As yesterday marked the beginning of the college football bowl games, it also started the countdown for the Ducks showdown against the Seminoles on January 1. This in fact is the biggest game of the year for Oregon and there’s no doubt that they’ll be grasping to the idea of going all-out. However, as important as it is to focus on this game, it’s essential to reflect on some of the most stunning moments this year so far. Throughout this season, there have been many ups and downs to say the least. Without further or do, here are the top five moments of the 2014 season, starting with number one.
QB and Hesiman winner Marcus Mariota. So much can be said about what kind of a person he is on and off the field.
1. Oregon annihilates the Wildcats in the Pac-12 Championship Game
Before this glorious game, Arizona had been the Ducks Achilles heel. For the past two years, they figured out a strategy to pick away at our offensive and defensive schemes. However, that all changed on December 5 when Oregon flat out annihilated the Wildcats 51-13. It was one of the greatest games in the history of Oregon football, if not the best. Plus, it proved to the college football world, especially to the doubters, that the Ducks have the potential to redeem themselves after a disappointing performance earlier in the season.
On this play, RB Thomas Tyner had an explosive spin around this Cardinal in the win over Stanford.
2. The Ducks scare away the Cardinal in stunning fashion
Just like the Wildcats, the Cardinal had been giving Oregon some tough times before their match-up this season. During the first three quarters of the game this year, Stanford was able to match up with the Ducks in terms of scoring during each of their drives. However, Oregon transformed their performance and finished the game of scoring 21 unanswered points.
Another amazing aspect about this moment was how it fueled the momentum factor heading into the rest of the season. It clearly showed the college football world that the Ducks are indeed a tough team that’s ultimately able to bounce back after poor performances the last couple of seasons against the Cardinal.
As seen in the image, Clay obviously dropped the ball before going into the end zone.
3. Kaelin Clay is the Real MVP
When college football fans and watchers discuss the game between Oregon vs. Utah, many remember watching when WR Kaelin Clay dropped the football at the 1-yard line before entering the end zone. The Oregon defense figured out that the referee’s didn’t signal a touchdown, which ultimately resulted in LB Joe Walker running 100 yards for a touchdown. This was by far not only one of the best moments this season, but also the funniest moment of the year!
Well, there you go folks. These are the top three moments that occurred during the 2014 season. As these were the best highlights of this year, let’s hope that there are even better moments as the Ducks approach the inaugural College Football Playoff.
Top Photo by Craig Strobeck
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Hey! My name is Austin Willhoft and I’m currently a freshman at the University of Oregon studying Journalism. I lived my whole life down in sunny and beautiful Laguna Beach, CA where I completed all of my prior education. I always have been into sports writing/reporting mostly due to the fact that I love watching, analyzing, and playing all kinds of sports. However, if I were to narrow it down between two sports, it would be basketball and football, both of which I played heavily in high school. I’m thrilled to be working for FishDuck.com and most importantly being a third generation to attend the UO. Sko Ducks!