#2 Oregon – 20
Oregon SS Eddie Pleasant smothers Ark St. TE Kenneth Rains on a fake punt
EUGENE, Oreg. -- Arkansas State gave Oregon all they could handle, but the Ducks are through to the next round after a tense 20-7 win.
The outcome was very much in doubt until the Red Wolves were stopped just shy of a critical first down on a 4th and 2 late in the fourth quarter.
Lamichael James was the lone bright spot for Oregon, rushing for 122 yards on 13 carries.
Oregon got off to a slow start, throwing an interception in ASU territory on their first possession.
On the ensuing drive, Arkansas State boldly called a fake punt on 4th and 2 from their own 30-yard line, but Oregon was ready, stopping TE Kenneth Rains for no gain following the direct snap.
The Ducks converted the turnover on downs into seven points on a 4-yard touchdown reception by HB Lamichael James. They added a field goal to take a 10-0 lead into the halftime showers.
It didn't take long for Arkansas State to get back in the game. On a play (somewhat) reminiscent of Joe Flacco to Jacoby Jones in this year's Divisional Round contest in Denver, WR Allen Muse somehow got behind the corner and safety for a 75-yard strike to cut the lead to 10-7. A 48-yard field goal on Oregon's next drive made it 13-7.
Arkansas State, who had been running deliberately and widdling down the clock the entire game, engineered a long drive on their next possession. They picked up three first downs and advanced to the Oregon 28, before being stopped just short on the aforementioned 4th and 2. Again, it was Kenneth Rains carrying the ball for the Red Wolves.
Lamichael James iced it for the Ducks with a short touchdown run in the final minute.
Arkansas State mounted a valiant effort, successfully playing keepaway for much of the game, and committing no turnovers. They also outgained Oregon 145-117 through the air.
"We had a good gameplan, and the players executed," said first year head coach Gus Malzahn. "We just came up a little short."
Oregon awaits #31 Notre Dame in the second round.
Stats:
Oregon
HB Lamichael James – 3 rushes, 122 yards, 2 total TDs
Arkansas State
DT Amos Draper – 2 sacks
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