Ducks grind out a 17-0 first half lead behind Dante Moore's precision passing

Oregon quarterback Dante Moore throws down field against Oklahoma State during the second quarter at Autzen. | Chris Pietsch/The Register-Guard / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn ImagesOregon began the second quarter with a drive to the Northwestern 24, kicking a 42-yard field goal by Atticus Sappington after the Cats broke up a third and 7 pass to Dakorien Moore. Big plays on the drive included a 16-yard run by Jay Harris, picking his way through the middle. Moore-to-Moore hooked up on an 11-yard pass, but a deep throw to Malik Benson failed.

The Wildcats employed a layered defense that forced Oregon to work short and patiently for their yards, safeties set off the ball. Northwestern gained 7 on…