EUGENE, Ore. (AP) — California’s biggest advantage over No. 9 Oregon this Thursday night may be that the Golden Bears surprised the Ducks last season.
Oregon struggled against Cal in Strawberry Canyon, emerging with a 15-13 victory. It was the fewest points and yards (317) for the speedy Ducks last season.
And it begs the question: If the Bears did it before, can they do it again?
Jeff Maehl caught a 29-yard pass for the Ducks’ only offensive touchdown in that game, and then-No. 1 Oregon caught a huge break in the fourth quarter on an illegal motion penalty against California’s kicker. The field goal would have given the Golden Bears a one-point advantage.
LaMichael James was held to 91 yards rushing, which at that time was a season low.
