Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports
Opportunities Squandered; Ducks Lead Tigers 14-6 at Halftime
Most pundits opined that the Oregon vs. Auburn season opener would be a scrappy, SEC-style war of attrition. Instead, the first half turned into an electrifying contest with big plays being made in each phase of the game.
After setting the tone on the first drive by converting a 4th & goal, Oregon squandered multiple opportunities to extend their lead. Following a drop by Bryan Addison in the endzone, Oregon kicker Camden Lewis missed his first career field goal attempt, a 20-yard chip in. Addison later atoned for his drop with a Lebron-like chase down tackle of Big Kat Bryant. Unfortunately, that highlight reel play was the result of a costly fumble in Auburn's red zone.
Similarly, Auburn has failed to capitalize on the opportunities afforded to them by Oregon mistakes. They had three possessions in the red zone that resulted in a total of zero points. Freshman Bo Nix has yet to make an impact with his legs and has bailed out the Ducks with two costly interceptions.
The Ducks could easily be entering halftime with a commanding lead. Instead — largely because of self-inflicted wounds — Oregon will look to protect their 8-point lead in the second half and leave Arlington with a defining victory.
If the second half follows suit, this will be a thriller of a game in Texas.
