Rick Bowmer / AP

California's Thomas DeCoud (No. 4) celebrates their 31-24 win over Oregon.  The victory, coupled with upsets across the country, has vaulted the Bears into the national championship picture.

Cal marched in and, after enduring some early bumps, marched out with its championship aspirations intact.

Coach Jeff Tedford beat his former boss, Mike Bellotti, in Eugene for the first time in three tries.

“This place is so difficult; it’s a great crowd, and the noise,” Tedford said. “It’s just real gratifying to win here.”

Even though Cal conceded 497 yards, it showed a toughness not normally associated with Pac-10 teams. Cal harassed Oregon quarterback Dennis Dixon into his first two interceptions of the season.

The Golden Bears defense was without playmaking linebacker Zack Follett, sidelined with a neck injury. Meanwhile, defensive line anchor Matt Malele, who has a foot injury, was limited to one assist.

“This win lets the world know that Cal can play some football,” Hawkins said. “This win proved to our team that we can do it.”

For Oregon, the loss stung, but it’s hard to imagine Oregon plummeting in the polls after taking the No. 6 team down to the final seconds, especially after No. 7 Texas and No. 10 Rutgers lost to unrated foes.

“It’s a long season,” Dixon said. “Anything can happen in college football. You never know.”

Said Best, “Oregon is a good team too. They deserve to be high in the rankings.”

Just not as high as Cal, the newest national title contender on the West Coast.

“No team can beat Cal,” Williams said. “Except for Cal.”

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