Oregon Football: Things We Learned from the Ducks' Win vs. Colorado

After dropping down to fourth in the BCS standings, the Oregon Ducks came into their contest against Colorado with something to prove.

The result was a 70-14 thrashing in which many of the Oregon starters barley played a half of football.

Up next is an epic battle with conference rival USC, but lets take a look at what we learned from the Ducks' victory over the Buffaloes.

This Defense Does Not Rest

Lost in the hype of the high-powered Oregon offense is a defense that is pretty good in its own right.

The Duck defensive unit has intercepted 16 passes and totaled 19 sacks this season. The unit is led linebackers Michael Clay and Kiko Alonso, and it is an opportunistic bunch. Sophomore cornerback Ifo Ekpre-Olomu has also been stellar.

Against Colorado, Oregon didn't even allow 100 yards passing, and the defense is a huge reason for Oregon's success in 2012.

The Oregon Rushing Attack Is the Best in College Football

The ducks have one of the best rushing attacks in college football, and it all starts with Kenjon Barner.

Barner had three consecutive weeks in which he reached 130 yards rushing, and he added 104 today and two scores against Colorado.

Even after Barner, Oregon goes crazy deep at running back. Speedy D'Anthony Thomas rushed for 94 yards on five carries on the day. True freshman Byron Marshall added 67 yards, and he was a 4-star recruit from San Jose.

The Oregon ground game is good for young quarterback Marcus Mariota and is a huge reason why the Ducks are in the BCS National Championship picture.

Marcus Mariota Is Good, Not Great

Marcus Mariota is possibly a dark-horse Heisman candidate for some, and much has been made of his tremendous skill set. He has an uncanny ability to run at the quarterback spot, and his pocket presence is impressive.

Mariota is fortunate however, to have two of the best running backs in the country in the backfield with him, and the Hawaiian has used this to his advantage.

Kenjon Barner and De'Anthony Thomas have combined for over 1,300 rushing yards this season, and Oregon now has a fierce rushing attack.

Barner and Thomas were at it again against Colorado, while Mariota managed the game well.

Mariota finished the game 10-for-14 for 134 yards and two touchdowns.

I am not saying that Mariota won't be a top quarterback, but right now he is simply a spoke in the wheel for Oregon's high-octane offense.

Kenjon Barner Should Be on Your Heisman List

Kenjon Barner has 13 touchdowns and has rushed for over 800 yards in 2012.

What is amazing about this is the fact that, because Oregon has blown out so many opponents, Barner doesn't get a chance to play late in games.

Many running backs get to feast on tired defenses to pad stats. Barner doesn't get that luxury, and he gives away some carries to fellow stud D'Anthony Thomas.

The senior has averaged over six yards per career in his Duck career, and his name will likely be called early by some NFL team next April.

Oregon Is Ready for USC

There was a feeling that the Ducks might overlook this terrible Colorado team considering their looming showdown with Southern California next week.

Those fears were put to rest early, as the Oregon offense put up 56 first-half points against the Buffaloes.

Included in the scoring barrage were two Oregon touchdowns inside of the first two minutes of play.

USC was upset by Arizona today, so the Trojans will be itching to play next Saturday.

From the looks of it, so will Oregon.

Oregon Is the 2nd-Best Team in the Country

Oregon got surpassed by Kansas State in the BCS standings last weekend after the Ducks' remotely impressive win over conference foe Arizona State.

The Wildcats edged Oregon in the standings after beating West Virgina, despite being behind them in both polls.

This win over lowly Colorado won't help much, but computers be damned: Oregon is clearly the second-best team in the country.

Watch a game, and that's evident.

The Ducks Need a Legit Championship Win for Credibilty

The SEC is clearly the big dog on the block in college football, while Oregon seems to be that new kid that wears all the freshest clothes.

Oregon had its chance to prove itself a few years ago but fell short against Cam Newton.

The Ducks have won games and sold merchandise, but until they beat an SEC powerhouse for the BCS National Championship, they might as well be Boise State.