No matter how hard the Stanford offense worked in the first half, it seemed Oregon always had a quick answer. As the Cardinal worked down the field methodically for points, the Ducks capitalized on big plays. An example of that came when Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. was able to connect on a deep pass for the go ahead touchdown in the final minute of the half. But, Stanford was just as quick to respond every time, and goes into the locker room with a 23-21 lead over the Ducks.
The Ducks turned mostly to the ground attack in the first half, running the ball for 159 yards against a Cardinal defense that has been holding teams to just 123.6 rushing yards per game. Oregon didn’t even attempt a pass until 11:33 left in the second quarter when Vernon Adams Jr. connected with Darren Carrington for a seven-yard completion.
While the Ducks scored on quick strikes, Stanford strung together long drives. They were able to keep the ball moving by capitalizing on third downs, converting 7-of-9. Heisman hopeful Christain McCaffrey had a strong half, collecting 92 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Both teams continued to go back and forth throughout the first half, with neither defense able to generate consistent stops.
Key Plays:
— After stalling in its opening drive, Stanford turned to place kicker Conrad Ukropina, who was able to nail a 33-yard field goal. Stanford leads 3-0.
— The Ducks answered on the following drive, turning to the running game to march down the field. Kani Benoit capped it off by punching it in from 2 yards out. Aidan Schneider makes the PAT to give Oregon the 7-3 lead.
— On a designed quarterback run to the right side of the line, Stanford’s Kevin Hogan rumbled through the defense for a 22 yard score, including a hurdle over an Oregon defensive back. Ukropina makes the PAT to give Stanford the 10-7 lead.
— Just one play later Oregon answered yet again, as two-way star Charles Nelson took a handoff 75 yards for the touchdown. Schneider makes the PAT to give the Ducks the 14-10 lead.
— Hogan attempted a short pass over the middle but watched as the ball bounced off running back McCaffrey’s hands, falling into the outstretched arms of a diving Rodney Hardrick for the first turnover of the game. Ducks take over on their own 31.
— Utilizing the heavy formation and extra blockers, McCaffrey was able to dance into the end zone virtually untouched for the 11 yard touchdown. Ukropina makes the PAT to give Stanford the 17-14 lead.
Three things to watch heading into second half:
Is Oregon’s explosiveness sustainable?
Christian McCaffrey is dominating the headlines, but Oregon’s ball carriers stole the the show in the first quarter. Royce Freeman took off for 49 yards on Oregon’s second offensive play and Charles Nelson raced for a 75-yard touchdown on the Ducks’ subsequent drive. Things went south in a hurry for Oregon in the second quarter, though. The offense went three-and-out and committed a turnover on its first two drives of the quarter, but executed on another big play after Adams found Darren Carrington for a 47-yard touchdown. The only question now becomes, can they continue to rely on big play?
Can Oregon find ways to stop Stanford’s offense?
Oregon forced Stanford to settle for a field goal on its first drive and picked off Hogan in the second quarter. It also has managed to at least slow McCaffrey at times. But, the Ducks haven’t found ways to get off the field. Stanford has converted on seven third-downs and has yet to punt. What it’s translated to is McCaffrey getting plenty of touches. The sophomore has 92 rushing yards on 19 carries.
Time of Possession
It always seems to be a theme in this matchup. Oregon had 14 points after possessing the ball for just two minutes and 40 seconds in the first quarter. While that was happening, the Cardinal put together scoring drives that both ate up over five minutes of clock. In total, Stanford has had the ball for over 21 minutes.
Stats
Oregon passing
Vernon Adams Jr. – 6-for-6 109 yards, one touchdown
Stanford passing
Kevin Hogan – 13-of-17 139 yards, one interception
Oregon rushing
Royce Freeman – seven carries, 57 yards
Charles Neslon – one carry, 75 yards, one touchdown
Stanford rushing
Christian McCaffrey – 19 carries, 92 yards, one touchdown
Oregon receiving
Darren Carrington – two receptions, 54 yards, one touchdown
Bralon Addison – two receptions, 30 yards
Stanford receiving
Michael Rector – five receptions, 63 yards
Oregon total offense – 268 yards
Stanford total offense – 276 yards
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