Oregon’s Touchdown Drive Sparks Third Quarter Rose Bowl Action
The 2023 Rose Bowl between Penn State and Utah was a defensive battle in the first half, but Oregon’s touchdown drive in the third quarter opened up the game and helped the Ducks to a 38-29 victory. Oregon’s offense had struggled in the first half, managing just 103 total yards and three points. But the Ducks came out firing in the second half, driving 75 yards in 10 plays and scoring on a 3-yard touchdown run by quarterback Bo Nix.
Nix Leads Ducks to Victory
Nix was 21-of-37 passing for 284 yards and two touchdowns, and he also rushed for 51 yards on 14 carries. Nix’s performance was especially impressive considering that he was playing with a sprained ankle. The Ducks also got a big game from running back Bucky Irving, who rushed for 108 yards on 23 carries. Irving’s touchdown run in the fourth quarter gave Oregon a 31-14 lead and essentially sealed the victory.
Penn State’s Offense Stalls in Second Half
Penn State’s offense, which had been so effective in the first half, was held in check in the second half. The Nittany Lions managed just 115 total yards in the second half and failed to score a touchdown. Quarterback Sean Clifford was 12-of-27 passing for 140 yards and one touchdown, but he was also intercepted twice. Penn State’s running game was also ineffective, as the Nittany Lions rushed for just 34 yards on 26 carries.
Defensive Battle in the First Half
The first half of the Rose Bowl was a defensive battle, with both teams struggling to move the ball. Oregon had the ball for just 10 minutes and 37 seconds in the first half, while Penn State had the ball for just 12 minutes and 23 seconds. The only points in the half came on a 24-yard field goal by Penn State’s Jake Pinegar and a 42-yard field goal by Oregon’s Camden Lewis.
Fourth Quarter Fight
The fourth quarter was a back-and-forth affair, with both teams trading touchdowns. Penn State closed the gap to 31-21 on a 1-yard touchdown run by Keyvone Lee, but Oregon answered right back with a 4-yard touchdown run by Noah Whittington. Penn State scored again on a 10-yard touchdown pass from Clifford to Mitchell Tinsley, but Oregon once again answered back with a 2-yard touchdown run by Nix.
Conclusion
Oregon’s 38-29 victory over Penn State in the Rose Bowl was a hard-fought win for the Ducks. Nix and Irving led a potent Oregon offense, while the Ducks’ defense held Penn State’s offense in check in the second half. The victory gives Oregon its first Rose Bowl win since 1995 and is a major step forward for the program under coach Dan Lanning.
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