BERKELEY, Calif. — In the moments after last week’s devastating loss to Stanford, Oregon coach Mario Cristobal found comfort in the system he and his staff had installed in Eugene. Cristobal trusted his team and his often-talked-about leadership group. Those veterans, Cristobal said after the No. 19 Ducks’ 42-24 win over No. 24 Cal on Saturday, knew how to lead the way back from the abyss.



As Cristobal spoke, Ducks junior linebacker Troy Dye waited outside the visitor’s media room. He had 11 tackles (including 1.5 for loss), forced a fumble and made a key stop on fourth-and-goal in the fourth quarter with the Ducks holding a 35-17 lead. He played every part of the role of a seasoned veteran, but even this was nearly uncharted territory.



It had been two years since Dye had a win like this.



He was one of the first in for interviews but was held at the door as his younger brother, Travis, and safety Ugo Amadi spoke first.



In a...