Oregon retook the lead in their top-five showdown with LSU on a mammoth 19-play touchdown drive. The Ducks overcame 25 yards in penalties on their 80-yard drive that included ten complete Darron Thomas passes, six runs by LaMichael James, and no gains longer than 14 yards.
Among the offensive penalties overcome was a 15-yarder at LSU’s 15, creating a secon-and-goal at the 30. Despite two more penalties, Oregon reached the 12 before LSU committing a penalty of their own, providing Oregon with a new set of downs.
They took advantage with a four-yard touchdown run by LaMichael James on second down. The PAT gave the Ducks a 13-9 lead midway through the second quarter. LSU has held James in check, limiting him to 36 yards on 13 carries in the first half. They’ve only scored six offensive points of their own, though, and only 101 yards of offense.