Ground Game Propels Oregon Over Arizona State

Oct. 18, 2012; Tempe, AZ, USA; Oregon Ducks running back (24) Kenjon Barner celebrates a touchdown in the second quarter against the Arizona State Sun Devils at Sun Devil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-US PRESSWIRE

The Oregon Ducks rushed for 406 yards and forced Arizona State quarterbacks to throw four interceptions on the way to their seventh win of the season. The Ducks were led offensively by Kenjon Barner and quarterback Marcus Mariota, who combined to rush for 278 yards.

Barner finished the game with 143 yards and three touchdowns on 16 carries, averaging almost nine yards per carry. Barner has showed an ability throughout his career to make big plays, and that was fully on display Thursday night against the Sun Devils. Throughout his collegiate career, Barner has never averaged fewer than six yards per carry and this year is on pace to have his first ever 1,000 yard campaign. He is a very intriguing NFL prospect, a guy who has great toughness and speed, not to mention the rare ability to score any time he touches the ball.

Mariota is a very intriguing quarterback prospect. The Freshman from Honolulu has been effective all season long, throwing 16 touchdown passes compared to only five interceptions. He ran for 135 yards and a touchdown last night, his first ever 100 yard rushing game. Thursday night was not an effective night throwing the ball for the Ducks, but it didn’t need to be. After falling behind 7-0 to start the game, the Ducks controlled the game and didn’t really need much of a passing game.

The Ducks’ next game will be at home next Saturday against the Colorado Buffaloes.