Oregon Football: 10 Plays That Led the Ducks to an Undefeated Regular Season

Before moving on to 2011, it is always fun to take a look back at the successes that the Oregon football program had in 2010.

In 2010, Oregon won its second straight conference title and led the program to its first undefeated regular season and first time being on top of the polls.

While many small plays helped lead the Ducks to their undefeated mark, here are the 10 plays that helped keep Oregon's dream season alive.

LaMichael James Goes 72 Yards

James Goes 72 Yards

After an easy opening week victory over New Mexico, Oregon headed on the road to take on Tennesee.

While the game was broken up due to bad weather in the area, Oregon failed to finds it rhythm until the second half. The offense was truly brought to life when LaMichael James broke this touchdown run.

Cliff Harris Finishes off Tennesee

Cliff Harris Pick Six

While LaMichael James woke up the offense with his 72 yard touchdown run, Cliff Harris secured Oregon's road victory over Tennessee.

Leading 20-13 in the third quarter, Tennessee found themselves driving into Oregon territory. Facing a third down, Oregon brought a blitz which led to a rushed pass. Once the ball was floated out wide, Harris would do the rest. 

James Breaks Free Again

James Breaks Free

Despite missing the first game of the season, LaMichael James left his mark on the first two road games Oregon faced.

With the Ducks in a 7-0 hole on the road, the offense turned to LaMichael James. While it may not seem like a huge play since it happened in the first quarter, it was a play that required the Sun Devils to consistently look for the run and leave the secondary in single coverage.

Oregon Comeback Begins

Ducks Comeback Begins

Although early in the season, many viewed the game between Oregon and Stanford as a battle for the Pac-10 championship.

Stanford answered the bell early going up 21-3, but after scoring a touchdown to cut it to 21-10, Chip Kelly made a go for broke play.

Fast forward to the 2:30 mark to watch the play unfold.

Ducks Defense Steps Up

Fumble Recovery

Locked in a battle with Stanford, Oregon had already erased a 21-3 deficit, but continued to see Andrew Luck and the Stanford offense drive down the field.

With the Cardinal ready to cross midfield, this play swung the momentum for good.

Kenjon Barner Knocked out

Barner Knocked Out

When Oregon headed on the road to take on Washington State, they thought they were in for a walk in the park. Early in the game, Kenjon Barner was returning a kick and was knocked unconscious and led to a scary moment in Oregon football.

While Barner proved to be OK and recovered from the injury, this moment proved to be a unifying moment for the 2010 team.

The Maehlman Delivers

Jeff Maehl Touchdown

After delivering a solid beat down on USC in 2009, Oregon headed to Southern California to take on USC looking to prove last year was not a fluke.

Midway through the second, Oregon was looking to take advantage of a USC turnover and turned to Jeff Maehl for a big play.

Cal's Missed Opportunity

Wide Right

With an offense that had been nearly impossible to slow down, Oregon headed to Cal riding high and looking to put up big numbers. Cal had different ideas for the game and had Oregon involved in a defensive battle.

With the fourth quarter just beginning, Cal lined up for this field goal that could have put them ahead.

Darron Thomas Breaks Arizona's Back

Darron Thomas Touchdown Run

In a late season game against Arizona, the Ducks and Wildcats went back and forth.

With about five minutes remaining in the third quarter, Oregon held a one point lead and was attempting a field goal. After a Rob Beard field goal sailed right, Arizona was flagged for offsides, which gave Oregon a new set of downs. Darron Thomas didn't wait long to take advantage.

Fast forward to the 7:38 mark to watch both plays.

Civil War Fake Punt

Fake Punt

With one separating Oregon from its first appearance in a national championship game, they found themselves in a hard fought battle with Oregon State.

With the game still close, Oregon permanently changed the momentum of the 2010 Civil War with this play.