Oregon Defense stiffens, A new Dennis Dixon is born.

Last night Oregon squared off against Oklahoma State in the Holiday Bowl. With Oklahoma State the heavy favorite because of their high powered offense coming out of the Big-12, Oregon's best hope was to carry their momentum from their last game, winning 65-38 over rival Oregon State, to spur them on to a win against the Cowboys. Last night was a very slow start for the Ducks, only producing one offensive play, which was a Jeremiah Johnson 76 yard run for a Touch Down. The Cowboys however, produced many by scoring 17 points, and the Ducks were VERY lucky that they didn't score twice as much in the first quarter. The Second quarter looked to be very high powered and exciting, hopefully with a more even play by teams. But at the half, the score was the same, 17-7 Oklahoma State. Oregon hadn't been moving the ball all day, so I could see how Oregon didn't score. But with Oregon's defense stiffening up and holding the high-flying Oklahoma State offense to no points, It was a whole different ball game. If Oklahoma State couldn't score, then Oregon was bound to find a way with all their offensive talent.

At the start of the third quarter, Oregon started out by returning the opening kick-off 95 yards, all the way to the 1 yard line. Then quarterback Jeremiah Masoli ran in a 1 yard touchdown to cut the lead to only 3 points. Then on the next drive, Jeremiah Masoli ran for ANOTHER touchdown, this time with POWER. He didn't make a cut, or spin away from a defender. Actually, he could have ran the touchdown without even having contact with the defense, but he aimed right at it and ran right over the Oklahoma State defense. Next, Oregon's defense finally let up the first score since the first quarter. With Oklahoma State RB Kendall Hunter running 4 yards to take the lead by 3. But Oregon answered right back with a 17 yard touchdown by QB Jeremiah Masoli. With that one being his third, Oklahoma State was looking to keep on answering back as the third quarter came to a close. They did. QB Zac Robinson ran it in from 1 yard out to take the lead 31-28. But after that score, Oregon took over. Masoli threw a jump ball to the corner of the end-zone, which was caught by Jaison Williams, putting Oregon up by 35-31. Then with Oregon's defense holding Oregon State to a punt, they marched right down the field and capped it off with a very motivated 29 yard touchdown run by LeGarrette Blount. Now with Oregon's lead stretched to 11 points, their was no looking back. Oregon came out of this one with the W, 42-31. During this game, a new Oregon football era was born. With both RB LeGarrette Blount ,and QB Jeremiah Masoli coming back next year. Oregon's offense looks set. Look out Pac-10 defenses, USC, their may be some competition arising.