SB Nation Seattle - Oregon vs. USC: Ducks Fall To Trojans, 38-35https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48997/seattle-fave.png2011-11-21T20:25:20-08:00http://seattle.sbnation.com/rss/stream/23319622011-11-21T20:25:20-08:002011-11-21T20:25:20-08:00LaMichael James Named Doak Walker Award Finalist
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<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> running back <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37388/lamichael-james">LaMichael James</a> was named a Doak Walker Award finalist on Monday, <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/30170/pac-12-finalists-for-major-awards">according to an ESPN report</a>. The award, which is presented to the best running back in the country each year, has been a college football staple 1990. James won the award last year and could become the first repeat winner since <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9961/darren-mcfadden">Darren McFadden</a> (2006-2007).</p>
<p>James' numbers are down slightly from last year's totals of 1,731 yards and 21 touchdowns. He has missed two games this season but has still recorded impressive totals of 1,285 yards and 13 touchdowns. While his overall stats are down from a year ago, he has proven to be a much more efficient runner this season (7.4 yards per carry in 2011 vs. 5.9 yards per carry in 2010).</p>
<p>The other two finalists are Wisconsin's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/77778/montee-ball">Montee Ball</a> and Alabama's <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78256/trent-richardson">Trent Richardson</a>. Ball has recorded 1,466 yards and 25 touchdowns this season while Richardson has recorded 1,380 yards and 20 touchdowns. The winner will be announced live via The Home Depot College Football Awards, which will be broadcast on ESPN on Dec. 8<sup>th</sup>. </p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/21/2579711/oregon-ducks-lamichael-james-doak-walker-award-finalist-trent-richardson-montee-ball-repeatNikil Selvam2011-11-20T06:01:34-08:002011-11-20T06:01:34-08:00Oregon Vs. USC Recap: BCS Rankings, Pac-12 Implications
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> lost a costly game on Saturday night to the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a>. Barring a miracle in the final week (or perhaps more appropriately, a series of disasters), the first Pac-12 loss of the season for the Ducks (and their second loss overall) has effectively sunk their hopes for a berth in the National Championship Game.</p>
<p>When the new BCS rankings come out tomorrow, the Ducks will most likely drop from their No. 4 spot. At the very least, even with a slew of upsets this past week, Oregon is unlikely to do any better than stand pat after this big loss. The good news is that if the Ducks win their final game next week against Oregon State, they will clinch the Pac-12 North and have an excellent shot of gaining entry to the Rose Bowl.</p>
<p>However, if the Ducks should lose to the Beavers, Stanford will clinch the Pac-12 North and the Ducks will be shut out of both the National Championship Game and a trip to Pasadena. But let's focus on the good news. The Pac-12 North is a much stronger division than the South, and most experts are confident that whichever team clinches the North will ultimately prevail in the Pac-12 championship game.</p>
<p>So Saturday's 38-35 loss, although stunning and unfortunate, is far from the end for this strong Ducks team. Next Saturday, they will face a team that they will be heavily favored against. Oregon tends to be good at winning games they are expected to win. Although they may have lost out on a national title this week, the Rose Bowl is still well within their grasp.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/20/2574965/oregon-vs-usc-recap-bcs-rankings-pac-12-implicationsBill Hanstock2011-11-19T21:00:02-08:002011-11-19T21:00:02-08:00Oregon Vs. USC Final Score: Ducks Lose In 38-35 Shocker
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> hosted the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> on Saturday night, hoping to clinch the Pac-12 north with a victory and remain undefeated in conference play. Shockingly, the No. 4 Ducks trailed for the entire game, and a late-game comeback attempt culminated in a missed field goal that failed to tie the game and force overtime. The Ducks lost, 38-35, and kept Stanford's hopes alive for a Pac-12 championship berth for at least one more week.</p>
<p>The Trojans managed to hold the Ducks scoreless in the first quarter, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> got USC on the board first with a 59 yard touchdown pass to Marqise Lee. Barkley fired another 12 yard touchdown pass to Robert Woods in the opening seconds of the second quarter and the Ducks were suddenly looking at a 14-0 deficit.</p>
