BY Stephen Chen
A deflated Cal football team walked off the field last October at Memorial Stadium after yet another shocking loss to Oregon State. The Bears had turned over the ball five times, posted just 75 yards on the ground and suffered their second consecutive setback. "They kicked our butts last year, there's no two ways about it," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said. "This year, our guys are looking forward to having another chance to play them." Since 1999, no opponent has caused more problems for the Bears than the Beavers. In the teams' last seven meetings, Oregon State has won six times.
Although history may not be on Cal's side, the No. 20 Bears do have something going for them when they take on the Beavers on Saturday at 1:05 p.m. in Corvallis, Ore.-three straight blowout wins where Cal (3-1) has dominated in all facets of the game. "They have that balance between run and pass that makes it the hardest to defend," Oregon State coach Mike Riley said. The Bears lead the conference in scoring at 37.8 points a contest and has amassed an average of 44 points over the last three games. Nate Longshore has been especially impressive, establishing himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the conference. The sophomore, who leads the Pac-10 in pass efficiency, has won conference offensive player of the week honors two of the last three weeks and was named USA Today's national player of the week following the team's win against Arizona State.
With the air attack stealing the show, tailback Marshawn Lynch has quietly put together three consecutive 100-yard rushing games since his 74-yard performance in Tennessee. Lynch's 112.2 yards per contest is second in the Pac-10. Cal's offense should face a stiffer challenge Saturday against the Beavers (3-1), who are coming off a 38-0 win against Idaho. "They're going to attack you," Tedford said. "They don't sit back and wait for things. They run down hill at you, and they're very aggressive." The Oregon State defense is second in the Pac-10 having allowed just 239.3 yards per game. The unit is traditionally known to be very physical off the ball. A lack of offense was one of the main factors in the Bears' loss last season. Cal averaged just 2.2 yards a carry, and quarterback Joe Ayoob threw two interceptions as the Bears were forced to rely heavily on the passing game. "We really want to see how we do against that type of defense," wide receiver Robert Jordan said.
Although Oregon State leads the Pac-10 by holding opponents to 124.3 passing yards per game, Riley pointed out that it has come against Eastern Washington, Boise State and the Vandals. "I think their big test has yet to come," Riley said. "They'll be tested more this week for sure." The Beavers offense also figures to be tested. Senior quarterback Matt Moore will contend with Cal Daymeion Hughes, who Riley called one of the best defensive backs he's ever seen. Moore has averaged 124 yards a game, with a 56.6 pass completion rate. "He's taking better care of the ball in most instances, but he can continue to improve on decision making and reads," Riley said. "We're going to have to be balanced. We're going to have to run the ball. That always helps big time when you're moving against a good, athletic defense." Last season, running back Yvenson Bernard had a career day against the Bears, racking up 194 yards. Bernard has continued his strong play, scoring four touchdowns this season, though he has averaged just five yards a carry.
Although Oregon State returned all five offensive linemen for this season, it will be without injured senior right tackle Josh Linehan. Meanwhile, Tedford said that Cal defensive tackle Mika Kane will return for Saturday's contest, providing needed depth for the Bears defensive line. Tedford also said that offensive tackle Andrew Cameron, who has been out for two weeks, looked fine at Thursday's practice and will be a game-time decision.
Cal will have to contend with what is expected to be a raucous crowd. Although it seats just 43,300 fans, Reser Stadium has earned a reputation of one of the tougher places in Pac-10 to play. "It's a tough environment. Their fans do a nice job-it's very loud," Tedford said. "We've always had a difficult time playing there."
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