In a crucial Pac-12 battle between two northern division teams, the Oregon Ducks have used two touchdown runs and stellar red zone defense to gain an early 14-6 lead over the Cal Bears.
California led off the game with a solid drive before stalling in the red zone. Using a wide variety of screen passes and an unexpected diamond formation, the Bears capped off their drive with a 27-yard field goal for an early 3-0 lead.
Oregon took control of the ball and the LaMichael James show immediately took over Eugene. The elusive running back broke a 53-yard touchdown run with his blistering speed as he raced down the sideline. It took UO just two plays and thirty seconds to take the lead on their drive.
The Bears put together another solid drive on their second possession of the game, this time methodically moving the ball down the field, but once again the offense stalled without a touchdown. Giorgio Tavecchio nailed a 38-yard field goal to cut Oregon's lead to 7-6.
The high-flying rushing attack proved beneficial once again for the Ducks as they raced down the field in their next possession. An eight play, 70-yard drive was wrapped up with a De'Anthony Thomas touchdown of 17-yards. The extra point made it a 14-6 game as the first quarter of play.
Early in the second quarter, Oregon continues to lead 14-6 and is driving the ball down the field once again.