Ducks put together a precise, three minute drive, no negative plays, marching 80 yards in just over three minutes to take a 7-0 lead. They show a twin-back wishbone kind of look with Barner and James, Darron Thomas crossing up the defense with three nifty keeps.
Oregon exploits the middle of the Arizona defense, mixing in a couple of short passes to Vaughn and Paulson. James scampers in from about 8 yards out.
A perfect start for Oregon, focused.
The defense holds, and the Ducks overcome some misfires in the passing game (held receivers?) running straight up the middle on zone read plays for chunks of yards, Kenjon Barner getting the last 24 on two nifty runs picking his way through great blocking. Oregon leads 14-0, and with another stop and a score they could destroy Arizona’s will to compete after a 1-2 start.
Arizona drives but has to settle for a field goal after two good covers by Cliff Harris on fades to Dan Buckner. Buckner pushes off on the first one but comes down out of bounds.
Two stops and trading touchdowns for field goals. So far the Oregon defense has done its job.
2nd quarter, and the Ducks sprint down the field with a blur-fast drive, which includes a 42-yard run by James. David Paulson knifes through three defenders for the score on a short pass in the flat.
Wildcats can’t finish a play. Unforced errors by the receivers, drops, getting stripped, losing their footing. They’re giving the Ducks a lot of help, and time to build up a lead.
De’Anthony Thomas mishandles a punt with room to run and falls on it at the 6. Ducks with a long field ahead of them, can finish Arizona with another big play.
Ducks defense is contesting every play, and finally gets to Foles on a blitz by Dewitt Stuckey, drilling him to the turf with a perfect form tackle.
After having great rhythm and execution in their first three drives, the Ducks misfire throughout the second quarter.
Thomas with beautiful touch on a pass to Barner. Lays it out for him. Ducks recover after an SIW by Hoffman, taking away a Paulson td. Ducks extend the lead to 28-3.
Defense responds with another three and out, and James tacks on a big punt return. James with a sensational first half, piling on the all-purpose yards. Then a few plays later on fourth and the nose of the football, he sheds a tackle and scampers for his second touchdown. The Ducks lead 35-3 just before half. Remember Ok State and Stanford beat UA 37-10.
Just before half, Arizona marches 81 yards in 6 plays against a a soft defense. The Ducks block the extra point. 35-9, with a minute to play.
Arizona executes a pooch kick and gets the ball back immediately. Third pass plays go for nothing, with Dion Jordan getting a sack on third down. Three seconds to play, and Foles goes down on the Hail Mary, sacked by Jordan again. A penalty at the end of the play will be tacked on to the second half kickoff. 35-9 at the half. An effective but not perfect half of football for the Ducks.
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