Oregon Ducks Defeat Michigan State As Marcus Mariota Picks Up Signature Win

Oregon Ducks quarterback was in need of a signature win. Or so said his critics. It would appear he finally has that victory.

Oregon defeated a very pesky Michigan State Spartans team that held a lead on the road as late 4:33 left in the third quarterback. But a series of plays created by Mariota put the Spartans away late as the Ducks cruised past the finish line with 46-27 win.

Late in the third quarter Mariota connected on touchdown passes to Devon Allen for 24 yards and Keanon Lowe for 37 yards to pull the Ducks from a 27-18 deficit to a 32-27 lead. Two fourth quarter touchdown runs from Royce Freeman (13 carries, 89 yards) iced it for Oregon.

Mariota finished the night with 318 yards, three touchdowns passing, and no interceptions, with another 42 yards added on the ground. There was also the benefit of this catch and run from Devon Allen for 70 yards.

Kudos to Michigan State for their performance Saturday night. There’s an excellent chance they are the best team in college football, if not close to it. I wouldn’t be surprised if in January we are talking about how the Spartans are national champions and were 20 minutes away from being undefeated. This is just really, really good, and really, really physical. That will play well as we get later into the season.