Oregon Ducks Player of the Game: DE Kayvon Thibodeaux
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It didn’t go into nine overtimes like the Illinois – Penn State contest, but the game between the Oregon Ducks and UCLA Bruins was a wild affair.
UCLA got off to a blistering start before Oregon stormed back, took a comfortable lead, and still nearly blew it in the game’s final moments.
A lot of players could be named player of the game after this one. Travis Dye rushed for a career-high four touchdowns but only 36 yards. DJ James had a pair of interceptions. Anthony Brown looked incredible until he threw a pair of interceptions in the fourth quarter which nearly cost them the game.
However, the award goes to defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux – Oregon’s best player who showed exactly why in his first full game of the season.
Thibodeaux recorded nine tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, one forced fumble, and a pair of sacks at key times in the second half against the slippery Dorian Thompson-Robinson.
Even after (presumably) watching the tape against Cal, UCLA coach Chip Kelly chose to play Thibodeaux straight up quite a bit in the second half, which allowed the potential first overall pick to feast on the Bruins’ tackles on passing downs.
It was the kind of performance Ducks fans have been waiting for from Thibodeaux while he has battled injuries and a half game suspension so far this season.
Now, as long as he stays healthy, Thibodeaux will be a menace for opposing offenses the rest of the way.
