The script was flipped.
Thanks to a dominant performance from the Oregon defense to add onto the torrid pace that Marcus Mariota continued, the Ducks defeated Arizona 51-13 to win the Pac-12 Championship. Mariota finished 25-of-38 for 313 yards and two touchdowns. Mariota also rushed for 33 yards on 10 carries and three touchdowns.
On Oct. 2 Arizona beat the Ducks 31-24 at Autzen Stadium and appeared to have destroyed Oregon’s College Football Playoff chances. However, a couple months later, and it seems safe to assume Oregon will be among the top four on when the final poll is announced Sunday.
Oregon’s defense limited Arizona to 25 yards of total offense in the first half, looking like a completely revamped unit. It allowed 209 total yards throughout the game and Arizona would score just seven points.
Key plays:
– With under eight minutes to play in the first half, Mariota kept the ball for a seven-yard touchdown run, the first of the game. Oregon, who had as many as 18 plays inside the 20-yard line without a score, managed to take a 13-0 lead following this play.
– At the 9:20 mark in the second quarter, DeForest Buckner sacked Anu Solomon on a 3rd and 10 situation to give the Ducks another shot to score. With the Wildcats itching to get on the board, Buckner’s big time play couldn’t have come at a better time.
– Late in the first half, Charles Nelson broke free on a pass from Mariota for 74 yards. It was on a 3rd and 16. Mariota punched in his second rushing touchdown shortly after, giving the Ducks a 20-0 lead.
– Early on in the second half, Marcus Mariota found Devon Allen for a four-yard touchdown to extend Oregon’s lead to 30-0 following an Aidan Schneider PAT.
Oregon Passing
Marcus Mariota – 25-of-38, 318 yards and touchdown
Arizona Passing
Anu Solomon – 6-of-12, 34 yards
Oregon Rushing
Royce Freeman – 21 rushes, 114 yards
Marcus Mariota – 10 carries, 33 yards and three touchdowns
Arizona Rushing
Nick Wilson – 13 rushes, 26 yards
Oregon Receiving
Darren Carrington – 7 receptions, 126 yards
Charles Nelson – 7 receptions, 104 yards
Arizona Receiving
Austin Hill- 2 receptions, 13 yards
Cayleb Jones – 2 receptions, 71 yards and one touchdown
Oregon Total Offense – 621
Arizona Total Offense – 209
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