FB | No. 12 Oregon Can’t Overcome First-Half Deficit, Losing 34-20 to No. 25 Washington State

With College Gameday showcasing Pullman for the first time ever, Washington State felt like they were in control of their own destiny… they played like it too. After throwing an interception in the red zone on the first possession of the game, the Cougar-defense showed grit, forcing Oregon to punt. Thereafter, graduate-transfer quarterback Gardner Minshew took control of the game. He completed passes to nine different receivers, collecting 231 passing yards and three touchdowns en route to a 27-0 halftime lead. Oregon could only muster 39 total yards of offense in the first half.

After the break, Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert showed signs of his usual, efficient self. He tossed 176 passing yards, one touchdown, and rushed in a score all in the third quarter. Oregon was able to cut the lead to seven after a field goal with 6:38 remaining in the game, but Minshew, who struggled mightily in the second half, ended the Ducks’ comeback bid, throwing a touchdown to Dezmon Patmon and ensuring a Cougars’ victory.

Postgame Stories

First Half Deficit too Big to Overcome (by Jonathan Rifkind)