Oregon State vs. California
After a week off, the Beavers face a Cal team coming off a tough loss to UCLA
By Matt Boase
The OSU football team had a great second half against Washington State two weeks ago, as it rallied for a 44-33 win. But Cal is arguably the toughest test so far this season for the Beavers. Cal’s balanced attack includes two running backs who average over 6 yards per carry and 100 yards a game. Marshawn Lynch is the starter, but Justin Forsett has 738 yards and five touchdowns on his 85 carriers this season, many of which came while Lynch nursed injuries. Cal’s DeSean Jackson is a freshman receiver with tremendous speed and a propensity for making the big play. He will test the young Beaver secondary and may have a 150 yards and two touchdowns before the day is over. However, OSU receiver Mike Hass won’t be outdone and should find the end zone twice — en route to a 175 yard performance. The Beavers need a big game from Yvenson Bernard to have a chance against the Golden bears. Bernard is averaging 87 yards per game this season, but that won’t be enough to keep OSU close, unless Bernard can get 125 or more yards, the game will be over in a hurry. Furthermore, the man handing the ball off to Bernard is going to have to play his best game of the season. Quarterback Matt Moore has been solid, but against a team as good as Cal, he’s going to need to take care of the ball. As well as finding Hass deep and getting the ball to Anthony Wheat-Brown and Josh Hawkins on underneath routes.
Moore has thrown one interception for every touchdown this season, but that has to change this weekend. Unfortunately, Cal has done a good job forcing turnovers this season, so Moore may struggle against the Golden Bears. Moore should throw for more than 300 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions. It will be a long day for the Beaver cornerbacks as the OSU safeties will need to load the box to stop the potent Cal running game. Cal quarterback Joe Ayoob could have 300+ yards and three or more touchdowns in the high scoring affair. If the Beaver offensive line opens holes for the running attack and gives Moore time to pass, look for a close game. If Cal overpowers the men up front, the final score will not be pretty in the eyes of Beaver Nation. On the other side of the ball, the OSU defensive line needs to play better than it has the last few weeks. Sir Henry Anderson has showed flashes of brilliance, but needs to sustain his intensity for the entire game. Special teams have been a strong point for OSU this season, but the coverage team has barely evaded allowing some long returns. Alexis Serna and Sam Paulescu are the best in the conference at what they do, and should help immensely with the battle of field position. Assuming the Beavers play a perfect game, it will be close. If any dimension of their game is suspect, expect an Arizona State-like score. Cal is one of the best teams in the country despite losing to UCLA last week and will probably come away with the victory.
Final score: California 48 Oregon State 38.
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