KEYS TO THE GAME
The game could come down to which quarterback is more productive. Oregon's Dennis Dixon, known more for his running skills as Kellen Clemens' backup, gets his first career start. The Ducks figure to take advantage of his mobility on the option, but Dixon will have to prove he can throw. He has completed 15 of 20 passes for 130 yards and a touchdown, with two interceptions. Cal's Joe Ayoob won't make Golden Bears' fans forget about Aaron Rodgers, at least not yet. Ayoob, after a slow start, has completed 50.7 percent of his passes for 1,521 yards and 15 TDs, with seven picks. Look for both teams to rely on the run, especially if its rainy and windy. Cal features the tandem of tailbacks Justin Forsett (867 yards, five TDs) and Marshawn Lynch (653 yards, four TDs). The Bears are averaging 247 yards per game rushing, seventh best in the nation. Oregon is third in the Pac-10 in run defense (121.4 ypg.), but the Ducks gave up 158 yards rushing to Arizona's Mike Bell in their last game. Oregon's Terrence Whitehead was a 1,000-yard back last season, but the Ducks have not utilized the running game as much this year in their spread offense. That could change today, with a steady dose of Whitehead and backup Jonathan Stewart. Both defenses have been solid -- Cal is second in total defense and the Ducks are third -- so the game could hinge on special teams and turnovers. The X-factor is Oregon wideout Demetrius Williams (46 receptions, 895 yards, eight TDs), who ranks fourth in the nation in receiving yards per game (111.9).
OPPONENT SPOTLIGHT
Before becoming head coach at Cal in 2002, Jeff Tedford was Oregon's offensive coordinator from 1998-2001. It's no coincidence that the Ducks were 38-10 during Tedford's tenure and had one of the most productive offenses in college football. Tedford inherited a Cal team that was coming off a 1-10 season and immediately turned the Bears around, going 7-5 in his first year. The Bears have been to two straight bowl games and are the last team to beat two-time defending national champion USC, which has won 30 straight games. Tedford has worked with current NFL quarterbacks Rodgers, Kyle Boller, Joey Harrington, David Carr and A.J. Feeley.
INJURIES
Oregon quarterback Kellen Clemens (fractured ankle) is out for the season; tight end Dan Kause (knee) is out; place-kicker Paul Martinez (quad strain) is probable. Cal offensive tackle Ryan O'Callaghan (concussion), and wide receivers DeSean Jackson (collarbone) and Robert Jordan (shoulder) are probable.
THE SERIES
Cal leads the series 36-29-2. Oregon had a seven-game winning streak in the series snapped last season at Cal.
No comments:
Post a Comment