First Half Recap: No. 5 Washington Set to Snap Losing Skid vs Oregon, 35-7

EUGENE, Oregon - No. 5 Washington certainly entered Autzen Stadium on a mission today, seeking to snap their 12-game losing streak against Oregon. The Huskies lead Oregon 35-7, as the half dreadfully draws to a close.

In Justin Herbert’s first collegiate start, the freshman from Eugene’s first pass of the day was deflected into the hands of Washington for an early interception. Three plays later, the Huskies were in the end zone when quarterback Jake Browning rushed in from a yard out.

Washington followed an Oregon three-and-out with another quick score. John Ross caught a 3-yard pass from Browning for a quick 14-0 lead. The drive accumulated 4:08 off the clock, taking 10 plays and amassing 67 yards of total offense.

Following a solid Duck drive that resulted in no points, the Huskies needed just one play as Myles Gaskin scampered 65 yards to the house. With the score, No. 5 Washington was leading Oregon 21-0 before the end of the first quarter.

On the lone high note for the Ducks in the quarter, Charles Nelson passed Duck great De’Anthony Thomas for first place in kickoff return yards on Oregon’s all-time ranks.

Photo by Otto Greule Jr/Getty Images

The Ducks found themselves in deep water after going 0-for-7 on their first seven possessions in the game. Three Oregon drives ended in punts, while two possessions concluded after failed fourth down attempts. Royce Freeman then uncharacteristically fumbled on the 7-yard-line as he was headed in for a score. And needless to say, the first play from scrimmage resulted in a turnover.

Following Freeman’s rare turnover, the Washington drive was highlighted by a 67-yard dash by Gaskin. The possession culminated with another Browning-to-Ross touchdown, amplifying the Huskies’ lead to 28-0.

Gaskin has incredibly rushed for 154 yards on only 11 carries, equating to a remarkable 14.0 yards per run alongside his touchdown run against the shaky Oregon run defense.

Finally, the Ducks concluded a possession with a score of their own as Herbert hooked up with Tony Brooks-James out of the backfield for an 18-yard touchdown. Oregon’s drive lasted seven plays where they drove 75 yards in 1:54, cutting their deficit to 28-7.

Oregon actually lined up for a two-point conversion that was met by a chorus of disapproval from the Duck faithful, understandably. Oregon had three players in the backfield with nobody on the line but the center, and six players offset to the left. The play worked brilliantly for the conversion but was called back after a holding penalty.

Washington didn't have much time to work with on their final drive of the half, but they didn't need it either. The Huskies drove 55 yards on five plays, surrendering just 0:48 seconds. The drive ended with a Browning scamper from seven yards out, 35-7.

The Ducks need a spark from someone in this second half if they wish to not be embarrassed any further at home.

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