Boise state upends Oregon

Sports handicappers call it a “look ahead spot”, where a team is so fixated on the games down the road that they forget to deal with the opponent at hand.

Oregon was anxiously awaiting a 10/4 trip to #1 USC, and they perhaps thought that they’d make short work of their only PAC 10 opponent they’d face before then (lowly Washington State).  After a scoreless tie for most of the first quarter against Boise State on Saturday, Oregon scored a touchdown near the end to go ahead 6-0.  They looked for all the world like a team content to put it on “cruise control”.

That won’t get it done against a good team like Boise State, however.  The Broncos responded with 24 unanswered 2nd quarter points to into the locker room at halftime up 24-6.  Oregon responded with the first TD of the second half to cut the deficit to 24-13, only to see Boise drop 13 more points on them to go ahead 37-13 heading into the fourth quarter.  A furious comeback attempt fell short despite 19 4th quarter points by Oregon, and Boise State held on to win 37-32.  Much was made of the fact that Oregon was the only ranked team left standing between the USC Trojans and an undefeated season.  There’s a good chance that this loss will knock Oregon out of the top 25 altogether. 

Statistically, Oregon dominated the game leading in first downs 29-16 and held a slight yardage lead at 464 to 424.  The Ducks were undone by turnovers and a lack of execution on third down, where they went 3 for 14 on third down conversions.  The Ducks have also suffered a profusion of injuries at the QB position, which necessitated the team playing two true freshman under center for most of the game.

Oregon also appeared to count on Boise freshman QB being intimidated in his first road start in a notoriously tough venue.  Guess again—he played like you’d expect a Boise State QB to play: 386 yards, 3 TD passes and 1 interception.  The loss was the first by the Ducks in 18 games against the WAC during the tenure of Mike Bellotti.

Boise State has a bye next weekend and plays next at home when Louisiana Tech will come to town to play on their blue “Smurf Turf”.  The following weekend they’ll head to Southern Miss and return home for a 10/17 game against Hawaii.  Oregon now has to regroup for PAC 10 play, starting with Washington State next weekend.  The big game at USC is on 10/4 followed by a home game against struggling UCLA on 10/11.