Oregon vs. Cal: 1st Quarter Summary

Oregon leads Cal 27-0, but the monsoon that has taken over Autzen Stadium is the real victor thus far.

There have been nine fumbles if you include a botched PAT hold. Nine, in one quarter! Byron Marshall fumbled twice on the opening possession of the game but he still managed to cap off the drive with a short touchdown run. A botched PAT later, the Ducks led 6-0. Marshall fumbled again on Oregon’s next possession, and Cal lost fumbles on its first three possessions of the game. The Ducks scored via two touchdown runs from Byron Marshall and two passes from Mariota, one to Huff and the other to Hawkins. Ifo Ekpre-Olomu also touched the ball for the first time this year on defense, snagging an INT in the end zone courtesy of Cal backup quarterback Zach Kline. Finally – and it was bound to happen – Oregon turned the ball over for the first time this year. On its fourth fumble of the game, freshman Thomas Tyner put the ball on the carpet in Oregon territory and Cal pounced.

Though, if it’s possible to look impressive while fumbling four times and botching a PAT in one quarter, the Ducks are doing it up four scores.

5 Star RB Royce Freeman Commits to Oregon

Five star running back Royce Freeman (Imperial, CA/Imperial HS) has committed to Oregon, multiple sources reported on Friday afternoon. Freeman, who chose Oregon over Alabama, Florida, UCLA and USC, among others, becomes the 8th commitment for Mark Helfrich’s 2014 recruiting class.

Freeman was recruited by SEC powerhouses Florida and Alabama before committing to Oregon Photo credit: ESPN
Freeman was recruited by SEC powerhouses Florida and Alabama before committing to Oregon
Photo credit: ESPN

The 6-0, 227 pound prospect impressed many scouting services with his performance at Nike’s “The Opening” in Beaverton, OR in June. He has drawn comparisons to former Oregon standout Jonathan Stewart, who was selected 13th overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Carolina Panthers. Freeman rushed for 2,482 yards and 34 touchdowns this past year as a junior.

With his commitment, Oregon has now landed a 5 star running back in four out of its past five recruiting classes (Thomas Tyner, De’Anthony Thomas, Lache Seastrunk).

Below are his junior year highlights

And an interview with him

Oregon’s Helfrich Excited About 2013 Recruiting Class – Plus Pac’n’Heat Talks About The New Class

DuckTV Sports’ McLean Cannon reports on Oregon’s 2013 recruiting class. National signing day came fast and once again Oregon had a strong class ranked 26th overall.

Oregon finished with 19 signees including five star signee RB Thomas Tyner. Oregon head coach Mark Helfrich was most excited about the high character of it’s 2013 class.

DuckTV Sports’ Preston Hiefield and AJ Palazzolo break down Oregon’s new class in this week’s edition of Pac’n’Heat.