The Oregon "Mighty Ducks" Defeat the USC Trojans 20-47

Watching the Oregon Ducks first game against Boise State was as painful for Oregon fans as moviegoers viewing the blockbuster flop, Howard the Duck. The Ducks lost the game 8-19, then were embarrassed further when senior running back, LeGarrette Blount, unleashed his anger on a Boise State player. By the time Blount was restrained and escorted off the field, the damage was done. The running backs action had caused the senior his final year of eligibility, and left Oregon without its leading rusher. One week into the college season, the Oregon football team faced big problems.

In week two, you wondered how the Ducks would respond, and to their credit, they regrouped. Oregon gained a tough victory against Purdue, winning 36-38. By the third game of the season, the Ducks were beginning to play up to their potential. Oregon would beat 18^th ranked Utah, due in part to the emergence of freshman running back, LaMichael James, who rushed for 152 yards, and a touchdown in the game. The Ducks and James would continue to roll in week four, when Oregon upset 6th ranked, California, 42-3. As well as Oregon had played, their match up Saturday against USC, would define their season.

In a game of Pac-10 rivals, the Ducks played their best offensive game of the year and came away with a convincing, 20-47 win over, the USC Trojans. Oregon now finds themselves in first place in the Pac-10, with a 7-1 record. With a Pac-10 championship, and BCS bowl game within reach, the Ducks look like one of the best teams in college football. While they'll most likely not have an opportunity to play for the national title, Oregon makes a case for the need of a playoff system in college football.

The 2009 Oregon Ducks are an example of a team overcoming adversity. The Ducks worked hard, moving on without Blount ,with young running back, James, stepping in. The freshman running back has made the most of his opportunity, and leads the team in rushing, with over 900 yards on the year. National title game or not, Oregon has steadily improved since their week one loss, and are playing like a top ranked team. With the possibility of Blount being reinstated, the Oregon football team now look like, the Mighty Ducks.

Sources:

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/stats/team/2009/oregon-ducks/
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/teams/oregon-ducks/index.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/scoreboards/2009/divia/regularseason/4/
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/gameflash/2009/09/19/40816_recap.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/gameflash/2009/09/12/40810_recap.html
http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/football/ncaa/gameflash/2009/09/03/40534_recap.html