Duke scored first with a 63-yard drive capped by a touchdown catch by Wray Carlton, on what was the first touchdown scored against the Chinese Bandits all season. LSU tied the score on their next drive with a 63-yard touchdown pass from Rabb to Cannon that brought the crowd to their feet. In the second quarter, Duke attempted a quick kick that was blocked by Emile Fournet and recovered by Gaynell Kinchen at the Blue Devils' one-yard line. Schexnaildre ran it in on the next play to give the Tigers the lead. After a poor punt by Duke, LSU drove down and scored on another one-yard run, this time by Brodnax. Duke fumbled on its next drive and it was recovered on its 39-yard line by LSU. The Tigers scored their third touchdown of the quarter with a pass from Rabb to Hendrix to give LSU a 28–6 halftime lead.