by Steve Mims
EUGENE, OREGON
Oregon sits at No. 6 in the College Football Playoff after another blowout victory.
The Ducks picked up their third straight win – all by at least two touchdowns – with a 63-19 win over California Saturday at Autzen Stadium.
Oregon improved to 8-1, including a 5-1 record in Pac-12 play, as they prepare to host USC on Saturday. If Oregon can win out, including a Pac-12 title game victory, it would almost certainly earn a spot in the four-team College Football Playoff.
Quarterback Bo Nix continued to build his Heisman Trophy resume by totaling six touchdowns in the win over the Bears. The senior was 29-for-38 for 386 yards and four touchdowns while also running for two scores.
Bucky Irving led the way on the ground with 89 yards and a touchdown wile Jordan James added 44 yards and a score. Tez Johnson had 12 catches for 180 yards and two touchdown while Troy Franklin pitched in six catches for 79 yards and a score.
Nix opened the gam with a 48-yard touchdown pass to Johnson before the quarterback ran for a 1-yard score. Cal closed within 14-13 before Nix ran for another touchdown and found Johnson and Franklin for scores to put the Ducks ahead 35-13 at halftime.
Irving ran for a 6-yard score and Nix added a 4-yard touchdown pass to Terrance Ferguson. James scored on a 16-yard run before backup quarterback Ty Thompson tossed a 6-yard scoring pass to Traeshon Holden.
Evan Williams led the defense with eight tackles and a fumble recovery.
VOLLEYBALL
Oregon defeated Utah and Colorado at Matthew Knight Arena to improve to 21-4, including an 11-3 mark in Pac-12 play.
Mimi Colyer had 12 kills and Morgan Lewis added 11 on Friday as Oregon defeated Utah 26-24, 29-27, 25-12. Georgia Murphy had 11 digs and four assists.
Two days later, Gabby Gonzales and Colyer each had 15 kills as Oregon defeated the Buffaloes 25-7, 24-26, 25-20, 25-9. Hannah Pukis had 45 assists and 17 digs in the victory.
SOCCER
Oregon wrapped up the season at 0-16-3 following a 2-0 loss at Oregon State on Friday.
Steve Mims has spent 25 years as a sportswriter, including 21 years at The Register-Guard. He covered University of Oregon athletics from 2013-2020. He works in Eugene as a registered representative and insurance agent at PBC Insurance. He can be reached at smims@pbcins.com.