Here's something Oregon doesn't see often, a slim lead over their opponent. After pummeling Arizona last week 49-0, they hadn't been challenged in a while. Mike Leech and his Washington State Cougars are proving quite the challenge for Chip Kelly and the Ducks. At the half, Oregon holds a slim 23-19 lead over Washington State.
Oregon freshman quarterback Marcus Mariota is a double threat. He was 11-for-17 in the air for a total of 106 yards and one touchdown. Mariota is also second on the team in rushing with 44 yards on five carries. The only blemish on his night so far has been one interception. That interception turned into a field goal for the Cougars.
Washington State quarterback Conner Halliday was shaky in the first half. He went 17-for-30 passing and ran the ball six times for a net of negative-47 yards. On top of that, he's been sacked six times.
After the first quarter, the Cougars were down 20-9 to Oregon. They began to slowly chip away at the Ducks' lead in the second, bringing them within four at the half.