Fansided

Oregon vs Washington State final score: Ducks survive scare from Cougars, 38-31

By Ted Schwerzler

Sep 20, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked by Washington State Cougars linebacker Darryl Monroe (13) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2014; Pullman, WA, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Marcus Mariota (8) is sacked by Washington State Cougars linebacker Darryl Monroe (13) during the first half at Martin Stadium. Mandatory Credit: James Snook-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit

The Oregon Ducks found themselves headed to Pullman, Washington in what could have very well be a trap game. After an emotionally charged comeback victory over Michigan State just a week ago, the Ducks would be faced with a Mike Leech Cougars offense. Despite a slow start, the Ducks got it done.

More from College Football

Mike Leach was known during his days at Texas Tech for being a coach that would spread things out with his air raid offense, and put points on the board. For the Ducks, if there is a week spot, it most likely can be attributed to the defensive side of the ball. In the first quarter, that is exactly what the issue was.

Connor Halliday opened the scoring early for the Cougars by completing a pass to Dominique Williams for an 18 yard touchdown. The Ducks would answer immediately however, as Ducks Heisman hopeful quarterback, Marcus Mariota, would find Devon Allen on the first play from scrimmage for an 80 yard touchdown pass.

Halliday would respond for the Cougars with an eight yard connection to Williams for his second touchdown of the day. At the end of the first quarter, Washington State had held strong with the Ducks, and found themselves in front by a score of 14-7.

The second quarter would be a frame in which the Ducks would answer. In the first two minutes of the quarter, Mariota hooked up with Keanon Lowe for a 57 yard touchdown pass to knot the game at 14. A second touchdown pass to Allen would put the Ducks up 21-14, and give them their first lead of the contest.

With just under three minutes to go in the half, Halliday would answer back for the Cougars. A six yard reception by Danny Gavin would tie things at 21, and the score would stay that way headed into the half. Despite the second ranked Danks being on the road, they found themselves in a dog fight with the significantly inferior Washington State Cougars.

The third quarter was a defensive battle for both teams as they held each other in check. Oregon however played to the opportunistic side of the ball. Following a forced fumble, the Ducks drove down the field and Marcus Mariota hooked up with Pharoah Brown for an eight yard touchdown pass. Oregon now found themselves up by a score of 28-21.

Mounting a significant drive at the end of the third quarter, Washington State was stopped by the Ducks early in the fourth quarter. Despite the drive not providing a touchdown, Quintin Breshears was able to nail a 30 yard field goal to draw the Cougars within four, as the score now stood 28-24 in favor of the Ducks.

Oregon would put together a nice drive in working to provide an answer. Despite getting in close to the Washington State side of the field, the Ducks offense would stall. Matt Wogan had just missed a 32 yard field goal on an earlier possession, but he would redeem himself with a 34 yard kick. With 11:04 left in the contest, the Ducks found themselves up 31-24.

A seven point lead meant absolute nothing in this contest however. Both Mariota and Halliday were out to put on a show. A methodical drive downfield, highlighted by poor tackling, the Cougars added another seven. Halliday found a wide open River Cracraft for a 5 yard score to tie things up at 31 with just over 8 minutes to play.

As has been par for the course during the contest, Marcus Mariota led the counter punch. A methodical drive down the field, with a couple of key third down conversions, Mariota hooked up with Lower for his second touchdown of the night. A 6 yard slant was caught in the end zone and the Ducks found themselves back on top 38-31 with only 5:33 remaining in the contest.

Washington State looked like they were going to answer, but a controversial no call on an obvious pass interference by Dior Mathis saved the Ducks. After a sack on 4th down, the Ducks took the ball back over and were able to run out the clock.

Marcus Mariota only further cemented his Heisman positioning tonight with a statline reading to the tune of 328 yards passing, 5 touchdowns, and another 58 rushing yards.

Despite it not being anything close to pretty, Oregon escaped with a 38-31 victory, and can start focusing on a tilt with the Airzona Wildcats on October 2. Oregon remains the #2 ranked team in the country, and the college football playoff is still firmly in their sights.

More from FanSided

Scout says Jameis Winston is now a late second round pick
Gamecocks outlast Vanderbilt
Miami vs Nebraska final score: 3 things we learned

Home/College Football