Oregon State (3-2, 1-1) at No. 18 Cal (5-1, 2-1)
Where: Memorial Stadium, Berkeley
When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.
TV: Ch. 10, 7
Radio: KGO AM 810
Who has the edge?
Cal offense vs. Oregon State defense - Tailbacks Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett are both averaging more than 100 yards rushing a game. Oregon State's poor passing defense -it ranks last in the conference at 349.2 yards allowed a game -creates an opportunity for Cal quarterback Joe Ayoob to have a big day. Edge: Cal.
Cal defense vs. Oregon State offense - Oregon State receiver Mike Hass is averaging 166.2 yards a game, tops in the nation. Quarterback Matt Moore has thrown seven interceptions and has the worst passer rating in the Pac-10 (124). Despite giving up 47 points to UCLA last week, Cal leads the conference in scoring defense and yards allowed per game. Edge: Cal.
Special teams - Cal kicker Tom Schneider hit all four of his field-goal attempts against UCLA, but the Bears gave up a punt return for a touchdown and the Bruins' Jarrad Page ran a fake punt 38 yards to set up a fourth-quarter score. The Beavers don't possess a big-time return specialist. Punter Sam Paulescu is second in the Pac-10 with a 44.8 average. Edge: Cal.
Players to watch
Cal: Ayoob. He's starting to find his rhythm and is working nicely with freshman wideout DeSean Jackson, who has 21 catches over the past three weeks.
Oregon State: Hass. The senior ranks eighth on the Pac-10's career receiving yards list with 3,223 and is just one yard behind former Cal standout Geoff McArthur.
Quote
"When you have been fortunate to run the ball and you're breaking off huge runs, you don't abandon the run game just to have room in your offense." - Cal coach Jeff Tedford, on whether the offense will be more balanced in the weeks ahead.
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