Oregon vs. Colorado Recap: Ducks Corral Buffaloes, 57-16

Marcus Mariota threw for 355 yards and five touchdowns, and Bralon Addison and Josh Huff hauled in over 100 yards and two touchdowns apiece, as the Oregon Ducks crushed the Colorado Buffaloes in Boulder, 57-16.

The wide score was a predicted result for Oregon, and that prediction held even though Colorado came out as the hot team. The Buffaloes held the Ducks to a three-and-out on their first possession, taking the lead with a field goal. When Oregon scored, Colorado responded with a yard Paul Ruchardson touchdown pass to D.D. Goodson to take a 10-8 lead. However, the fast start failed to stun Oregon, who responded with three straight touchdowns to take their familiar three score lead at the end of the first quarter.

While the first quarter struggles by the defense no doubt led to eye rolls by annoyingly panic-ridden Oregon fans, it's important to remember that the only Colorado touchdown of the game came on a trick play, and the other big plays came via Paul Richardson, one of the best wideouts in the nation. The Oregon defense, while allowing 374 yards to Colorado, had two interceptions by Terrance Mitchell, and held Colorado to 0-15 on third downs. Colorado had only 61 total yards in the second half.

The Oregon offense, meanwhile, rolled up 755 yards, 355 of those off the arm of Mariota in a tad less than three quarters. Addison and Huff were the big playmakers in the passing game, and nine players caught passes overall. In the who-looks-better competition between the running backs, Byron Marshall had the better game, with 122 yards on 23 carries in place of the injured De'Anthony Thomas. Thomas Tyner was held to 30 yards on ten carries, as the Ducks racked up 349 rushing yards overall.

There are really only two questions coming out of this game: will Thomas' ankle be healed sufficiently to play in the Washington game next weekend, and what are the newest circumstances with Colt Lyerla, who didn't make the trip with the team to Boulder.

In the meantime, Oregon is 5-0 with five dominating blowout victories. Happy Happy I Hate Washington Week, Duck fans. The real season is about to start.