Ducks' First Drive of 2019 Season Ends in '6'

After burning a timeout before the first snap of the ballgame, the Ducks rebounded to methodically march down the field and take an early 7-0 lead.

Russell Isabella-USA TODAY Sports

It was an inauspicious start to the night: Mario Cristobal burned a timeout before the 2019 season even commenced. His senior quarterback responded by leading a long drive, highlighted by a 47-yard strike to Johnny Johnson. Cristobal decided to make a statement by going for an early 4th & goal, inches away from the end zone. C.J. Verdell punched it in, staking the Ducks to their biggest lead against Auburn in program history: 7-0 .

What a call by Marcus Arroyo. Excellent pass by Herbert as well. #GoDucks pic.twitter.com/Qmku74MD9F

— Addicted To Quack (@AddictedToQuack) August 31, 2019

Cristobal's early decision to not settle for a field goal sets the tone for this matchup and imbues his offense with confidence. With a lack of depth on the offensive end due to injuries in the receiving corps, this was an important statement to start the game.