Heisman Contender Justin Herbert leads Oregon to a Commanding Win Over California

Author: Austin Schumacher

Oregon’s explosive offense was too much to handle for California, handing the Golden Bears their first loss of the 2018 season. This was a huge bounce back game for the Ducks, following a crushing loss at home against Stanford last weekend, blowing a 17-point third quarter lead. California entered this game in the top 25 for the first time this season, but, quickly fell out of the rankings following the loss against Oregon. The big plays by the Ducks were too much for Cal to overcome.

The Ducks kicked off their scoring late in the first quarter with star QB Justin Herbert throwing a 30 yard TD pass to senior TE Kano Dillon to take the lead, 7-3. After a California TD run, Oregon answered right back in the second with a lightning fast freshman, Travis Dye for a 45 yard touchdown. Then, folowing an interception by the Ducks, Justin Herbert hit his top target receiver, Dillon Mitchell, on the money to extend their lead to 21-10. Then, with just seconds left in the first half, Cal QB Brandon Mcllwain made a huge mistake by fumbling and having it returned for a 61 yard touchdown by La’mar Winston Jr to close the half, 28-10, Ducks on top. This was a huge turn of events for the Golden Bears, as Oregon also started with the ball in the second half. A huge run by leading rusher CJ Verdell lead to a rushing TD by backup RB Cryus Habibi-Likio from a yard out. Cal had no chance to come back after falling into a steep hole at 35-10. Although California had a few great drives late in the game, Oregon prevailed handily, 42-24.

Oregon QB Justin Herbert continued his Heisman caliber season, throwing for 225 yards on 16/22 and adding two touchdowns. On the flip side, both California quarterbacks struggled. Freshman starter Chase Garbers only threw 9 passes, two of those resulting in picks, and only four completions for 44 yards. Brandon Mcllwain played a little better, throwing for 128 yards on 11/21 passing, and adding a touchdown pass with two interceptions, one going for six.

Freshman back Travis Dye got a big load of the carries today for the Ducks, going for 115 yards on 20 attempts and capping off his great night with a long TD run. For the Bears, Mcllwain showed his greatest ability, running the football. On 15 carries, the sophomore ran for 123 yards with a TD. RB Patrick Laird also added a touchdown run.

Justin Herbert’s top target was obviously Dillon Mitchell again. Mitchell, catching 7 balls for 105 yards and a touchdown, showed why he may be the best receiver in the Pac 12. Cal’s top wideout, Vic Wharton lll, caught 6 balls for 68 yards. The only receiving touchdown came by receiver Jordan Duncan late in garbage time.

The big plays on defense helped out Oregon a lot in this game, with two defensive touchdowns. One a scoop-and-score by La’mar Winston Jr, the other a pick six late in the fourth quarter by Ugochukwu Amadi. Amadi and fellow DB Jevon Holland both had two interceptions.

Oregon gets a well-needed bye week before they suit up to take the field against another top dog in the Pac 12, Washington, on Oct. 13, at home.

California looks to regroup as they head to Arizona to take on the Wildcats on Saturday.

Image Source: https://autzenzoo.com/2017/10/25/oregon-football-could-quarterback-justin-herbert-play-vs-utah/