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Oregon backs run circles around Washington State

Sep 28, 2008 - 3:48 AM PULLMAN, Washington (Ticker) -- Oregon's defense got things started against the Washington State. LeGarrette Blount and Jeremiah Johnson finished off the Cougars.

Blount and Johnson scored three touchdowns apiece and combined for 187 yards on the ground as 22nd-ranked Oregon rolled to a 63-14 blowout over Washington State in Pac-10 Conference play Saturday.

"We came out and played our best game," Blount said. "I can't even describe how good our offensive line is. I'd say they're the best in the country."

Oregon has compiled 1,543 rushing yards on 245 carries as a team this season, a 6.3 yards-per-carry average.

Thanks to their defense, the Ducks (4-1, 2-0 Pac-10) had a two-touchdown edge before before the Cougars (1-4, 0-2) could even get started, as they converted two early fumbles into touchdowns within the first three minutes of play.

On the third play of the game, WSU quarterback Marshall Lobbestael fumbled on a hard hit by Oregon defensive end Brandon Bair, and the Ducks recovered.

It took the Ducks five plays to find the end zone, as Johnson rushed for his first touchdown for a quick 7-0 lead.

Seconds later, the Ducks found themselves in scoring position once again when Christopher Ivory fumbled the ensuing kickoff to give Oregon prime field position at the Washington State 23-yard line.

"We took advantage of the turnovers we got," Oregon head coach Mike Bellotti said. "That probably took some of the heart out of Washington State."

Oregon sophomore quarterback Jeremiah Masoli - who left last week's game against Boise State with a mild concussion but was healthy enough to start this weekend - connected with Jaison Williams for the first of two touchdown passes.

The 23-yard strike made it a 14-0 game with 11:57 on the clock in the first quarter.

From there, Oregon's high-powered rushing attack took over. Blount's 13-yard touchdown dash midway through the first quarter made it 21-0 and essentially put the game out of reach. Blount and Johnson have made for a dynamic combo this season, totaling 921 yards and 14 touchdowns through five games.

But it was the defense that made perhaps the biggest impact of all. The Ducks - who travel to California to take on national power USC next week - forced four turnovers and held a 507-271 advantage in total yardage from scrimmage.

"We tried to make a statement, that we're looking forward to next week," Oregon defensive back Walter Thurmond said. "It gives us a lot of confidence to go to L.A. and play the Trojans."

Washington State, which has now been outscored, 129-17, in its first two Pac-10 games this season, converted just 4-of-14 third-down attempts.

Blount led the way for Oregon with 98 yards on 15 carries, while Johnson added 89 on 10 attempts. Masoli completed 9-of-16 passes for 161 yards and two touchdowns.

Lobbestael was 22-of-41 for 192 yards and a pair of touchdowns, but he was also responsible for three of the Cougars' four turnovers. He was intercepted twice and fumbled once.

"You can't turn the ball over," Lobbestael said. "(My) three turnovers is too much, no matter if it is my first start or my 10th start. So, too many turnovers. Especially the first fumble, you can't give them that good of field position. That turned it around big."