Oregon 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 an out route, took a false start, then Himon busted up the middle for 9 and a first down.