College Football: BCS No. 1 Ducks Absorb Biggest Punch to Date; Win and Are 10-0

I am looking at you Oregon fans, breathe. I know, Oregon didn't score 60 points, they didn't go up and down the field in seconds, they didn't crush Cal and beat them into submission. You know what they did? They won.

The funny thing about this game will be the media and fan reaction. People will look at the score and talk about how Oregon got exposed and here is the blueprint to beat Oregon. Don't take the bait Duck fans. If this was an SEC matchup, the talk would be about a team gutting out a defensive victory.

Oregon came into the game a big favorite, as usual, and found themselves in a dog fight. While most Duck fans are shaking their head wondering what happened and asking why, I am looking at a team that just went 10-0. Just breathe.

While it may be a shock to the system to not see Oregon light up the scoreboard, they gained the valuable experience that your team needs. With two games remaining on the schedule, Oregon has not been tested, so this game could prove to be invaluable.

They are used to rolling into the third and fourth quarter with a three touchdown lead and coasting to a lead. Against Cal, Oregon got to see what they are made of. They found themselves deep into the fourth and only up two.

With 9:25 left in the game, Oregon got the ball and proceeded to run and run some more. 18 plays later, the Ducks left the field with their tenth win and we could all collectively breathe.

If you want to be down on the offensive performance, fine, but do not lose sight of the amazing performance by the defense. Cal's only scores on the day came on a short field and a offensive turnover. Other then the first drive, Oregon shut things down and held Cal without a yard in the passing game until the third quarter.

Tomorrow, the BCS rankings will come out and based on how college football works, it would not at all surprise me if Auburn jumps back up to No. 1. Again, take a deep breathe. The goal at the end of the regular season is to be one of the top two in the rankings. Being number one will take care of itself in the national championship.

Let me put this simply, if Oregon wins out, they will go to the national championship. No one loss team will jump them and neither will TCU or Boise State. While the brownie points may not be there for winning big, all Oregon needs to do is win.

Oregon now has a bye week to get everyone healthy before taking on Arizona at home. LaMichael James was hobbled towards the end of the game but still helped close out the victory, so hopefully the injury isn't too serious.

When the sun comes up tomorrow, Oregon will be 10-0, will have finally gained experience in playing in a close game that goes down to the last second, and will still control their own destiny. So Oregon fans, take a minute, remember that Oregon is now 10-0 and breathe.