<p>Darren Thomas completed a 29 yard touchdown pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136017/de-anthony-thomas">De'Anthony Thomas</a> midway through the second quarter to get the scoring started for the Ducks, but Barkley once again completed a short pass to Woods to get that score back with just over two minutes left in the half, and Oregon went to halftime trailing by a score of 21-7.</p>
<p>USC scored on a 26 yard field goal by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136368/andre-heidari">Andre Heidari</a> before the Ducks scored their second touchdown of the game on a 9 yard <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37392/kenjon-barner">Kenjon Barner</a> touchdown run. USC would score twice more in that third quarter, on a rushing touchdown by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/9548/marc-tyler">Marc Tyler</a> and another Barkley pass, this one to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113443/randall-telfer">Randall Telfer</a>, to run their lead to a massive 24 points and a 38-14 lead. On the kickoff, however, De'Anthony Thomas would take it to the house, returning the kick for a 96 yard touchdown. The two-point conversion would fail, but the Ducks edged closer, closing the gap to 38-20.</p>
<p>The fourth quarter would be by far the most thrilling, as the vaunted Ducks speed took over and broke out for the first time in the game. A 75 yard drive would lead off the final quarter, culminating in am 8 yard rushing touchdown by Barner. Midway through the quarter, a 60 yard drive would end with a <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37388/lamichael-james">LaMichael James</a> rushing touchdown. A two-point conversion later, and the Ducks were within three.</p>
<p>The Trojans started another long drive, making it to the red zone and looking to put the game away, when Marc Tyler suddenly fumbled. The Ducks recovered at their own 14 yard line, and started their own drive toward the end zone.They made it to the USC 20 yard line with 0:05, and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113659/alejandro-maldonado">Alejandro Maldonado</a> came in to attempt the field goal that could send the game to overtime and keep the hopes for an Oregon National Championship Game appearance alive. The kick, which was a career long attempt for Maldonado, sailed wide left as time expired, and the Trojans were victorious.</p>
<p><a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37379/darron-thomas">Darron Thomas</a> finished the game 23-for-35 with 265 passing yards, a touchdown, and no interceptions. Kenjon Barner led all rushers with 127 yards on 16 carries with two touchdowns.</p>
<p>To discuss the game and all things Ducks, please visit<a target="_blank" href="http://www.addictedtoquack.com/"> Addicted To Quack</a>.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/19/2574706/oregon-vs-usc-final-score-ducks-lose-in-38-35-shockerBill Hanstock2011-11-19T13:00:16-08:002011-11-19T13:00:16-08:00USC Vs. Oregon Game Time, TV Schedule And More
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> are riding high after knocking off Stanford last week and have their full attention turned to a strong opponent in their own right: the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a>. The Ducks will need some help, but they have a legitimate chance at a national championship birth, as well as a BCS bowl game if they're able to continue their winning ways.</p>
<p>The Trojans will not go down without a fight. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> is one of the better quarterbacks in the nation and -- assuming he plays -- Robert Woods is an electric playmaker. If the defense can make a few plays, they'll have a chance to pull the huge upset.</p>
<p><b>Start Time:</b> Kickoff is set for 5 p.m. from Eugene.</p>
<p><b>TV Coverage:</b> The game will be aired nationally on ABC. Brent Musburger will handle the play-by-play duties, Kirk Herbstreit serves as the analyst and Erin Andrews will report from the sidelines.</p>
<p><b>Radio: </b>KUGN 590 AM will carry the game in Eugene and the surrounding areas.</p>
<p><b></b><b>Weather Report: </b>It'll be a cold and rainy night for football on Saturday. Temperatures will be in the high-30's at the time of kickoff and there's a good chance for rain showers throughout the day.</p>
<p><b>Opening Line:</b> The Ducks are favored 15 points.</p>
<p><b>Team Sites:</b> <a href="http://addictedtoquack.com" target="_blank">Addicted To Quack</a>; <a href="http://conquestchronicles.com" target="_blank">Conquest Chronicles</a></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/19/2572745/usc-football-schedule-2011-oregon-game-timeScott Coleman2011-11-19T12:02:21-08:002011-11-19T12:02:21-08:00Oregon vs. USC Injury Report: LaMichael James Healthy, Trojans May Be Without Robert Woods
