Oregon beats Tennessee Tech 63-14 as Ducks complete non-conference play

The Ducks rolled in Autzen today as they beat Tennessee Tech 63-14. The Oregon defense was as fast and tenacious as they've been all year, and had Tennesse Tech's QB Tre Lamb running scared all day long.

Dion Jordan and the defensive line came at Lamb again and again and limited Tennessee Tech to 176 yards on the game, and more importantly, 1/17 on third down conversions. Unfortunately, that production came with a price. Oregon's defense was called for a number of personal fouls. Dion Jordan, Kiko Alonso, Isaac Dixon, and Erick Dargan all had 15 yard penalties to extend Tennessee Tech drives. But ultimately, it didn't matter. Defensive penalties don't typically correlate to wins and losses, and Oregon's defense showed the speed we've been waiting for all season.

On offense, De'Anthony Thomas amazed again, with a number of spectacular runs. He talled 220 total yards on 3 rushes, 3 receptions, and 4 returns. He scored two touchdowns, but was denied a third when a Tennessee Tech defender caught DAT as he slowed near the goal line and knocked the ball out. Luckily, offensive lineman Jake Fisher had not given up on the play and recovered the fumble in the end zone for his first TD as a Duck. Marcus Mariota once again spread the ball around beautifully as 12 different receivers caught passes.

The main issue for the offense was the offensive line play. They failed to get a push for much of the first half and racked up multiple penalties that made it difficult for the Ducks to keep drives going. The Ducks also had a field goal blocked.

Luckily, these issues are correctable. The Ducks showed flashes of brilliance and it should be really fun to see them enter Pac-12 play next week as they host Arizona.

Stick around and discuss the game, as well as any other evening games. Also, after the jump, I've embedded Solid Verbal Live, which starts at 4PM PST and will get you caught up on all the day's action. GO DUCKS!