When Michael Clay intercepted Oregon State quarterback Sean Mannion on the game’s opening drive, and Oregon punched it into the end zone soon after, it looked like the Civil War would be a blowout from the start.
Instead, the Ducks fell short on numerous scoring opportunities and allowed the Beavers to tie the game early in the second quarter with a 58-yard touchdown pass. As the Oregon offense continued to sputter, with Darron Thomas missing receivers left and right, the mood at Autzen Stadium was unsettled. There were even a few scattered boos.
Then the Ducks woke up.
Oregon ended the half with three scoring drives to take a commanding 28-7 lead, and gets the ball back to start the second half as well. Thomas, despite his uneven start, already has three touchdown passes and 178 yards. LaMichael James scored early on to Oregon’s career scoring leader, and also has 110 yards on 18 carries. In his last regular season home game, senior tight end David Paulson also has a career-high six catches for 87 yards and a touchdown.
Beaver quarterback Sean Mannion, meanwhile, has struggled mightily, and his stats would look even worse were it not for the 58-yard touchdown pass. With just 7 completions on 18 attempts, he’s thrown two costly interceptions and also been sacked twice. Things haven’t been much better on the ground for Oregon State, as it has gathered just 38 yards on 13 carries.
The Ducks looked rusty at the start, but appear to be well on their way to the lopsided victory most expected.
Halftime: Oregon 28, Oregon State 7
Daily Emerald
November 25, 2011
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