Oregon Football: What We Learned from the Week 1 Game vs. Arkansas State

The Oregon Ducks took to Autzen Stadium on Saturday night and showed why they are one of the most dangerous teams in the nation when they dismantled the Arkansas State Red Wolves, 57-34.

Though the score only shows a disparity of 23 points between the two teams, this game could have been much uglier than it was as the Oregon starters were pulled about halfway through the second quarter. 

Arkansas State, who finished at the top of the Sun Belt Conference a year ago, could not manufacture anything against the Oregon starting defense and only managed to put up points after the Oregon reserves came into the game.

Wearing flashy new uniforms, the Ducks impressed their sellout crowd once again and instilled the confidence within the fanbase that the Ducks have what it takes to make a run at their fourth straight Pac-10/12 title.

Here are the Oregon takeaways from its latest blowout victory.  

Defensive Secondary Improved from Last Season

If there was one question for the Ducks on defense this year, it was whether their defensive secondary would be able to go up against great quarterbacks and improve upon their play from last season.

They did just that against Arkansas State.

Ryan Aplin, the starting quarterback for the Red Wolves, is a potential Heisman candidate and was shut down by the Oregon secondary while they were still in the game. 

John Boyett recorded an interception and the rest of the starting secondary flashed impressive skill in coverage and looked the part of a much better unit in 2012.

Though this was just their first game, it was a good test for the Ducks and a building block for future games. 

De'Anthony Thomas Is Ready for Another Stellar Season

De'Anthony Thomas, who thrilled the nation with his speed and acceleration in 2011, looked the same part last night against the Red Wolves.

Thomas was efficient in both the run and the pass game. He racked up three touchdowns throughout the night and looks as though he is already in prime form.

Defenses watch out, the Black Mamba is ready to strike again. 

Kenjon Barner Is Ready for Prime Time

Though Kenjon Barner has already impressed a lot of college football fans around the nation, he has never had the chance to do so on a consistent basis as he has always been behind now San Francisco 49er LaMichael James.

Last night, Barner showed just how well he can play as he put up 66 yards and two touchdowns on just nine carries.

Barner not only displayed the speed to get to the edge but also showed that he can move the ball through the middle. 

Byron Marshall Has Some Room to Grow

Byron Marshall, one of the highest profile recruits in Oregon football's recent history, made his much anticipated debut on Saturday night.

Really incorporating himself in the second half of the game, Marshall took hold of 24 carries for 64 yards and one touchdown. 

While those aren't exactly astonishing statistics, most of them came when the Ducks were way ahead and just running predictable plays. 

Marshall did show his speed and power at times, muscling his way into the end zone for a touchdown near the end of the first half. 

However, he did show his youth at times and still needs to really grasp hold of Oregon's offense. Seeing him in a game where Oregon is not completely trashing their opponent should also help him with his statistics. 

Marcus Mariota More Than Looks the Part

Another standout player for the Ducks making his debut was Marcus Mariota.

Mariota, who beat out Bryan Bennett for the starting quarterback job at Oregon, more than looked ready for the college football game as he was magnificent in his first college football appearance. 

He was incredibly accurate, showcased a brilliant arm and even flashed his running speed at times.

Coming out of the game just after midway through the second quarter, Mariota completed 18-of-22 passes for 216 yards and three touchdowns.

He demonstrated the poise of an experienced veteran and has made every single defensive coordinator in the Pac-12 shudder in fear.