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<p>After a huge upset on Friday night, the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> know the time is now to make their run at a BCS bowl bid. Tonight's game against the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans">USC Trojans</a> is the toughest remaining on the regular season schedule and Lane Kiffin's team will be hungry to pull the huge upset.</p>
<p>According to this week's <a href="http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/29961/final-pac-12-injury-report-week-12" target="_blank">injury report</a>, the Ducks will have all their weapons on the field against a shaky USC secondary. The only two UO players missing the game will be cornerback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/85885/cliff-harris">Cliff Harris</a> because of a suspension and linebacker <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136026/rodney-hardrick">Rodney Hardrick</a> for undisclosed reasons. <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37388/lamichael-james">LaMichael James</a> has not been bothered by his elbow in recent weeks, though fans have to hold their breath every time he takes a big hit.</p>
<p>The Trojans have been quiet on week on the status of star wide receiver Robert Woods, who is battling a bad ankle and shoulder, and he is listed as questionable for the game. Most believe he will play on Saturday, but one wrong move or cut could take Woods out of the game.</p>
<p><i>For more on the game, head on over to <a href="http://addictedtoquack.com" target="_blank">Addicted To Quack</a>.</i></p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/19/2573817/oregon-ducks-football-2011-usc-trojans-lamichael-james-robert-woodsScott Coleman2011-11-18T21:27:50-08:002011-11-18T21:27:50-08:00BCS Rankings Busted: Oklahoma State Loss To Iowa State Opens Oregon National Title Door A Crack
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<img alt="EUGENE OR - OCTOBER 21: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the UCLA Bruins on October 21 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images)" src="https://cdn.vox-cdn.com/thumbor/dpbHxLMczPmvBg97yztUONUlwhs=/0x10:600x410/1310x873/cdn.vox-cdn.com/photo_images/1344689/GYI0062146526.jpg" />
<figcaption>EUGENE OR - OCTOBER 21: LaMichael James #21 of the Oregon Ducks runs the ball against the UCLA Bruins on October 21 2010 at the Autzen Stadium in Eugene Oregon. (Photo by Jonathan Ferrey/Getty Images) | Getty Images</figcaption>
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<p>Oklahoma State's loss to Iowa State causes BCS upheaval. </p> <p>Big surprise for you: the BCS is again a big, huge quagmire. Unbeaten Oklahoma State, ranked No. 2 coming in, lost to Iowa State in double overtime and opened the door for Oregon to find themselves once again in the National Championship picture.</p>
<p>Despite leading 24-7 in the 3rd, Oklahoma State allowed Iowa State to stay in it and missed a field goal late that would have sealed the win. Instead, the teams went to overtime. Both sides scored touchdowns on their first possessions but in the second OT, the Cyclones picked off <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/8399/brandon-weeden" class="sbn-auto-link">Brandon Weeden</a>, took back the football, and their ran it in for the win, 37-31.</p>
<p>The upset leaves LSU as the only major-conference team still undefeated. That leaves Oregon and Alabama as the favorites to play LSU in the BCS Championship game, joined by Oklahoma, Arkansas, Clemson, Virginia Tech, Stanford and Boise State as one-loss teams that are also in the BCS top 10.</p>
<p>The Ducks likely will need the Tide to lose for their shot at the game though. They have to hope that Auburn can upset Alabama in two weeks, and obviously Oregon will need to win out by beating USC and Oregon State, then the Pac-12 Championship. If LSU loses, it's hard to see them falling behind Oregon after beating them earlier in the season.</p>
<p>One other consideration to keep in mind - Alabama faces Georgia Southern tomorrow which will hurt their strength of schedule. Oregon gets USC...probably not enough to leap Alabama, but closes the gap. Of course, the following week Alabama plays ranked Auburn while Oregon gets Oregon State so who knows if the strength of schedule will make a difference. </p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/college-football-rankings/2011/11/18/2572838/bcs-rankings-week-13-oklahoma-state-vs-iowa-state-oregon-national-championship-gameDanny Kelly2011-11-17T19:13:12-08:002011-11-17T19:13:12-08:00Oregon vs. USC: Could The Ducks Be Better This Year Than Last?
