Written Story by Justin Grossweiner
Oregon Football had their best offensive performance of the season putting up 568 total yards and 52 points against a Colorado defense that was only giving up 20.7 points per game, 3rd in the Pac-12.
The Ducks took control of this game early in the first period with Anthony Brown and Travis Dye connecting on a 10 yard touchdown 4 minutes in, and freshman running-back Byron Cardwell added a 34 yard scamper to put Oregon up two touchdowns with 7:04 left in the quarter. Oregon controlled the game the rest of the way through, and was able to briefly rest their starters early in the 4th quarter before Colorado cut the lead to 16 with about 6 minutes to go.
Anthony Brown had his best game as a Duck completing 25 passes for 307 yards and 3 passing touchdowns. Devon Williams continued to be a go-to receiver for the Ducks after his season high in yards against UCLA. He had 95 yards on 5 catches including a 25 yards touchdown reception late in the 3rd quarter to put the Ducks up by 30. Byron Cardwell had a career high 127 rushing yards on 7 carries, and starter Travis Dye chipped in 122 all purpose yards with 2 rushing touchdowns.
The Buffaloes exceeded their expectations offensively as they put up over 100 more yards (341) than they averaged per game so far this season (238). Brendon Lewis and Brendon Rice had two of their best performances of the season. Lewis put up his season high in passing yards (224), and threw for his first 3 passing touchdowns on the road for this year. Rice also chipped in 102 yards receiving and a touchdown, and he also added 162 yards on 6 kick returns.
It wasn't the defensive performance that coach Mario Cristobal and the Ducks were looking for, but their offense had their best statistical game of the season. In the end the Ducks were 1-0 for the week, and it was probably their most complete performance of the season to date. Oregon will look to continue momentum against one of their main rivals in the Washington. Even though the Huskies are in the midst of a down season, the Ducks will surely get their best as they travel on the road up to Seattle next weekend.