Tennessee and Oregon’s first meeting in 2010 was severely one-sided; the Ducks rolled to a 48-13 win. Saturday in Eugene, it didn’t look like either team would coast to victory. Oregon’s typically smooth and efficient offense was inconsistent and sloppy early on, committing four first quarter penalties including two false starts. Marcus Mariota balked on his first three pass attempts, completely missing intended receivers.
After Oregon forced a fumble on Tennessee’s second play from scrimmage, three more Mariota incompletions resulted in fourth down and ultimately no points. Alejandro Maldonado missed wide right on a 37-yard field goal, giving the Volunteers the football at their own 20 yard line. Justin Worley’s 51-yard completion to Josh Smith was the highlight of Tennessee’s six-play, 80-yard drive which ended with Worley tossing a four-yard touchdown pass to Jason Croom, his first career reception. The score put the Ducks behind for the first time this season.
Oregon bounced back and got on the scoreboard with a Matt Wogan 38-yard field goal, his first as a Duck. Mariota was sacked for the first time this year on first and goal, pushing the Ducks back to the 15 yard line. A touchdown completion to De’Anthony Thomas was negated due to a pass interference penalty, forcing the Ducks to settle for three points.
After starting 2-for-7 in the passing game, Mariota found his rhythm and finished the first half 15-for 22 with 350 passing yards, already a season-high, and three touchdowns. He eclipsed the 1,000-yard rushing mark for his Oregon career with a 20-yard run in the first quarter and finished the first half with 12 yards on five carries after losing yards on two sacks.
Freshman tight end Johnny Mundt made some noise early on. WIth Colt Lyerla ruled out due to flu-like symptoms, Mundt was a go-to target for Mariota in the passing game. Mundt had four catches for 104 yards and a score in the first half, all career firsts.
Oregon’s defense showed large improvements after Tennessee’s scoring drive. Each of the Vols’ next five drives ended in punts, including three three-and-outs. Worley finished 9-for-16 with 100 yards and a touchdown, and the two-headed rushing attack of Rajion Neal and Marlin Lane gained 64 yards on 17 carries.
Mariota began the second quarter with a nine yard touchdown run, his fourth of the season. Mariota is closing in on his rushing touchdown total of five from a season ago. Oregon’s next drive lasted just four plays, capped off by a 54 yard Mariota to Josh Huff catch and run into the end zone. Huff grabbed five passes for 116 yards and is on pace for a career day. Following another Vols punt, Oregon added to their lead on a 45-yard touchdown pass from Mariota to Daryle Hawkins on fourth down.
Tennessee’s third three-and-out of the half gave the Ducks the ball back with 2:38 remaining, and six plays later Thomas was in the end zone after a 28 yard run. Thomas had 74 rushing yards on 11 attempts and added a 28-yard reception.