(2) Oregon Wins Pac-12 Championship

Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images(SANTA CLARA, Calif.) — Marcus Mariota scored five total touchdowns while the Oregon defense held Arizona scoreless in the first half, helping the second-ranked Ducks (12-1) to a 51-13 win in the Pac-12 Championship Game on Friday. The win avenges a regular-season loss to the Wildcats (10-3) which continues to be the only blemish on Oregon’s record.

“There are a bunch of big smiles, and I’m proud of that,” Ducks coach Mark Helfrich said. It was the first conference title for Oregon since 2011.

The Ducks were forced to settle for a pair of field goals in the first quarter before the offense began to open up. Mariota rushed for one of his three touchdowns on the ground, giving Oregon a 13-0 lead. The Heisman hopeful ran in from 4-yards out six minutes later for another score as the Ducks led 23-0 at halftime.

“This is a huge accomplishment for us,” Mariota said. “Now we need to continue to improve and get better for whoever comes next.”

Mariota opened the second half with a passing touchdown, connecting with Devon Allen for a 4-yard score before the Wildcats finally got on the board. A 69-yard pass from Jesse Scroggins to Cayleb Jones helped Arizona avoid a shutout, trimming the lead to 30-7, but Oregon answered with 14 straight points. 

In the fourth quarter, Kenny Bassett scored on a 19-yard run before the Ducks gave up a touchdown run as time expired. Royce Freeman dominated on the ground for Oregon, rushing for 114 yards on 21 carries despite not reaching the end zone.

Oregon has all but guaranteed themselves a berth in the inaugural College Football Playoff, with the final rankings being announced on Sunday.

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