Oregon Heisman hopeful LaMichael James seemed to suffer from cramps and rushed
for just 54 yards on 18 carries with a touchdown, while Darron Thomas passed
for 240 yards and a touchdown with an interception.
The Ducks (0-1) have dropped back-to-back games after losing the national
title to Auburn in January.
They were without talented cornerback and kick returner Cliff Harris, who was
arrested in June for speeding and suspended for a game. They could have used
him.
The game turned quickly in LSU's favor after it scored two quick touchdowns
off turnovers in the third quarter.
First, defensive end Sam Montgomery stripped running back De'Anthony Thomas
for a fumble that was caught in mid-air by safety Eric Reid. The Tigers
converted it into Ford's five-yard touchdown run for a 23-13 lead.
Thomas then fumbled the ensuing kickoff after a nice return, with safety Craig
Loston knocking the ball loose from behind. The Tigers needed just six plays
and 38 yards to make it 30-13 on Ware's one-yard rush.
"Those are self-inflicted wounds. You can't play against a good football team
like we did tonight and turn the football over the way we did," said Oregon
head coach Chip Kelly.
"The drops, turnovers, and the penalties are what killed us. Against a team
like that, you're not going to win the game."
After a 32-yard Drew Alleman field goal gave LSU a 20-point lead, Thomas and
the Ducks went 68 yards and the quarterback found Josh Huff lunging in the
back of the end zone for an eight-yard touchdown to make it 33-20.
But Ford later ripped off a 16-yard touchdown run for LSU, while Thomas scored
on a late four-yard rush for Oregon.
Earlier, after the teams exchanged field goals and Oregon took a 6-3 lead, LSU
corner Tyrann Mathieu ped up Kenjon Barner on a punt, forcing a fumble,
and picked the ball up himself in front of the goal line for a touchdown and
9-6 lead (Alleman missed the extra point attempt)
An LSU penalty gave the Ducks a first down at the Tigers' four-yard line and
James rushed for a touchdown two plays later to give Oregon a 13-9 lead.
Lee led a 13-play drive and found Rueben Randle 1-on-1 in the front of the end
zone on the left side for a 10-yard touchdown and 16-13 LSU lead at halftime.
Game Notes
The game was played at Cowboys Stadium, marking only the third time two top-
five teams opened the season on a neutral field...LSU leads the all-time
series 3-1...Oregon is 4-6 all-time against SEC teams...The Ducks are 16-5 in
season openers since 1991.
09/04 02:21:12 ET
