Given that everyone essentially dismissed the idea of this being a competitive affair, the first half of Oregon-UCLA provided a few surprises. UCLA put up 17 points — more than some had assumed they would score all game — and also forced two turnovers (including an interception returned for a touchdown).
Still, Oregon remains firmly in control of this game, and will receive to start the second half. LaMichael James has had a monster game so far, with 117 yards and two touchdowns, and Darron Thomas has also thrown for two scores. James also moved to third on the all time Pac-12 rushing list (ahead of USC’s Marcus Allen), and eclipsed 1,500 rushing yards for the third time in his career.
The Bruins have been mostly inept on offense, but did break out the trick book in the second quarter with a flea-flicker touchdown pass to Nelson Rosario.
In all, it was a solid but uneven half for the Ducks. They suffered through another slow start, which is fine against teams like UCLA, but could be devastating if a Rose Bowl is in the cards.
Halftime: Oregon 35, UCLA 17
Daily Emerald
December 1, 2011
More to Discover