No. 2 Oregon is at the Palouse tonight for a date with Washington State, and it’s got a problem on its hands. The Ducks and Cougars are tied 21-21 at the half, and this has every bit the feel of a game headed to the wire.
Oregon’s offensive line has struggled - mightily - to block Washington State and its 84th-ranked rush defense, producing an un-Oregon-like 45 rushing yards on 14 carries in the first half. The problem for Oregon is that when Marcus Mariota is not perfect, it has no chance. Mariota is 7-of-10 for 165 yards with three touchdowns while also leading the Ducks on the ground with eight carries for 24 yards.
Oregon has accumulated 150 yards on its three touchdown plays, and just 60 on the other 21.
Connor Holliday has thrown for 261 yards and three touchdowns on 27-of-41 passing, and the Cougars have held their own on the ground with 37 yards on nine carries. Our astute readers will now note that Washington State has doubled up Oregon’s play count through one half, 50-24.
Oregon gets the ball to open the second half.
