In a Big Ten-Pac-12 battle, Oregon and Nebraska may have been expected to put a bunch of points on the scoreboard. The first half has had a more defensive approach, with Oregon holding a 20-14 lead at the halftime break in Lincoln. The main story of the first half, however, has been a notable injury to one of the top offensive weapons for the Ducks.
Oregon running back Royce Freeman left the game with an apparent leg injury after rushing five times for 31 yards. He was spotted on the field with ice wrapped around his right knee on the bench with a towel over his head. The extent of the injury has been unconfirmed, but he has not returned.
Oregon was first to score in Lincoln with a 20-yard touchdown run by Tony Brooks in the first quarter on third down. In typical Ducks fashion, Oregon opted to go for two points instead of kick the extra point, and the conversion was successful. It took slightly longer for the Cornhuskers to answer, but they did later in the first quarter with Tommy Armstrong connecting with Jordan Westerkamp from 22 yards. Nebraska kicked the extra point to create a one-point game.
Oregon expanded its lead in the second quarter with a short touchdown run by Brooks from the two-yard line on third down. The defense came through with a fumble recovery after Armstrong lost control of the football. It was returned 34 yards to midfield by Oregon, and Taj Griffin dashed 50 yards for a score on the very next play for a 20-7 lead..
Nebraska did cut into the lead thanks to some penalties against Oregon’s defense giving the Cornhuskers multiple opportunities right before the half. Armstrong eventually found Westerkamp in the end zone for one last score in the first half.