SportsDirect Inc. staff
Nov 13, 2010

Cliff Harris returned a punt for a touchdown for the fourth time this season, and Jeff Maehl caught a record-breaking touchdown pass as No. 1 Oregon survived an upset scare to defeat host California 15-13 on Saturday.

The Ducks (10-0, 7-0 Pac-10) had the ball for the final 9:25 of the game when they drove from their 20 to the California 14 in 17 plays. Oregon converted four third downs on the drive.

Cal had an opportunity to take the lead in the fourth quarter, but Giorgio Tavecchio missed a 29-yard field goal attempt with 14:52 remaining. The miss came after Tavecchio was called for illegal motion after he made a 24-yard attempt.

Harris’ 64-yard punt return in the second quarter helped the Ducks rally from an early deficit.

Dion Jordan scored on a two-point conversion run following Harris’ touchdown to give Oregon an 8-7 lead, and Maehl caught a 29-yard scoring pass from Darron Thomas in the third quarter. The touchdown was Maehl’s school-record 11th of the season.

The Golden Bears (5-5, 3-4) pulled within 15-13 when Derrick Hill had a sack-strip of Thomas and recovered the ball in the end zone for a touchdown. The ensuing two-point conversion pass was incomplete.

Oregon was leading the nation in scoring (54.7) entering the contest. The Ducks’ previous low point total was 42 points against Arizona State.

Shane Vereen, who rushed for 114 yards, scored on a 1-yard run in the opening quarter to give Cal a 7-0 lead.

Oregon’s LaMichael James was held to 88 yards on 28 carries. James entered the contest averaging a national-best 166.4 yards per game.