BERKELEY, Calif. — The No. 19 Oregon Ducks defeated the No. 24 California Golden Bears 42-24 thanks to well-played games by quarterback Justin Herbert, wide receiver Dillon Mitchell and two freshmen running backs.
The Ducks utilized big plays in order to beat the Golden Bears, with every touchdown but one being at least 30 yards (Cyrus Habibi-Likio’s one-yard rushing touchdown was setup by CJ Verdell’s 74-yard run to the one yard line).
The Ducks converted on eight of 13 third downs, with three being Herbert to Mitchell linkups.
Mitchell was Herbert’s go-to target for the second straight week. He caught seven passes for 105 yards and a touchdown. This comes just one week after he had 14 receptions for 239 yards against the Cardinal. Mitchell had six receptions in the first three games. Ever since Pac-12 play started, the Ducks have unleashed their top pass-catching weapon.
“He’s a guy who’s made great plays all year,” Herbert said. “He’s a guy who just shows up and plays. He’s great to have on your side.”
Besides Mitchell, the Ducks’ offense was full of one-hit wonders. Mitchell was the lone receiver to have more than one reception while also having more than 20 receiving yards. Jaylon Redd’s one catch for 33 yards was the second highest yard total on the team.
With the lack of open receivers, Oregon needed its running game to step up. The running game put up some high numbers thanks to two long runs by a couple of freshman.
Senior running back Tony Brooks-James was limited to kick-return duties after sustaining an injury against Stanford. This led to redshirt freshman Verdell getting his first career start and true-freshman Travis Dye getting his first game with over 10 carries.
Dye led the team in both carries and yards (20 for 115 yards and a touchdown) and Verdell added another 106 yards on nine carries. This marks the Ducks’ second game with two rushers eclipsing 100 yards, Dye’s first 100-yard game, and it’s Verdell’s third time reaching the century mark.
“We’re a young group, so we definitely take pride in it,” Verdell said. “Us being freshman, we just want to go out there and give it our best every day.”
Verdell’s first start came after a rough ending to his first Pac-12 game. Verdell responded to last week’s fumble in a strong way, breaking out a 74-yard run that appeared to cross the end zone, but ultimately was called down at the one.
“I appreciate the coaching staff for doing that, showing they got trust in me,” Verdell said. “They always tell me they got trust and belief in me.”
Not to be missed in the offensive showcase, Herbert once again had a great game. The junior threw for 225 yards and two touchdowns in the air and rushed for two first downs on third down.
“I think you’ve got to give a lot of credit to him and Marcus Arroyo,” head coach Mario Cristobal said. “I don’t think I’ve seen them apart for more than five minutes. … You’re gonna hear me say it every week: He just continues to elevate his game.”
Follow Maverick Pallack on Twitter @mavpallack