It was closer than expected, but No. 3 Oregon's still unbeaten and likely to move up in the polls.

The Ducks improved to 6-0 with a 43-23 win at Washington State Saturday and should wind up at No. 2, after No. 1 Alabama was upset by No. 20 South Carolina.

Oregon, favored by more than five touchdowns, led by only 12 at half and didn't put away the scrappy Cougars until the fourth quarter.

Even more concerning, Oregon starting quarterback Darron Thomas had to leave the game with an apparent shoulder injury. Nate Costa replaced Thomas and threw a 34-yard touchdown pass to Jeff Maehl that put the Ducks up 20 in the fourth quarter.

Despite the injury to Thomas, the Ducks still amassed 558 yards of total offense. Heisman candidate LaMichael James rushed for 137 yards and two touchdowns. He also caught a touchdown pass.

Washington State quarterback Jeff Tuel completed 25-of-40 passes for 246 yards with a touchdown and an interception. The Cougars (1-5, 0-3 Pac-10) got rushing touchdowns from James Montgomery and Logwone Mitz, but dropped their fourth straight game.

Oregon (6-0, 3-0) will have extra time to get healthy before hosting UCLA on Thursday, Oct. 23.