In Oregon’s first road game of the season, the Ducks head into the locker room at halftime leading the Virginia Cavaliers 28-10.
Oregon’s offense took to the field in their regular fast-pace form.
With a 71-yard run from quarterback Marcus Mariota, Oregon got on the board first in just under two minuets of the start. Back-up quarterback Dustin Haines rushed the ball into the end zone for the 2-point conversion, giving the Ducks an 8-0 lead.
On their second drive, Oregon was stopped short on third down and forced to punt for the first time this season. However, Oregon’s defense was able to control the running game of Virginia.
With the help of a blocked punt from Josh Huff, Oregon started their third drive on the Cavaliers 14-yard line. De’Anthony Thomas sprinted the ball in to put the Ducks up 14-0, with the extra point attempt by freshman kicker Matt Wogan blocked.
On Virginia’s third drive, cornerback Terrance Mitchell picked off Virginia’s David Watford’s pass, to give Oregon its first interception of the season. After the interception Mitchell ran for another 14 yards, setting up the Ducks in good field position at the 40-yard line.
The speed of De’Anthony Thomas once again proved to be a threat, as the junior running back ran for a 40-yard touchdown in a quick eight seconds to give the Ducks a 21-0 lead.
With the first quarter coming to a close, Oregon gave up their first touchdown of the season. Virginia’s running back Khalek Shepherd had a career-high 45- yard run to give the Cavaliers their only touchdown of the half.
With just over 10 minutes left in the half, Mariota passed to sophomore wide receiver Bralon Addison who danced his way through the Cavalier’s defense to pick up a touchdown, giving the Ducks a 28-7 lead.
The Cavaliers made their way to the red zone towards the end up the second quarter after Oregon picked up penalties. However, with a sack by defensive end Tony Washington, the Ducks were able to hold Virginia to a field goal.
Mariota’s offense took over possession with two minutes left, but turned the ball over on downs after being shut out of the end zone at the goal line by Virginia’s defense.
Things to look for in the second half.
Can Oregon come out in the second half more disciplined? The Ducks struggled on penalties in the first half, picking up six penalties for 80 yards. The Ducks’ offense was once again electric at the start of the first half, rushing for total of 200 yards and Mariota throwing for 125. Can the Ducks keep up the offensive tempo in the second half?