Oregon and UCLA Tied at 14 at the Half, Bruins QB Using His Feet to His Advantage

Oregon Running Back De’Anthony Thomas Returns to Action vs UCLA

The momentum battle in this one has changed hands several times in the first half. Oregon’s first offensive drive finished before it started as a pass on the 2nd play of the game to Wideout Keanon Lowe was fumbled and UCLA recovered and scored. On the next Oregon possession when it seemed the ball was going back to UCLA on a 4th Down, there was some trickery as Rodney Hardrick took it back to the UCLA 8 and in his return De’Anthony Thomas scored the game tying touchdown. He also took to the air and was ruled down at the 1 yard line on the previous play.

The second quarter saw the Ducks score on a Byron Marshall run to start the quarter. On the next possession for the Ducks the Defense showed some pressure on UCLA forcing a punt. The Ducks once again worked their way down the field going for it on 4th down and coming away empty. On the next Bruins drive Quarterback Brett Hundley on 3rd and 2 made a play with his legs going 30 yards for a 1st down. Two plays later he threw an interception to Boseko Lokombo. It was his first pick of the season.

Another momentum shift occured as Oregon could do nothing with the Hundley interception and were forced to punt. Maldonado’s kick was blocked and UCLA took over at the Ducks 28 yard line. On a third down play it appeared the Ducks had the Bruins QB cornered, but he again took it for a first down. A few plays later he hit Duarte in the endzone to tie the game at 14.

The first half was a battle of momentum and the crowd at Autzen was loud. They may have to be just as loud for the Ducks in the second half. For the second game in a row the Ducks have had some mistakes in the first half. Oregon’s Defense has been able to get through the UCLA Offensive line. If they can continue to press Hundley and hold onto the ball when they have possession, they may get the momentum back.

Oregon Kicker attempted a 47 yard field goal to close the half. It was no good.

The UCLA QB was 6 for 9 passing for 43 yards a TD and a pick and had 7 carries for 57 yards on the ground. On the other side Oregon QB Marcus Mariota was 11 for 18 for 131 yards through the air, with 18 yards on the ground.

For the first half Oregon has 298 yards of Offense to UCLA who has 188.