A year after losing a low-scoring heartbreaker to Cal, No. 9 Oregon got its revenge on Friday night with a 24-17 victory in a tense battle between Pac-12 North foes. Offense was hard to find for either team through three quarters before the Ducks scored the game’s final two touchdowns. A last-second defensive stop cemented a much-needed victory for Oregon.
Junior running back Travis Dye led the Ducks with 150 yards rushing and another 69 yards receiving as he took on a heavier workload than normal following the loss fellow running back CJ Verdell for the season. But it was the Oregon defense that saved the day, as a relentless pass rush, spearheaded by superstar edge rusher Kayvon Thibodeaux, forced an incompletion from Cal quarterback Chase Garbers on a fourth-and-goal play in the game’s final seconds. Now 5-1 (2-1 Pac-12), Oregon will remain in the College Football Playoff conversation as well as the Pac-12 North title race.
The Ducks weren’t the only team to squeak out an ugly victory on a busy Friday night in college football, as Clemson survived an upset bid from Syracuse to win 17-14. The much-maligned Tigers offense finished with just 314 total yards, needing a missed 48-yard field goal from Syracuse in the final minute to avoid a potential overtime situation on the road. In the end, the Tigers improved to 4-2 and stayed in the race for the ACC Atlantic with another uninspiring victory.
In other action, Marshall took care of North Texas 49 and No. 24 San Diego State needed two overtimes to outlast San Jose State.
CBS Sports was here every step of the way to update you with the latest scores, highlights and storylines throughout the night. All times Eastern
College football scores, schedule: Week 7
Clemson 17, Syracuse 14 — Recap
Marshall 49, North Texas 21 — Recap
No. 9 Oregon 24, Cal 17 — Recap
No. 24 San Diego State 19, San Jose State 13 (2OT) — Recap
Check out the entire Week 7 scoreboard
