Portland Tribune: Cal at Oregon

When, where: 12:30 p.m. Saturday, Autzen Stadium

TV, radio: KATU (2), KXL (750 AM)

hat to expect: Offensive mistakes, at least on the Ducks’ part, as backup quarterbacks Dennis Dixon and Brady Leaf take the reins. Coach Mike Bellotti insists that the Ducks (7-1, 4-1 Pac-10) will not alter their offense very much or rely more on the run. Cal (6-2, 3-2) also is coming off a bye week, and is fairly healthy, coach Jeff Tedford says. Quarterback Joseph Ayoob is the epitome of hot and cold, but he’ll have a full stable of receivers and two 100-yard rushers to attack the tough Duck defense.

Scouting Cal: The Golden Bears rank first in the Pac-10 in scoring defense (20.1 points per game) and second in total defense (351.9 yards); the offense averages 37.9 points, just ahead of Oregon (35.4). … Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett each average about 108 yards a game rushing. … Ayoob has the worst completion percentage (50.7 percent) among Pac-10 starters and throws for just 190.1 yards per game. He has 15 TDs and seven interceptions and led Cal past Washington State in its last game. “A lot of it (for him) is playing unconsciously, and not thinking too much — he plays better when the pressure is on him, where he just reacts,” Tedford says. … Tedford says receivers DeSean Jackson and Robert Jordan, who have combined for 53 catches and four TDs, should be healthy after dealing with shoulder injuries.

Kempt close: Westview High quarterback Cody Kempt plans to make an unofficial visit to Oregon at the Cal game. He also could make public his college decision this weekend, after he leads the Wildcats against Jesuit in their quest for the Metro League crown Friday. Kempt says Idaho and Portland State also have offered him a scholarship and Oregon State has talked to him about playing safety. “I want to play quarterback,” he says.

Although Colorado and Arizona State are still sniffing around, Kempt family members would be “shocked” if he does not verbally commit to the Ducks. “I’m a big fan,” Kempt says. His father, Michael Kempt, was taken in by Herm and Jane Meister after both of the elder Kempt’s parents died. Herm Meister was the kicker for Oregon in the 1960s and kicked for the victorious 1963 Sun Bowl team. Kempt calls him Grandpa.

Meister’s UO ties “might” influence him. “Right now I’m waiting to see if other schools come in — we’ve sent out film — but I want to get Jesuit out of the way before making a decision.”

The left-handed Kempt has decent speed and athleticism; he runs the option and the spread offense for Westview. The Ducks might sign three quarterbacks — Kempt, Nathan Costa of Hilmar, Calif., and one more.

Notes: Kyle Bennett, the David Douglas High grad pushed into service as UO’s No. 3 quarterback, played well in a scrimmage for backups last week. He went 8-for-15 for 106 yards. “I was pleased,” coach Mike Bellotti said. “He did a good job, and that’s as much live action as he’s seen, so that was good. He can move the team and operate the offense.” … Cleveland High’s Andiel Brown also appears healthy. He ripped off a 23-yard run in the scrimmage. … Kicker Paul Martinez, who sat out three games with a sore quadriceps, proclaimed himself ready for field goals and extra points. He says he kicked 12 field-goal attempts, hitting 50-yarders, and missed only one last week. Kickoffs could be handled by Martinez or Matt Evensen; Aaron Knowles and Matt Dragich are still competing at punter. … Terrence Whitehead and Jonathan Stewart were held out of some practices last week to nurse injuries.

Jason Vondersmith says: Who knows what lies ahead for the Ducks with Dixon as the starter and Leaf as the backup? We could see the athletic Dixon soar, or his inexperience could hold back the Ducks — he tends to lock on receivers and leave the pocket, trying to use his speed. But the Ducks have evolved into more than just offense. The defense has been stellar the past four weeks. Even though it gave up 411 yards at Arizona, it made big plays. And plenty of offensive personnel can help out Dixon. It’s a home game, and Oregon will win — barely.

Jason’s pick: Oregon 27, Cal 26