Sep 30, 2017; Eugene, OR, USA; Oregon Ducks quarterback Justin Herbert (10) scores a touchdown during the first half against the California Golden Bears at Autzen Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports(Photo: Troy Wayrynen, Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports)

By Daniel Dullum
Sports Radio Service
Saturday, September 30, 2017

Despite a chronic case of the injury bug, Oregon still played well enough to knock off California 45-24 Saturday night in Pac-12 football at Eugene in front of a enthusiastic crowd of 55,707.

Justin Herbert threw one touchdown pass and ran for another before he suffered an injury in the first half, along with fellow Ducks running back Royce Freeman and wide receiver Dillon Mitchell. “I thought that was a big team win and considering all the injuries,” Oregon coach Willie Taggart said afterward. “That’s something I’ve never been a part of, that many (injuries). That was crazy but you know what, the good lord doesn’t give us anything we can’t handle. We’ll find a way, which we did.”

That wasn’t all. Backup quarterback Taylor Alie was injured and left the game in the fourth quarter. None of the Oregon injuries were specified.

The Ducks (4-1 overall, 1-1 Pac-12) were led by running back Kani Benoit, who racked up 138 yards and two touchdowns, including a career-long 68-yard TD run in the fourth quarter.

Cal quarterback Ross Bowers threw three TD passes for the Golden Bears (3-2 overall, 0-2 Pac-12). One of those scoring strikes went to Kanawai Noa, who finished with seven receptions for 126 yards. Bowers threw for 255 yards.

An interception by Jordan Kunaszyk of an Alie pass set up the Golden Bears’ first score. On first down, Bowers fired an 18-yard TD pass to Jordan Veasy, cutting Cal’s deficit to 17-7.

Oregon pulled away early in the third quarter on Benoit’s 1-yard touchdown run. After the Bears responded with a 75-yard TD pass from Bowers to Noa, Ducks’ kicker Matt Anderson booted a 36-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter.

The Ducks extended their lead to 38-17 on a 5-yard touchdown run by Tony Brooks-James.

Cal’s final tally came on scoring pass of 28 yards from Bowers to Vic Wharton III.

Next Saturday, the Golden Bears travel to No. 6 Washington.