The Oregon Ducks looked like they could be in trouble when they were caught in a one point halftime deficit to the California Golden Bears. But Oregon does what they've always done against their opponents in the third quarter, which is wreck it up.
Oregon started the third quarter with a solid, methodical drive. LaMichael James picked up 30 yards on seven carries, including a first down conversion on third down. Kenjon Barner picked up ten yards on three carries, and converted a 3rd down. Darron Thomas then found Josh Huff for a nine yard gain, and helped draw a pass interference penalty when Huff and his defender got caught together. Then the Oregon QB found De'Anthony Thomas on an out route which he took in to give Oregon a lead they wouldn't relinquish.
When Cal was forced to punt the ball at midfield on their subsequent drive, Oregon began making big strikes. LaMichael James put up 18 rushes on two carries, then Kenjon Barner broke through the Cal defensive contain for a 68 yard rush that put the Ducks up two scores. After Cal was forced to go three-and-out, a Darron Thomas 25 yard rush got the Ducks back into Cal territory, and the signal-caller dropped back from Oregon pressure and found De'Anthony once again for a gamebreaking touchdown.
The final Oregon scoring drive was more of the same. Darron found De'Anthony, and LaMichael got close to the goal-line on a 15 yard gain. James's arm injury came on the next play, but Thomas did find Lavasier Tuinei to close out the scoring.
Oregon improved to 4-1 on the season in 2-0 in the Pac-12. A crucial home test awaits next week against the Arizona St. Sun Devils.
To discuss the game with Cal football fans, go to the California Golden Blogs. To talk with Oregon football fans, check out Addicted to Quack.