Barely a minute passed, and Oregon already found the end zone. Thanks to an interception and 41-yard return from defensive back Tyree Robinson on Georgia State’s first drive, the Ducks took an early seven-point advantage.
Oregon’s offense continued to increased that lead for the rest of the first half. With Vernon Adams Jr. sitting out and Jeff Lockie making his first start of his career, the Ducks scored on six of its seven drives and lead Georgia State 33-7.
Lockie went 10-of-17 for 117 yards and one touchdown. Running back Royce Freeman rushed for 101 yards and a score.
The biggest contribution came from the foot of Aidan Schneider, though. The kicker converted on all four his field goal attempts. The last time an Oregon kicker converted four field goals in a single game was former Ducks kicker Morgan Flint in 2009.
Key Plays:
– Oregon defensive back Tyree Robinson intercepts Georgia State’s first pass of the game and takes it back 41 yards for the first score of the game.
– On his first drive, Jeff Lockie leads Oregon on a 13-play, 58-drive, capped off by a 26-yard field goal from Aidan Schneider. 10-0 Oregon.
– Nick Arbuckle sneaks forward one yard for a Georgia State touchdown, capping a five-play, 75-yard drive. Arbuckles touchdown makes the score 13-7.
– Oregon’s offense finally finds the end zone, after Royce Freeman bounces a run outside and races 22 yards for a touchdown, making the score 20-7.
– Jeff Lockie connects with Dwayne Stanford on and screen pass and Stanford does the rest, taking it 35 yards for a score. 27-7 Oregon.
Three things to watch for in the second half:
– There was good for the Oregon secondary in the first half – Tyree Robinson had two deflected interceptions, including a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown – but there was reason for concern, too. Georgia State receiver Penny Hart eclipsed the century mark, posting eight receptions for 109 yards in the first half. Without Chris Seisay in the starting lineup, who didn’t play a snap in the first half after walking around in a protective boot earlier this week, the Ducks’ secondary looked vulnerable.
– While the secondary has been inconsistent, the Oregon pass rush proved to be a bright spot. On Georgia State’s fifth drive of the game, Oregon generated pressure on the quarterback, getting sacks from Torrodney Prevot and Christian French. Oregon came into the game with one sack in its first two games. A more aggressive pass rush could help the Ducks struggling secondary.
– When Oregon called Royce Freeman’s number in the first half, it worked– not much of a shocker there. Freeman had 10 carries for 101 yards and a touchdown in the first half. Freeman has proven that he’s worthy of shouldering an offensive load.
First half stats:
Oregon passing
Jeff Lockie: 10-of-16 for 117 yards and one touchdown.
Georgia State passing
Nick Arbuckle: 14-of-20 for 138 yards and two interceptions.
Oregon rushing
Royce Freeman: 10 carries for 101 yards and one touchdown.
Tony Brooks-James: Six carries for 25 yards.
Georgia State rushing
Kyler Neal: 13 carries for 30 yards.
Nick Arbuckle: Three carries for negative-nine yards and one touchdown.
Oregon receiving
Dwayne Stanford: Two receptions for 44 yards and one touchdown.
Charles Nelson: One reception for 44 yards.
Bralon Addison: Three receptions for 23 yards.
Georgia State receiving
Penny Hart: Eight receptions for 109 yards.
Keith Rucker: One reception for 20 yards.
Turnovers
Tyree Robinson intercepted Georgia State quarterback Nick Arbuckle twice in the first half, including a 41-yard interception return for a touchdown on the opening drive.
Oregon defensive back Juwaan Williams forced a fumble on a catch from Georgia State receiver Nyiakki Height. Oregon corner Arron Springs was there to recover.
Oregon total offense: 284 yards
Georgia State total offense: 164 yards
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