EUGENE, Ore., Oct. 7 (UPI) -- Darron Thomas threw two of his three touchdown passes during a 22-point third quarter Thursday, rallying No. 9 Oregon to a 43-15 win over California.
The Ducks suffered a potentially huge loss, however, when running back LaMichael James left the game with an arm injury on the first play of the fourth period.
James had already run for 239 yards and a touchdown when he fell backward after being hit near the California goal line. He extended his right arm in an attempt to break his fall but the arm buckled and he collapsed in pain.
An inflatable cast was put on the arm and James was assisted off the field to receive further examination. He led the nation in rushing last year and finished third in the Heisman Trophy balloting.
California (3-2, 1-2 Pac-10) held a 15-14 halftime lead but Darron Thomas hit DeAnthony Thomas with scoring throws of 23 and 21 yards in the third period. Kenjon Barner scored on a 68-yard run in the third for the Ducks (4-1, 2-0).
Darron Thomas threw a 3-yard TD pass to Lavasier Tuinei in the fourth quarter to complete the scoring.
The Oregon quarterback completed 14-of-26 passes for 199 yards and an interception.
California's Zach Maynard went 20-of-41 for 218 yards and a touchdown.
