The No. 1 Oregon Ducks are in a dogfight against the Cal Bears, but lead at the half, 8-7. A big, momentum-shifting punt return for a touchdown by Oregon’s Cliff Harris turned the tides for the Ducks in the first half and a two-point conversion gave them the lead. The Cal defense has shut down the Oregon offense thus far, limiting LaMichael James to just 34 yards on the ground.
Oregon quarterback Darron Thomas has 84 yards through the air and 23 on the ground, though he’s yet to find the end zone. D.J. Davis and Jeff Maehl combined for 65 yards on two catches in the first half.
Cal running back Shane Vereen has been running hard, picking up 72 yards to lead all rushers. Brock Mansion hasn’t been able to get anything going in the passing game, completing 5-13 passes for 31 yards. Jeremy Ross leads the Cal receivers with two catches for 13 yards.
The Ducks, typically a strong second half team, will look to put the Bears away and figure out a way to get the offense moving here shortly as the third quarter begins.