Three things to watch for in the second half:
- Will the Oregon defense clean up its tackling? That will be one of the keys heading into the second half. As seen on the opening drive where Reggie Daniels got trucked by Michigan State running back Madre London, Don Pellum’s group struggled with completing their tackles. They were lucky to exit the half down just 14-7.
- Following a spectacular left-handed throw to keep a critical drive alive late in the second quarter, Oregon quarterback Vernon Adams Jr. immediately threw it away into double coverage. Adams, who will enter the second half with two interceptions, will undoubtedly need to make better decisions to keep Oregon’s hopes alive. Keep an eye on Adam’s reaction to struggling in his first big FBS game of the year.
- Royce Freeman had just 40 rushing yards on 13 carries in the first half. While Michigan State’s front four continues to hold up its reputation as one of the best in the nation, Oregon will have to get its running attack going sooner, rather than later.
Key plays:
- Freeman pounds the ball in for a 2-yard touchdown run on Oregon’s first drive of the game.
- 1:08 later, Michigan State scores a touchdown of its own on a 12-yard pass from Connor Cook to Josiah Price. The play was preceded by a 62-yard run by London.
- With 1:36 left in the first quarter, Michigan State missed a field goal that woud’ve put them up 10-7.
- Cook completes a 17-yard touchdown to Aaron Burbridge with 13:45 left in the half, giving the Spartans a 14-7 lead.
- With under ten minutes left in the first half, Oregon’s Royce Freeman is stuffed at the goal line on 4th and 1, as Michigan State retains its 14-7 lead.
- Facing pressure, Adams completes a pass with his left hand to Bralon Addison. On the following play, Adams throws his second interception, giving the Spartans the ball with 4:22 left in the half.
Oregon passing
Vernon Adams Jr.: 13-for-22, 173 yards, 2 interceptions
Michigan State passing
Connor Cook: 11-for-15, for 91 yards, 2 touchdowns, 1 interception
Oregon rushing
Royce Freeman: 13 carries, 40 yards, 1 touchdown
Vernon Adams: 7 carries, 3 yards
Michigan State rushing
Madre London: 8 carries, 78 yards
Oregon receiving
Charles Nelson: 7 catches, 79 yards
Bralon Addison: 2 catches, 50 yards
Royce Freeman: 2 catches, 27 yards
Michigan State receiving
Aaron Burbridge: 5 catches, 56 yards, 1 touchdown
Josiah Price: 2 catches, 23 yards, 1 touchdown
Turnovers
Oregon: Ugo Amadi (1 interception)
Michigan State: Montae Nicholson (1 interception), RJ Williamson (1 interception)
Oregon total offense: 216 yards
Michigan State total offense: 182 yards
