With the Alamodome looking like a road game for the Ducks, Oregon holds a 20-7 lead at halftime over the Texas Longhorns.
It was the efforts of safety Avery Patterson and the Oregon defense who put the Ducks on the scoreboard first.
Texas quarterback Case McCoy’s pass was tipped off the hands of receiver Jaxon Shipley as Patterson was able to come up with the interception.
With solid blocking, Patterson found his way to the end zone for a 37-yard touchdown off the interception.
On Texas’ next drive the Longhorns went three-and-out, setting up the Oregon offense to take the field led by quarterback Marcus Mariota.
Mariota, who has struggled with a knee injury this season, hit the field running with his brace off as the Longhorn defense chased after him all over the field.
Mariota finished the half 132 yards on 12 carries, a season high for the quarterback.
As the Ducks made their way down to the red zone, Mariota’s helmet came off as he was tackled on Texas’ five-yard line.
Mariota was forced to sit out the next play, as back-up quarterback Jeff Lockie came in for the offense. A false start by Oregon and a fumble by Lockie set up the 25-yard field goal for kicker Matt Wogan and giving the Ducks a 10-0 lead.
On the Longhorns next offensive drive, running back Malcolm Brown helped Texas make their way down the field and McCoy rushed in the end zone for the one-yard touchdown. Brown finished the first quarter with 60 yards off of 13 carries.
An unfortunate moment occurred for the Ducks at the beginning of the second quarter, as starting offensive lineman Tyler Johnstone went down with a knee injury. Johnstone has been in the spotlight leading up to the Alamo Bowl because his match-up with All-American defensive end Jackson Jeffcoat.
Trainers were fitting Johnstone with crutches on the sidelines and he is unlikely to return. Replacing Johnstone is senior Everett Benyard.
After the injury, the Ducks were forced to settle again for a field goal. Wogan tacked on 32-yard field goal as the Ducks lead 13-7 with about 12 minutes to play in the half.
Oregon was able to hold off the Longhorn offense, forcing another three-and-out, but the offensive line for the Ducks struggled on the next series. Benyard’s false start and offensive guard Cameron Hunt’s personal foul forced the Ducks to punt.
Oregon’s defense was able to control the Longhorn offense and senior Josh Huff scored Oregon’s final score of the half with a 16-yard touchdown to give the Ducks a 20-7 lead heading into halftime. With that touchdown catch, Huff tied an Oregon schools record for most touchdown receptions in a season.
Things to watch for in the second half
– With Johnstone out due to an injury will Jeffcoat create havoc for the Ducks on offense?
– Huff is on track to break the Oregon single-season receiving mark that was established by Bob Newland 43 years ago. Huff needs only 27 more receiving yards to break the record.
– Malcolm Brown has been a powerful force for Texas in the first half, rushing for over 113 yards off of 18 carries. Will the Ducks be able to control him in the second half.
Follow Beth Maiman on Twitter @bethamaiman