California Outmatched Against No. 6 Oregon Ducks, Pummeled in 19-63 Drubbing
California manages less than 300 yards of total offense
California defensive back Patrick McMorris intercepted Oregon star quarterback Bo Nix’s deep pass to the right on the first play of the game.
The impressive defensive start aside, the No. 6 Oregon Ducks put together another statement win, quickly dispatching the visiting California Golden Bears, as it continues to make a case for a berth in the College Football Playoffs and post-season accolades.
Nix racked up 386 passing yards and threw four touchdowns and one interception to lead the Ducks (8-1, 5-1 Pac-12) to a 63-19 victory over the California Golden Bears (3-6, 1-5 Pac-12). The Heisman Trophy candidate added another two touchdowns on the ground.
Despite the final scoreline, California kept the game close in the first quarter, benefiting from an Oregon fumbled snap at the Oregon 21 in the last two minutes of the period. California defensive back Noh Williams earned a scoop-and-score touchdown to cut his team’s scoreline deficit to 10-14.
A 27-yard field goal at the start of the second quarter would bring California within striking distance of an upset bid.
But Oregon pulled away, scoring 21 unanswered points before the halftime break.
California’s offense was outmatched for most of the game. The Golden Bears mustered only 286 yards of offense, and its much-vaunted running game could only put together 109 yards on the rainy afternoon.
Mendoza completed 18 out of 34 passing attempts, including an interception thrown. He did not contribute to California’s scoresheet, as Jaydn Ott was the only offensive player to reach the end zone. Ott ran for 93 yards on 20 touches of the ball.
Oregon took advantage of California’s inability to convert third and fourth downs and added 28 unanswered points in the third and fourth quarters to run up the score.
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FROM COACH WILCOX IN THE POST-GAME PRESS CONFERENCE:
Jaivian Thomas remains in the hospital. He's alert, responsive with doctors and medical staff, and has feeling in his extremities.
Sigh.
Prayers for Jaivian Thomas.