Ducks hope to tighten grips in today’s game against Sooners

Oregon lost its season opener and dropped out of the Top 25 thanks mostly to its own mistakes.

No. 2 Oklahoma (2-0) is counting on a better performance when the Ducks play in Norman, Okla., today.

Oregon (0-1) turned over the ball four times in the first quarter last weekend, helping Indiana zip out to a 23-0 lead. In all, the Ducks committed seven turnovers – four fumbles and three interceptions – in the 30-24 loss. They also lost a touchdown on the opening kickoff when Kenny Washington’s return was nullified by a penalty.

“We should have won that game except we had seven turnovers,” Oregon defensive end Devon Long said. “I think we have a really good team, it’s just that turnovers are a huge swing in the game. Ball security will be very important this week.”

OU coach Bob Stoops dismissed starting defensive tackle Dusty Dvoracek from the team Friday while police investigated an incident that ended with one of Dvoracek’s high school teammates hospitalized.

“I have learned more over the course of the day and now believe there is a sufficient pattern of behavior to merit Dusty’s removal from the team,” Stoops said.

Huskies lose first Big East game

Paul Peterson threw two touchdown passes and Andre Callender ran for another score to lead Boston College to a 27-7 victory over Connecticut at Boston, spoiling the Huskies’ first game as members of the Big East.

Peterson was 14 of 23 for 193 yards with one interception. Callender carried 26 times for 98 yards.

Huskies quarterback Dan Orlovsky was held without a TD pass for the second consecutive week after completing one in a school-record 25 consecutive games.

Elsewhere

The LSU-Auburn football game will be played as scheduled today, a decision made by Auburn officials following an assessment of Hurricane Ivan’s damage. … Southern Mississippi and California rescheduled their hurricane-delayed game for Dec. 4 in Hattiesburg, Miss.