Oregon Ducks Dominate California Golden Bears with 63-19 Victory
EUGENE, Ore. – In a stunning display of offensive prowess, Bo Nix led the No. 6 Oregon football team to a resounding 63-19 victory over the California Golden Bears on Saturday. Nix accounted for nearly 400 yards of offense and six touchdowns, while his adopted brother, Tez Johnson, piled up 255 all-purpose yards. The Ducks’ dominant performance delighted the 54,046 fans at Autzen Stadium.
Overcoming Early Struggles
Despite a slow start that resulted in four turnovers and nine penalties, the Ducks managed to overcome their mistakes. Nix and Johnson’s exceptional performance more than compensated for the team’s sloppy moments. Additionally, the UO defense showcased their strength by limiting the Golden Bears to just one touchdown.
“We put ourselves in some tough positions at times, didn’t play to our standard of play certainly in the first half,” said UO coach Dan Lanning. “But I thought our guys overcame that and showed flashes of what we can be.”
Pac-12 Title Race Heats Up
The Ducks’ victory keeps them in the race for the Pac-12 title alongside Washington and USC. Oregon will face the Trojans in their next game at Autzen Stadium, with the kickoff time to be announced soon.
Nix and Johnson Shine
Bo Nix’s exceptional performance included 386 passing yards, four passing touchdowns, and two rushing touchdowns. His versatility and ability to make great decisions on the field impressed his teammates.
“He can do everything on the field – run the ball, throw the ball, make great checks all the time,” said tight end Terrance Ferguson. “When he’s back there, there’s no worries.”
Tez Johnson also had a standout game, catching 12 passes for 180 yards and two touchdowns. He also contributed with 75 yards on punt returns. Although Johnson’s bobble led to Nix’s second interception of the year, he quickly redeemed himself with a 48-yard touchdown catch from Nix.
Dominant Second Quarter
After a slow start, the Ducks took control of the game in the second quarter. Nix’s rushing touchdown and passing touchdowns to Johnson and Troy Franklin secured a commanding 35-13 halftime lead.
“We can’t let one play mess up the whole day,” Johnson emphasized. “So that’s basically what we just talked about and ran with throughout the whole game. We had multiple bad plays out there, but it’s the way we respond to each play. That’s how we take that.”
Strong Defensive Performance
The UO defense played a crucial role in the victory, forcing two fumbles and producing five three-and-outs against the Golden Bears. Their stellar performance limited Cal’s scoring opportunities and showcased the Ducks’ defensive prowess.
“That’s just part of our standard on defense, obviously holding the score as low as possible,” said defensive lineman Casey Rogers. “But I think honestly there’s a lot we could have done better today. And the good thing is, we’ll be able to go back and fix it.”
The Ducks’ dominant win over the Golden Bears solidifies their position as a top contender in the Pac-12. With their sights set on the conference title, Oregon will continue to showcase their talent and determination in the upcoming games.