The No. 22 Ducks (4-0) lingered long after their 31-27 victory yesterday over the Wolverines (3-1), taking it all in. Coach Mike Bellotti said it was his biggest nonconference victory.

"Absolutely," Bellotti said. "No question."

Credit Oregon's defense.

The Ducks held Michigan's Chris Perry, the nation's leading rusher going into the game, to just 26 yards. Michigan's rushing offense, which averaged more than 307 yards through the first three games, lost 3 yards on 19 carries.

"They have a good defense," Perry said. "We knew they were going to be loading up on the run because of their previous games. Still, I take it all on my shoulders."

Jason Fife, half of Oregon's quarterback tandem with Kellen Clemens, ran for one touchdown, tailback Terrence Whitehead rushed for another, and the Ducks were able to take advantage of some key Michigan errors before 59,023 fans, the largest crowd in Autzen Stadium's history.

After Oregon jumped out to a 21-6 halftime lead, and led 24-14 when the Wolverines turned up the pressure in the fourth quarter.

John Navarre's 9-yard scoring pass to Steve Breaston and conversion pass to Braylon Edwards made it 24-21 with 11:04 to play, but the Ducks answered with Jordan Carey's fumble recovery of a blocked punt in the end zone with 6:55 left.