Oregon Ducks vs. Virginia Cavaliers Recap: Oregon Scores Early And Often, Routs Virginia

Scott Stadium was rocking. Virginia started the game by rocking De'Anthony Thomas on a kickoff return, then stuffed Oregon on the first two running plays of the game, putting the Ducks in a third and long on their first series.

Then Marcus Mariota took a  keeper for 71 yards and a score.

Mariota would throw for two more touchdowns, and Thomas would add three on the ground, as the Ducks blasted Virginia in Charlottesville, 59-10.

The early lead would stretch to 21-0 on a 40-yard touchdown scamper by Thomas, and Oregon would hold a 28-10 advantage going into the half despite being stuffed on a goal-line stand by the Cavalier defense in the final minute. 31 unanswered in the second half would complete the rout.

There was a lot of sloppy play in the game to be sure. The offensive line didn't play particularly well, especially on inside running plays, which were called with frequency throughout the first half. Mariota, for the second straight game, wasn't his usual sharp self, completing only 14-28 passes. Byron Marshall had only 31 yards on 15 carries. An extra point was blocked.

But there were major highlights, too.

Mariota looked as fast as any running back, gaining 122 yards on only four carries. Thomas was electric, with 124 yards and three touchdowns of his own, with some absolutely ridiculous cuts. Josh Huff blocked a punt and had a couple of tough catches. Dior Mathis had the most entertaining 97-yard non-touchdown interception return you'll ever see. And Thomas Tyner ran for two scores in his Oregon debut. Overall, the Ducks had 550 yards of total  offense, and averaged 8.8 yards per carry.

The Ducks were hardly at their best, and still went across the country and routed a BCS conference team on the road by 49 points. If you're a top-five team, that's what you're supposed to do.

Oregon faces another test next week, as the Tennessee Volunteers come to Autzen Stadium. Time and network is still TBD.