Oregon vs Washington State: Cougs Keeping It Interesting, Ducks 34, Cougs 24 Halftime
At the kickoff it was not known if Oregon Ducks Running Back De’Anthony Thomas would see the field. He did not in the first half and Oregon was still able to out of 27 points on the Washington State Cougars. However Washington State, unlike any other teams this season seem to be fighting back. With their passing attack and timely runs so far they were able to put up 14 points on Oregon’s Defense which has been pretty stingy so far this season.
Oct 19, 2013; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) runs the ball for a touchdown against the Washington State Cougars int he first half at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports
Oregon Ducks Quarterback Marcus Mariota had one mistake in a fumble in the second quarter that led to seven points for Washington State. He has been solid otherwise threading balls to numerous receivers including Josh Huff and Running Back Thomas Tyner that was nearly a score(caught it and was downed at the 1 foot line).
Washington State’s Xavier Cooper sacked Oregon QB Marcus Mariota to make things even more interesting in the last few minutes of the first half. He ran it back for a score making it 27-21 Ducks with 5:35 left in the half. I’m totally blaming the full moon on that one.
On the following drive Oregon gets one back with a long run by Thomas Tyner(66 yards). The drive was 3 plays for 85 yards. Washington State came right back with a few throws from QB Halliday but it came to an end when Oregon’s Ifo Ekpre Olomu intercepted the pass in the end zone for a touchback.
Mariota and the Ducks seemed to go nowhere fast but came through on a 4th and 6 but the ball was fumbled and recovered by Washington State. Halliday went back to work and got the Cougs into field goal range. Andrew Furney hit a 49 yard field goal to keep it…interesting 34-24 Oregon at the Half.
Washington State has rushed(unofficially) for -5 yards. Through the air Halliday has thrown for 319 yards. Mariota started well but had two fumbles lost in the first half.