BOULDER — In the end, Oregon coach Chip Kelly didn’t consult with Darron Thomas and LaMichael James. His star quarterback and tailback could have played with injuries Saturday but obviously weren’t needed in the ninth-ranked Ducks’ 45-2 win.
“Darron understands what we’re about here,” Kelly said. “This isn’t “The People’s Court.’ He doesn’t get to make an argument, and we don’t get to hear another argument against him. We’re just going to do what we feel is the best situation for him and what we feel is the best situation for the team.”
There was no need to risk either player against a Colorado team that fell to 1-7. Besides, Oregon has capable backups in freshman Bryan Bennett and Kenjon Barner.
Barner raced 115 yards on 10 carries, including an 84-yard touchdown that made it 22-0 with 4:05 still left in the first quarter. Bennett hit 11-of-20 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns.
“That’s the one thing about Bryan,” said Kelly, who informed Bennett of his status just before game time. “He shows a lot of poise. He’s worked very, very hard in our preparation, in the film room and on the practice field.”
O’Neill superb.
About the only positive for Colorado was that freshman punter Darragh O’Neill continued his strong season. He averaged 43.2 yards with a long of 55 and placed five inside the 20.
He also avoided kicking to Cliff Harris, Oregon’s All-America punt returner. Harris had one 27-yard return, but he also fielded a punt at the 5 and let his momentum carry him into the end zone, where Terrell Smith tackled him for a safety.
“Darragh did a good job,” coach Jon Embree said. “He had a lot of pressure on him. I explained to my guys on Monday, for those who won’t get to play in the NFL, this is Devin Hester.”
Fourth and short.
Oregon’s 293 yards in the first quarter were the second-most Colorado has given up besides the 312 Oklahoma rolled up in the third quarter of an 82-42 Buffs loss in 1980. … Oregon’s 371 yards rushing were the most against Colorado since Iowa State’s 377 in 1993. . . . It’s the first time Colorado has given up 500 total yards in three straight weeks since 1983, when Nebraska, Oklahoma State and Kansas did it. . . . CU avoided its first home shutout since getting blanked by Oklahoma in 1986, 28-0. It’s the first time CU has finished with two points since a 6-2 loss to Colorado Mines in 1914.
