Five Takeaways From No. 6 Oregon's 63-19 Win Over Cal

The Ducks move to 8-1 on the year and set a series record for points scored against Cal.

The No. 6 Oregon Ducks got off to a slow start in the first quarter against the California Golden Bears on Saturday, turning the ball over twice and incurring a pair of penalties that slowed drives. 

But quarterback Bo Nix helped lead the Ducks to a 63-19 win over Cal and never looked back once they got things rolling. 

Here are my five takeaways from Oregon's week 10 showing.

1. Ducks overcome rocky start

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

It's not often that Oregon starts slow, but they did on Saturday. A Nix pass bounced of off Tez Johnson and into the hands of a Cal defender and then Bucky Irving fumbled for the second time all year.

On a rainy day, a lot of teams could've allowed their opponents to capitalize on those turnovers and build a lead, but the Ducks didn't. They overcame a rocky start by showing just how explosive their offense is with a long touchdown pass from Nix to Johnson.

Then Casey Rogers bull-rushed his blocker into Fernando Mendoza, which led to a Steve Stephens interception. The best teams show poise in chaos, and the Ducks didn't their early mistakes derail the game.

2. Bo Nix is playing some of the best football in the country

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Unless you've been living under a rock, you already knew this. But we're at the point where Nix's heroics and remarkable command of the offense have become the norm. 

He put up nearly 400 passing yards on Saturday and accounted for six total touchdowns--four through the air and two on the ground. Nix spread the ball to seven different players before he was replaced by Ty Thompson, which shows not only his chemistry with receivers, but also his ability to not zero in on one option.

Having a veteran quarterback can do wonders for your team and Nix is showing the country that Oregon is capable of greatness. 

3. Oregon's Defense is disruptive once again

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Oregon's defense had another stellar showing against Cal, holding star running back Jadyn Ott under 100 total rushing yards and forcing two fumbles.

They've excelled at generating pressure and Saturday showed that a good pass rush doesn't always need to lead to sacks. Mendoza was only sacked once, but he had defenders in his face all day and that led to takeaways.

What's even more encouraging for the Ducks is that they did it without two of their best front-seven players as Matayo Uiagalelei and Blake Purchase both didn't play against the Golden Bears--which gave the defense a chance to showcase just how deep they are.

4. Ty Thompson continues improving

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Thompson saw some good action in most of the fourth quarter and finished the day completing 6-of-8 passes for 58 yards and a touchdown. 

He continues to look more comfortable this year and was able to distribute the ball to the playmakers, capped off by a nice back shoulder toss to Traeshon Holden for six. Bo Nix said after the game that Thompson is ready to be a starting quarterback once he gets his opportunity.

I'm a little concerned about Thompson's tendency to throw off his back foot, but he's earned some praise after another strong performance.

5. Tez Johnson's big day cements him as true No. 2 wide receiver

Darby Winter/Ducks Digest

Johnson had his coming out party as a Duck on Saturday, finishing the game catching 12 of his 14 targets for 180 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns. He also pitched in on special teams, totaling 75 yards on 3 punt returns. 

Troy Franklin has been the team's unquestioned No. 1 wide receiver all season, but there wasn't much separation in the production behind him between Johnson, Gary Bryant Jr. and Traeshon Holden. 

Jonson's performance against Cal left no doubt that his explosion, quick-twitch ability and speed make him a name opposing defenses will need to know. 

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