Sac Bee: No. 23 Cal (6-2, 3-2) at No. 15 Oregon (7-1, 4-1)

Where: Autzen Stadium, Eugene, Ore.

When: Saturday, 12:30 p.m.

TV: Ch. 10, 7

Radio: KGO 810.

Who has the edge?

Cal offense vs. Oregon defense - The Bears' rushing offense averages 247 yards per game, seventh-best in the nation. Expect tailback Marshawn Lynch's carries to increase starting this week; Lynch appears fully recovered from a broken pinky suffered in week two. The Ducks rank third in the conference in rushing defense, with safety Anthony Trucks tied for the conference lead with eight sacks and 340-pound defensive tackle Haloti Ngata considered one of the best at his position. Edge: Even.

Cal defense vs. Oregon offense - Cal yielded 600 yards of total offense in its last game, a win over Washington State Oct. 22. The Bears still rank second in the conference in total defense and first in points allowed. Oregon's offense took a big blow when quarterback Kellen Clemens broke his left ankle against Arizona on Oct. 22, ending his season. The Ducks' leading rusher is Terrence Whitehead (388 yards, two touchdowns). Edge: Cal.

Special teams - Cal punt returner Tim Mixon has been contained over the past three games, averaging 8.5 yards on six returns. Punter David Lonie has shown signs of improvement and now averages 41.2 yards per boot. Oregon uses two freshmen to return kickoffs, one of whom, Jonathan Stewart, has averaged 38.2 yards on five returns. Justin Phinisee broke a 69-yard punt return for a touchdown against Arizona. Edge: Cal.

Players to watch

Cal - Mixon and Daymeion Hughes. Washington State receiver Jason Hill beat Hughes twice and Mixon once for touchdowns two weeks ago. Still, Hughes and Mixon rank first and second, respectively, in the conference in passes defended.

Oregon - Dennis Dixon. The sophomore quarterback is expected to get his first collegiate start in place of Clemens.

Quote

"The approach is not something different just because history said something in 1987. What matters is how we prepare to go play this Cal team against that Oregon team right now." - Cal coach Jeff Tedford, on the Bears' 17-year losing streak in Eugene.