Oregon Football: Grading the Ducks' Performance Against Cal

With the nation's eyes on Eugene, Oregon tonight, the Ducks came out with high expectations and a stadium that was ready to erupt. After a less than impressive first half, the Ducks came out and exploded in the second half and ultimately won big.

The major story coming from this game will be the health of LaMichael James, who had an amazing game going but was carted off the field after having his arm caught behind him going to the ground.

While the Ducks did show the ability to get things cranked up and pull away in the second half, they will need a more consistent effort next week against Arizona State.

With the game over, it is time to pass out grades for the Oregon Ducks.

Quarterback

Much like the rest of the Oregon team, except LaMichael James, Darron Thomas had a slow start to the game. But after coming out of the locker room, Thomas got in a good rhythm and was able to get on the same page with De'Anthony Thomas in the passing game.

Grade: B

Running Back

Before going down with an ugly injury, LaMichael James was having an outstanding game. James had 239 yards rushing and a touchdown, and was able to average eight yards per carry.

In the fourth carry, James had his arm caught and bent behind him and was in visible pain. If the injury ends up being as bad as it looked, the Ducks will have lost their biggest offensive weapon.

Grade: A

Receivers/Tight Ends

One thing that Ducks fans had to be happy to see was the development of De'Anthony Thomas in the passing game.

Along with Thomas stepping up, Josh Huff reemerged with some big plays and the Ducks will certainly need more out of him.

Grade: B+

Offensive Line

From the start of this game through the end of the game, the Oregon offensive line was able to open up some holes to the edges and allow LaMichael James to pick up some huge yards.

While the Ducks did have some issues opening things up inside, they did eventually tire out the Cal defense and create more room in the second half.

Grade: A-

Defensive Line

It was really surprising to see that Cal did not commit to handing the ball off to Isi Sofele more, considering he was averaging almost 10 yards a carry and the defensive line was not slowing him down.

While the run defense was again suspect, the line did manage to generate some pressure and also disrupted the passing game by deflecting and knocking down some passes.

Grade: C+

Linebackers

Much like the defensive line, the linebackers were not great in the running game but did manage to step up with some plays in the passing game. If the Ducks hope to compete against teams like Stanford and Washington, they will need more from this group.

Grade: B-

Secondary

While the secondary did not play as poorly as they did against Arizona, they still have to improve on reacting to the ball.

Against Cal, Oregon corners were caught not looking for the ball and got called for it, and this is something that must change.

Also, the wait for Cliff Harris being a consistent starter continues.

Grade: C+

Special Teams

The special teams had its up and downs against Cal. In kick coverage, Oregon was once again solid, but penalties continue to limit field position and a missed field goal was not something that you ever want to see, although it was a 52-yard attempt.

On a positive note, Oregon did block a kick at the end of the first half which gave them some positive momentum going to the half.

Grade: B