LSU and Oregon haven’t exactly engaged in a barn burner in their big season opening matchup at Jerry Jones Death Star (aka Cowboys Stadium), but things have picked up in the second quarter. After a first quarter market by three field goals, the two teams traded three touchdowns.
A wild play on an LSU punt gave the Tigers a 9-6 lead before the Ducks engaged in a marathon drive that included 19 plays – that weren’t called back by penalties, and 22 overall – and covered 80 yards, capped by a LaMichael James score. Two changes of possession later, LSU went on their best drive of the half, a 13-play, 75-yard doozy that gave them a 16-13 lead with just 50 seconds remaining in the half.
Neither offense dominated, but Oregon was more effective, gaining 163 yards to LSU’s 113 and doing most of their damage through the air. The two Oregon turnovers have been the difference, though, as LSU has played the game at their pace and have kept the finely tuned Ducks offense from reaching top gear.