Cal’s offense looks to get back on track at Oregon

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During his receivers meeting Sunday, Cal head coach Sonny Dykes handed out three pages of notes to each player. The purpose was clear: provide a map of what went wrong against USC on Saturday so the Bears could rectify the shortcomings.

It’s a routine exercise. But after dropping three straight games, Cal’s season has come down to making key adjustments. Sidestepping a full-blown tailspin will depend on whether a stagnant offense can return to its torrid ways.

Oregon, which hosts Cal on Saturday night, might represent the antidote. Through eight games, the Ducks are last in the conference in scoring defense, total defense and pass defense.

“There are a million things we can do better,” Dykes said. “What happens is, when you do those things better, your offense is better.”

During its first 5-0 start in eight years, Cal lived up to its “Bear Raid” nickname. Quarterback Jared Goff, with his efficiency and composure under pressure, was a dark-horse Heisman Trophy candidate. A deep receiving corps was solidifying its case as one of the nation’s elite groups. With running back Daniel Lasco hampered by a hip injury, backups were shouldering heavier loads.

Cal then entered its game Oct. 10 at No. 5 Utah ranked eighth nationally with 43.4 points per game. But consider its competition to that point: Of those first five opponents, San Diego State and Washington are the only ones ranked in the top half of FBS in total defense. Grambling State, an FCS program, is surrendering 448.2 yards per game.

Two of the three teams that beat the Bears this season, the Utes and Trojans, are allowing an average of less than 22 points. The other, UCLA, is regaining its identity after injuries ravaged its defense early.

“It’s like anything else,” said Dykes, whose team is averaging 23 points over the past three games. “You have to keep perspective. The last few weeks, we’ve played some pretty good defenses.”

A pass interference call on USC's Jonathan Lockett on Cal receiver Bryce Treggs helps set up a Bears touchdown in the 4th quarter of the Cal Bears game against the USC Trojans at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif. on Saturday, Oct. 31, 2015. less A pass interference call on USC's Jonathan Lockett on Cal receiver Bryce Treggs helps set up a Bears touchdown in the 4th quarter of the Cal Bears game against the USC Trojans at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, ... more Photo: Paul Chinn / The Chronicle Buy photo Photo: Paul Chinn / The Chronicle Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Cal’s offense looks to get back on track at Oregon 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Cal’s specific problems have varied over its rut. Six turnovers, including five Goff interceptions, doomed it at Utah. Against the Bruins, the offensive line delivered its worst performance of the season, giving up five sacks and opening few holes in the run game.

Critical adjustments up front afforded Goff enough time, for the most part, Saturday against USC — but the Bears converted just two of nine third downs and committed three turnovers. After establishing the run game in the first quarter, they rushed for 50 yards the rest of the way. Receivers, again facing tight coverage, struggled to get open. The Trojans rattled off 24 straight points in a 27-21 win.

“We are way too good to be only scoring 21 points a game,” wide receiver Bryce Treggs said. “In the future, we’ve just got to not get too far ahead of ourselves.”

The 41 points the Bears scored on Oregon last year marked the most points the 2014 Ducks allowed until their loss to Ohio State in the national championship game. In that matchup, an 18-point Cal loss, Dykes’ team benefited from creative game planning. Backup quarterback Luke Rubenzer offered a running threat. Lasco led Cal in rushing and receiving.

“To be honest, I think going into that game, they weren’t taking us seriously last year,” tight end Stephen Anderson said. “This year is a different kind of mood because they’re not as successful as they’ve been the last few years.”

Oregon is fresh off surrendering 742 yards in a 61-55, three-overtime win at Arizona State. Five weeks removed from crashing out of the AP Top 25, it is 106th nationally with 6.04 yards allowed per play. The Ducks’ secondary, which is giving up 318 passing yards per game, is particularly suspect.

It could be precisely what Cal needs. But before the Bears can capitalize on opportunity, they must study those pages of notes.

Connor Letourneau is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. E-mail: cletourneau@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @Con_Chron