Author: Jack Culberson
Coming into this game, Oregon was 6-1 overall and 4-0 in Pac-12 play as they were playing like one of the best teams in the country. Cal was 3-4 coming into this game as well as 1-3 in Pac-12 play. In the end, Oregon beat Cal 42-24. Let’s take a closer look into what happened in this game.
To start the game Cal received the ball, and on their first possession, one of quarterback Jack Plummer’s passes was intercepted by Bryan Addison. Oregon was not able to capitalize off of the turnover as they punted in 3 plays. On their second possession, Cal punted the ball after 3 plays. On Oregon’s next possession they were driving down the field, but they went for it on fourth down to try and extend their drive, but they were unable to convert and they turned the ball over on downs. On Cal’s next possession they were able to march 77 yards in 9 plays, and kicker Dario Longhetto made a 28 yard field goal to give the Golden Bears a 3-0 lead. Oregon was forced to punt on their next drive. Cal punted as well on their next drive. The first quarter came to a close as the Ducks were on Cal’s 4 yard line looking to score.
On the very first play of the second quarter, Bo Nix ran for 4 yards and a touchdown to put the Ducks up 7-3. The Golden Bears were able to answer right back to Oregon’s touchdown with one of their own. Cal went 75 yards in 5 plays, and Jack Plummer found J. Michael Sturdivant for 6 yards and a touchdown to put the Golden Bears back up 10-7. On Oregon’s next possession, the Ducks marched all the way down to the Cal 8 yard line before Bo Nix threw a pass that was intercepted by Orin Patu. However, Cal was not able to capitalize off the turnover as they punted in 5 plays. After the punt, Oregon marched 63 yards in 8 plays to score a touchdown. Bo Nix’s 1 yard touchdown run put the Ducks up 14-10. On their next possession Cal was marching until one of Jack Plummer’s passes was intercepted by Trikweze Bridges. After the interception Bo Nix found Bucky Irving for 12 yards and a touchdown as Oregon now went up 21-10. Cal punted after 3 plays on their next possession. Then on the final possession before halftime, Bo Nix was trying to help Oregon score once more before halftime, but he threw an interception to Femi Oladejo that ended the half. Oregon was up 21-10 going into halftime.
To open the third quarter, Oregon went 75 yards in 5 plays to score another touchdown. Bo Nix completed a 29 yard pass to Noah Whittington for 29 yards and the score to put Oregon up 28-10. On Cal’s first possession of the third quarter, the Golden Bears set themselves up for a 39 yard field goal, but it was blocked by Oregon. Oregon was marching down the field on their next drive, but they were not able to convert on a fourth and one so they turned the ball over on downs. Cal had to settle for another punt on their next possession. The third quarter came to a close in the middle of Oregon's next possession.
When the fourth quarter started, Oregon finished their drive with Bo Nix rushing for a 1 yard touchdown. Oregon was now leading 35-10. On their next possession Cal was able to march 75 yards in 13 plays to score a touchdown. Kai Millner completed an 11 yard touchdown pass to Monroe Young to make the score 35-17. Oregon scored another touchdown on their next possession as Bo Nix completed a 40 yard touchdown pass to Patrick Herbert. The Ducks were now up 42-17. On their next possession, Cal’s Kai Millner completed a 55 yard touchdown pass to Justin Richard Baker. Then, Oregon ran the clock out once they got the ball back. Oregon had defeated Cal 42-24.
Oregon continued their offensive dominance in this game as they remained undefeated in conference play. Oregon’s remaining schedule only consists of Pac-12 games, so if they win out they will have a spot in the Pac-12 Championship game. However, this team has bigger goals as quarterback Bo Nix even believes they would beat #1 ranked Georgia if the two teams were to have a rematch. This Oregon team will definitely be one of the more interesting teams to follow as the season comes to an end.
Cal did not play badly in this game, unfortunately for them they just played against one of the best teams in the country. The Golden Bears will try their best to make a push for a bowl game with just 4 games remaining on their schedule, but they are playing against tough opponents. Cal will need to play very well their next couple of games if they want to make a bowl game.