Oregon takes advantage of Florida State mistakes to win Rose Bowl

Oregon punched itself a ticket to the National Championship game, and made a major statement in the process.

The Ducks set a Rose Bowl points record as they trounced Florida State 59-20 on Thursday.

The game was only truly competitive until halftime. 

The Seminoles had a chance to bring the game within two-points before halftime, when a rare missed field goal attempt by kicker Roberto Aguayo, who only missed two kicks this season, seemed to represent the hopes of his team coming out on top in this contest.

The Ducks went on a 41-7 scoring run in the second half, looking like the superior team at every phase.

The Seminoles had a forgettable third quarter, producing four turnovers, numerous dropped passes and committing multiple mental mistakes. 

It was contrasting performances for the game's two Heisman Trophy winning quarterbacks. Oregon's Marcus Mariota, this year's winner, got it done as a passer and a rusher. He threw for 338 yards with a pair of touchdowns and an interception, while rushing for 62 yards and another score.

His counterpart, Jameis Winston, who won the Heisman in 2013, had a rough outing. While he finished with 348 yards, a touchdown and an interception, he found himself looking the most flustered he ever has in his collegiate career.

It's likely the final game in the career of Florida State's Winston, a redshirt sophomore. While his 27 game undefeated streak came to an end, he will likely look to the NFL for his next endeavor. 

The Ducks out-gained Florida State in rushing yardage, 301-180. Oregon running back Thomas Tyner pounded out 124 tough yards on the ground with a pair of scores. 

Mariota and company move on to face the winner of the Sugar Bowl between Alabama and Ohio State.