After Oregon scored first with a Henry Katleman field goal, the Golden Bears put together back-to-back, long touchdown drives to claim a 14-3 lead over the Ducks early. Seven first-half penalties were called on Oregon, and a questionable defensive pass interference that erased a goal-line stand and set up an easy Cal touchdown was undoubtedly responsible for many spilled snacks and beverages in Duck households throughout the country.
But Shough and the Oregon offense rallied by scoring two quick touchdowns—the first to Johnny Johnson III on a 39-yard touchdown reception, and the other a one-yard score from Cyrus Habibi-Likio— to take a 17-14 lead with under a minute remaining in the half.