took the field in the second. The opening kick in the second half kept Thurmond’s momentum from his first half interception, taking the ball 91 yards to the Oklahoma State five-yard line. Which was later punched in for a touchdown.
The big kick return seemed to swing the momentum to Oregon’s favor. All of a sudden the Ducks' defense brought an increased level of physicality to the game. It seemed that every player on D was playing with more urgency. A big hit from TJ Ward, got the defense pumped and left Zac Robinson rattled and perhaps slightly concussed.
The Ducks kept constant pressure on the Cowboys, eliminating the big play and forcing quick decisions from Robinson. There was even an uncharacteristic third down blitz call by Nick Allioti that was executed perfectly. The D was clicking against a great offensive team.
The offense and the defense seemed to play off each other, as the physical play transferred over to the other side of the ball. Masoli, recruited for his arm, made the biggest plays with his legs.
You won’t see Masoli slide, as many QBs do, but be careful, because he will run right over you to get to the end zone. This happened on several occasions. Just ask Quinton Moore. Masoli has learned how to use his legs to set up the throw and his arm to set up the run. He showed that he is a true gamer.
6 comments Last one added 6 months ago — Leave a Comment
Tim Azevedo 6 months ago
With all the hype about this game and with a close score, I feel I should have enjoyed that game more than I did. Nevertheless, it left a sour taste in my mouth. I respect Oregon and OSU- their QBs are definitely ones to look out for as they mature, their offenses were potent, and their programs are obviously going in the right direction. My biggest complaint was officiating. I normally get more frustrated at refs who call too many penalties, but this was a rare exception. Watching ESPN, there were at least two clear penalties (roughing the passer and a leg whip) that needed to be called and weren't. In both cases the players were lucky they weren't hurt more than they were. Now in the Pac-10 they may not mind losing half a dozen QBs to serious injury, but in most conferences QBs are protected from this sort of thing. Robinson took a pounding all night as it was- he didn't deserve any extra cheap shots. Second, when a big playmaker (Bryant) goes out and the game suddenly changes, you can't help but wonder whether it changed because of the injury or because the other team was clearly championship material. Anyway, all these things cast a shadow over an otherwise enjoyable game.
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Cameron Nichols 6 months ago
Tim i agree that it would have been a different game had Robinson and Bryant been 100% for the entire game. However, injuries happen. The key is being able to respond to those injuries and adapt your game plan. The Ducks know all about this, as they have lost key players on many occasions. Though, the Ducks have had problems adapting, look at the Boise State game.
As for cheap shots, I don't think that the late hit by Reed was a cheap shot, there were plenty of other plays when he could have hit Robinson late and unprotected but pulled away. He is a hard player, not a dirty one. The leg whip was bad and should have been called. Things like this are often missed, but that's the nature of the game.
It was a great game to the very end.
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polyduck Ah Sam 6 months ago
Believe me...I can relate to your frustration. We have to deal with HORRIBLE Pac-10 officiating all the time here on the WEST COAST. Last night though...I thought that the BIG-10 officiating crew did a really good job because for the most part...they "swallowed" their whistles. They let the kids play! I agree the leg whip by the Oregon center should of been called....but the other 2 non calls were just 2 good/hard hits.
All I know is that there are some players on that OK State squad that are going to be playing on Sunday's tho' (Bryant/Pettigrew).
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J. Robert Byrom 6 months ago
I cant believe that a 10 ties the Oregon ducks for second all time, I thought they would have a few 11 and 12 wins seasons with their recent history. but, they came alive on offense in the second half and you can treally say it was dez Bryant gettin injured that lost the game, yeah it slowed Ok State, especially because they kept trying to throw to the poor guy playing on one knee. but it was the way the oregon offense played in the second half that won the game and Ok State didnt lose anyone on Defense, nor does Dez Bryant play D.
I would say this was a down year for the Ducks and they still got ten wins now that is a sign of a healthy program right there.
I wonder with Phil Knight and Boone Pickens, if there has ever been more money on the sidelines at a bowl game. Just something, I was curious about.
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Cameron Nichols 6 months ago
I believe this was Oregon's 3rd or 4th 10 win season and they had an 11 win season back in 2001.
Hopefully Oregon can continue to build on this and flirt with double digit winning seasons every year. Getting over that hump and winning one or two more is what makes a good team an elite team. They are on the right path, but not quite there.
Thanks for your feedback.
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Brett Field 6 months ago
Oregon has won 10 games in 2000, 2005, and 2008 and 11 games in 2001.
The 2000 and 2005 seasons were before the NCAA expanded to a 12 game regular season schedule
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