First Half Recap: Cardinal Rolling Oregon, 38-13

EUGENE, Oregon - Stanford is running away with the game, as they lead Oregon 38-13 at halftime. Christian McCaffrey has already amassed 150 total yards and three scores. The Ducks are searching for answers on both sides of the ball.

McCaffrey didn’t wait long to announce his presence with authority. The Stanford superstar was a blur for 61 yards. He placed Stanford ahead, 7-0, after their 46-second drive.

Less than three minutes later, McCaffrey struck again with a 5-yard touchdown run. Royce Freeman’s mysterious season continued. His fumble enabled the Cardinal to amplify their lead, 14-0, midway through the first quarter.

The onslaught continued when Stanford signal-caller Keller Chryst found his wide receiver for the second 61-yard Cardinal scoring play of the quarter. JJ Arcega-Whiteside was the main beneficiary, helping Stanford assume a 21-0 lead.

Alongside his three TD’s, McCaffrey has rushed for 131 yards on 14 carries. The 2015 Heisman Trophy runner-up also has three catches for 23 yards.

Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images

Oregon finally answered back after 21 straight Stanford points. On 4th and 5, Justin Herbert connected with Johnny Mundt for the 41-yard score. The tight end broke a tackle and took it the distance. The Ducks desperately needed the score, 21-6, after failing on their previous four drives.

Head coach Mark Helfrich spoiled the fun when he questionably decided to go for two instead of the PAT. The Ducks failed and you can bet he will be asked “why” after the game.

Following a Stanford field goal, 24-6, Herbert was intercepted in the red zone by Joey Alfieri. Herbert has been extremely efficient this season. It was just his third pick of the year.

Herbert completed 13 of 18 passes for 190 yards, one TD, and a turnover in the half.

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The true freshman’s turnover led to Stanford’s next points. Chryst found Michael Rector in the end zone for a 31-6 Cardinal advantage.

Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images

The Stanford QB completed 13 of 18 passes for 189 yards and two tallies. After passing for 60 total yards in a win last week vs Oregon State, Chryst tripled that today in the first half.

Just over a minute later, Freeman rumbled in for Oregon’s second score of the half. It was No. 21’s ninth touchdown of the season. Following the successful PAT, the Ducks trailed Stanford, 31-13. Freeman has carried the ball 15 times for 89 yards thus far.

McCaffrey would not allow Freeman and company to enjoy their possession. The rare Cardinal talent scampered in from 14 yards for his third TD of the half. With his hat trick, Stanford found themselves ahead, 38-13, entering the locker room.

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