Cal Defeats Oregon and Improves to 5-0 : Pacific 10: Pawlawski has big day and Bears take advantage of turnovers in 45-7 victory.

Mike Pawlawski threw two touchdown passes and 13th-ranked California improved its record to 5-0 on Saturday, scoring 17 points off three first-half turnovers en route to a 45-7 victory over Oregon.

“Any time you get a turnover and the short field, it makes your job that much easier,” said Pawlawski, who completed 15 of 19 passes for 198 yards.

The Golden Bears, 3-0 in the Pacific 10, forced six turnovers, racked up seven quarterback sacks, and blocked a punt as they opened a season with five consecutive victories for the first time since 1952.

The Bears have outscored their first five opponents, 223-94.

“We’re getting back to taking the ball away and giving it to our offense,” said Chido Ahanotu, who recovered two fumbles. “We got a lot of turnovers against Purdue and Pacific (Cal’s first two opponents), but not as many against Arizona and UCLA.”

Russell White and Lindsey Chapman each ran for touchdowns, Brent Woodall and Sean Dawkins each had touchdown receptions, Wolf Barber had a 33-yard interception return for a score, and Jeff Jones recovered a blocked punt in the end zone for a touchdown.

White gained 37 yards in 13 carries, but did not play most of the first quarter after missing practice all week with a virus.

“It’s obvious what happened,” Oregon Coach Rich Brooks said. “Cal dominated the football game, kicked us on all sides and phases. We made it easy for them with turnovers. I think this is the worst defeat I can remember in many years and one that I absolutely did not expect.”

Shawn Aescheliman also recovered a fumble for Cal, and Nick Barsala and David Wilson also had interceptions as Oregon quarterbacks Brett Salisbury and Kyle Crowston were ineffective before Doug Musgrave finished up, throwing a touchdown pass in the final two minutes.

Oregon fell to 3-3 and 1-2.