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<p>The <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks">Oregon Ducks</a> are riding high after knocking off the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/stanford-cardinal">Stanford Cardinal</a> and are looking to get back to a BCS bowl game. Despite their recent success against some of the nation's top talent, there is a serious question to be asked: could this year's team be better than the one that came a field goal short of a national title last season?</p>
<p>The good folks at Oregon Live <a href="http://www.oregonlive.com/ducks/index.ssf/2011/11/oregon-ducks-football-poll-usc.html" target="_blank">recently compared the numbers</a> and weighed in on the situation:</p>
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<p>Oregon is first in the Pac-12 in total offense (498.30 ypg), rushing (291.80) and scoring (46.70 ppg). It's second in passing efficiency (160.94) and sacks allowed (0.70 spg). It ranks in the top 12 in the nation in all of those categories.</p>
<p>Oregon also ranks in the top five of the conference in scoring defense (21.7 ppg), total defense (383.9 ypg), interceptions (12) and red zone defense, while leading the league in pass efficiency defense and sacks (32).</p>
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<p>And as for what USC quarterback <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/78123/matt-barkley">Matt Barkley</a> thinks of the Ducks:</p>
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<p>"Oregon is very good this year," Barkley told reporters following USC's win over Washington last Saturday. "But they were better when we played them in the past."</p>
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<p>With the game against the Trojans having huge implications on the BCS standings, expected the Ducks to pull out all the stops with their high-flying offense on Saturday night.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/17/2570234/oregon-vs-usc-could-the-ducks-be-better-this-year-than-lastScott Coleman2011-11-16T19:24:04-08:002011-11-16T19:24:04-08:00Oregon Vs. USC: De’Anthony Thomas Reflects On Choosing Ducks, Almost Playing For Trojans
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<p>Freshman <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/136017/de-anthony-thomas" class="sbn-auto-link">De'Anthony Thomas</a> was all set to play for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/usc-trojans" class="sbn-auto-link">USC Trojans</a> after making a commitment to the Trojans coaching staff during his junior year of high school. Things changed, however, and Thomas chose to play for the <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/oregon-ducks" class="sbn-auto-link">Oregon Ducks</a> instead before signing day during his senior year, completing a change that moved the Crenshaw High School football star from his location in Southern California to much quieter Oregon.</p>
<p>On Saturday, Thomas will face off against the Trojans in a game that can only help remind him of his past decision. <a href="http://www.latimes.com/sports/la-sp-1117-deanthony-thomas-20111117,0,3486118,full.story">David Wharton of the LA Times relived Thomas' journey to becoming a Duck </a>with the young star himself. Asked about his choice, Thomas had this to say: "I just felt comfortable here. I was surprised."</p>
<p>After USC parted ways with running backs coach Todd McNair- Thomas' sole close contact on the coaching staff- Thomas began thinking about possibly playing elsewhere. His quest led him to reach out to Oregon, who at the time hadn't even considered recruiting Thomas due to his commitment to USC.</p>
<p>One visit later- which included time with Chip Kelly and the coaching staff, <a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/37379/darron-thomas" class="sbn-auto-link">Darron Thomas</a>, Lamichael James and his host Kenjon Barner- Thomas left feeling good about becoming a Duck.</p>
<p>Thomas has since become a rising star on Oregon's offense. He leads the Ducks in receiving with 423 yards on 27 receptions and is also tied for most touchdowns with James at 13.</p>
<p>Now he faces the team that he almost played for in a match-up that Oregon needs to win to keep its Pac-12 and BCS hopes alive. The next fitting chapter in his journey may be a big game against the very Trojans that he grew up watching in Southern California.</p>
https://seattle.sbnation.com/2011/11/16/2567932/oregon-ducks-usc-trojans-deanthony-thomas-crenshaw-lamichael-james-kenjon-barner-todd-mcnairNikil Selvam