Usually after throwing an interception on the first play of the game, a QB doesn’t go on to have one of the better games of their career. But, that’s exactly what Bo Nix did against the Cal Golden Bears.
After throwing a touchdown to Terrance Ferguson near the start of the fourth quarter, Nix’s day was done, and he finished with 386 yards and 4 passing TDs on 29/38 passing (76% completion rate). Nix also made an impact on the ground, scoring two rushing TDs. It was good enough to win our Ducks Wire Player of the Game award.
All week, it seemed like this game would be an excellent opportunity for Nix to bolster his Heisman campaign, which is precisely what he did. In addition to his raw numbers, Nix also made some highlight-worthy plays. Nix’s most exciting moment came in the first half when he ducked a pursuing defender and launched a sidearm throw to Treashon Holden up the Oregon sideline.
Bo Nix with a bodacious play. pic.twitter.com/O5R8KfeSPt
— Geoff Schwartz (@geoffschwartz) November 4, 2023
Speaking of Tez Johnson, he also had a strong case for the player of the game. Johnson finished with 12 catches, 180 yards, a 47-yard punt return, and 2 TDs — although he is the receiver that dropped Nix’s pass causing an interception on the game’s first play. If he hadn’t been rested for most of the fourth quarter, Johnson would’ve had the opportunity to become the tenth Duck all-time to accumulate 200 receiving yards in a game. All together, the brothers from Pinson, Alabama, had a day to remember.
Now through 9 games, Nix has put together an extraordinary resume. He’s thrown for 2,723 yards, completed 78% of his passes (which leads FBS), thrown only 2 INTs (only one of which was his fault), and has scored 30 total TDs.
Over the course of the next week, we’ll get to see how much of an impact Bo Nix’s performance against Cal has on his Heisman candidacy. Currently, Nix’s name has been thrown into the conversation about the Heisman trophy, but J.J. McCarthy, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Jayden Daniels have been atop the rankings. Perhaps after such a stellar performance against the Bears, Bo Nix will be seen as a more realistic candidate.
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