Ducks find future in Thomas amid ugly loss

By Marc Hudgens  |   Monday, September 22, 2008  |  Comments( 0 )

Oregon Ducks
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On Saturday, for the second week in a row, the Oregon Ducks came out flat in the first half; unlike two weekends ago, though, it cost them big this time. The Ducks, who entered last Saturday’s game against Boise State as the fourth-ranked rushing squad in the nation, have only amassed a combined 12 points in the past two first halves of play (six against Purdue and six versus the Broncos, and only one of those scores was a rushing touchdown).

The 37-32 final score indicates the game was close, but it was a 37-13 contest entering the fourth quarter in Eugene, Ore. For three full quarters, this matchup was rather lopsided in Boise State’s favor. Had it not been for freshman quarterback Darron Thomas, who came in after the Ducks lost their third passer in Jeremiah Masoli, coach Mike Bellotti and company would’ve had to fight off far more boo birds than were already present in raucous Autzen Stadium.

Which brings us back to Thomas, the proverbial silver lining that circles the black cloud of defeat. Perhaps it was just the element of surprise, as coach Chris Peterson’s Broncos likely never prepared for this freshman, but Thomas took the field in the fourth quarter and busted some moves, throwing for 210 yards and three touchdowns.

With original starter Nate Costa out for the season, backup Justin Roper out through at least next week and Masoli having a head injury, pickings are slim now that Oregon’s only recourse under center is true freshman Chris Harper and Thomas, who can definitely come in under pressure and produce large results.

"We were probably too stubborn offensively and I should've made the call earlier to get (Thomas) into the game," Bellotti said after his team's loss.

Now that Oregon has a proven runner and a capable thrower, both of whom can handle pressure, there isn’t much reason to be so one-dimensional and predictable anymore. And predictability will kill any chance of competing for the Pac-10 crown. Thomas adds unpredictability and productivity; because of that, the Ducks should use him to, for once, rack up points in the first half and put games away early.
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About Marc Hudgens

Marc Hudgens has been with RealFootball365 since 2007, covering college football, specifically Clemson and Oregon. He also writes for SouthernPigskin.com covering the ACC. He enjoys the acidic wit of Hunter S. Thompson, is a freelance graphic designer and has written several screenplays. He...
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