Believe it or not, this was a game for about a quarter.
Both teams scored on their opening possessions and Liberty led 6-3. Then Bo Nix got rolling and the Ducks scored 45 straight points to rout the Flames 45-6 in the Vrbo Fiesta Bowl.
Nix managed to break several records in the process, including NCAA single-season pass completion record (77.44 percent), the Oregon career touchdowns mark (45) and yards for a single season (4,508).
Nix put the game away in the second quarter with four touchdown passes and the Ducks took a commanding 31-6 halftime lead.
Oregon’s first touchdown went to Gary Bryant, Jr. on a two-yard pass. It was then 14-3 when Nix found Terrance Ferguson on a two-yard score that came on a scramble in the pocket. Kenyon Sadiq scored on another touchdown and with three seconds left, Nix found Traeshon Holden for a 17-yard touchdown in the back of the end zone.
Meanwhile, on the other side of the ball, Liberty had trouble moving down the field after that first drive. The Flames ended with 294 total yards, but 75 of those yards came on their only scoring drive.
Oregon’s last scoring drive was set up thanks to its defense. Defensive back Steve Stephens IV ended a Liberty drive when he intercepted a deflected Kaidon Salter pass. The play was upheld on replay and the Ducks had 1:14 left to do something with it and Oregon was able to do so.
It was more of the same in the second half, but Oregon was a bit more methodical. It was 38-6 when Nix found Tez Johnson on a 24-yard pass. Johnson had a monster game with 11 catches, 172 yards and a touchdown.
Oregon’s last score was a one-yard touchdown from Bucky Irving, who ended the game and his Duck career with 117 yards and a score.
Both Nix and Irving managed to get a standing ovation as they each came out of the game on the Ducks’ next possession.
Now comes to the off-season as the Ducks will transition from Nix to quarterback Dillon Gabriel and a move to the Big Ten where everything changes in 2024. But for now, Dan Lanning and company can enjoy an impressive Fiesta Bowl victory in Glendale.