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Ducks' D rising to the challenge

By Ted Miller
Special to ESPN.com

Thursday, November 3, 2005

The big secret to Oregon's success this year? Defense. In the four games since surrendering 45 points to USC -- nearly five below the Trojans' average -- the Ducks haven't given up more than 21, which is impressive in the Pac-10, where offenses dare to rise above Pop Warner sophistication. They rank third in scoring defense (24.5 points per game) and total defense (360 yards per game). Coach Mike Bellotti attributed the success to a variety of reasons, including the high level of play of tackl ...

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