Mariota leads UO past WSU with 5 TD Passes

Saturday, September 20

Pullman, Wash.

7:30 PM

University of Oregon

4-0 , 1-0

Washington State

1-3 , 0-1

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Oregon Ducks

Washington State

Photo by: Associated Press

09/21/14 | Football

Box Score

By: GoDucks.com

PULLMAN, Wash. — Oregon survived behind a patchwork offensive line thanks to another big night from Marcus Mariota, outscoring Washington State in the second half to win 38-31 in Martin Stadium on Saturday night.

How it Happened: Mariota was sacked five times in the first half as the Cougars fought to a 21-21 halftime tie. The Ducks shored things up just enough in the second half, getting a go-ahead touchdown pass to Pharaoh Brown late in the third quarter from Mariota, his fourth of five in the game. A pass breakup by Dior Mathis and sack on fourth down by Tony Washington denied Washington State on its final attempt to tie the game in the fourth quarter.

Who Stood Out: Mariota finished 21-of-25 passing for 329 yards and the five touchdowns, shrugging off the pressure put on Oregon's inexperienced offensive line. Left tackle Tyrell Crosby and right tackle Matt Pierson each made his first career start at those respective positions, and the Ducks struggled with protection and penalties all night. The tide shifted when DeForest Buckner forced a fumble and Arik Armstead recovered it in the third quarter, setting the stage for Brown's go-ahead touchdown. Keanon Lowe had a career-high 104 receiving yards and two touchdowns - the first coming on a 57-yard reception to tie the game at 14-14 and the second proving to be the game-winning score with 5:33 to play in the final quarter.

What it Means: The second-ranked Ducks survived their first conference road trip with a victory, and now have a bye week in which to try and get healthier and shore up the offensive line. Oregon improved to 4-0 and is now 1-0 in Pac-12 play.

Odds and ends: Devon Allen scored two touchdowns, giving him five for the season, tied for the UO lead this season with Royce Freeman. … Freeman started the game, becoming Oregon's second true freshman starter at running back in as many seasons, joining Thomas Tyner, who started the final regular season game in 2013. Prior to Tyner, the last UO true frosh to start at running back was Derek Loville in 1986. … Mariota had never been sacked more than three times in a single game. … Mariota has now suffered 12 sacks in his career at the hands of the Cougars - twice as many as any other opponent. … Mariota's passing efficiency rating of 260.5 was the highest of his career. … The game marked the second time Oregon's QB had more touchdown passes than incompletions.

Next Up: The Ducks enter a bye weekend in which they'll practice Tuesday through Thursday, before beginning their next full practice week Saturday in anticipation of a Thursday night home game against Arizona on Oct. 2 (7:30 p.m. PT, ESPN).