Each week during the 2016 college football season, The Pac-12 Networks will feature a Fundamental Play of the Week from the previous weekend’s slate of games to encourage proper technique, which fosters better on-field performance.

In the double-overtime game dominated by the Oregon and Cal offensive units, one play stood out as the top fundamental play of the week throughout the Pac-12.

Early in the fourth quarter, Oregon took a 35-34 lead over Cal after playing catch-up throughout the entire game. True freshman quarterback Justin Herbert was able to connect with wide receiver and U.S. National Team alum Charles Nelson deep in the back of the end zone for a touchdown and the Ducks’ first go-ahead score of the game.

Late in the ball game with the ball on Cal’s 6-yard line, Herbert remained patient in the pocket, cycling through his progression before finding Nelson and delivering the perfect throw. Pac-12 analyst Yogi Roth broke down why this play was so fundamental to Herbert’s game:

• After an incomplete pass attempt, Herbert took the snap and went through his progression, looking to wide receiver Darren Carrington and then to tight end Johnny Mundt, neither of whom were open
• He continued to stay in the pocket and looked to the backside of the end zone to find his third option, Charles Nelson, and threw an absolute dime for a touchdown

As Roth points out, this play is so impressive because it shows Herbert’s ability to develop throughout the game.

Earlier in the contest, Herbert was in a similar situation, going through his progression and finding that his first option was covered. Rather than continue his progression and look at his second option, he decided to run the ball, leaving the pocket and an open man down field.

Herbert’s ability to evolve throughout the game and remain patient in the pocket to get to the third option in his progression is what makes this the Fundamental Play of the Week, despite Oregon ultimately falling short 52-49.

Herbert threw six touchdown passes during the game, a feat accomplished only by three other Ducks in history, but it was his development throughout the game that was most impressive. His fundamentals and in-game improvement were what kept a struggling Ducks team, now 0-4 in Pac-12 play, in competition with the Golden Bears.

Oregon entered halftime trailing the Cal 31-14. Despite the deficit, Herbert’s confidence in himself and his team never wavered, and Oregon played much better in the second half.

“Slowing down and taking every play by itself,” Herbert said afterward, in reference to how he became more comfortable in the pocket in the second half. “Having a plan each play. Fortunately, we got back into it.”

The Pac-12 and more than three dozen leading organizations across medicine, sport and child advocacy support USA Football’s Heads Up Football program for a better, safer game. In recognition of a Pac-12 team’s strong fundamentals, USA Football awards a $4,000 equipment grant to a local youth football organization within the selected university’s market throughout the season.

In honor of Oregon’s display of strong fundamentals, USA Football will award a $4,000 equipment donation to Springfield Youth Football.