Monday, October 02, 2006

ESPN: Cal vs. Oregon in Showdown

On the Mark

With No. 3 USC looking, well, somewhat ordinary the last two weeks against Arizona and Washington State, this weekend's game between No. 11 Oregon and No. 16 California in Berkeley takes on even greater importance.  The game figures to include a lot of scoring. Oregon is ranked No. 4 in Division I-A in total offense (497 yards per game) and sixth in scoring (40.3 points per game). California is No. 9 (452.2 yards) and No. 8 (38.4 points), respectively, in those areas.

California has bounced back remarkably well from its opening 35-18 loss at Tennessee. Running back Marshawn Lynch has four consecutive games with 100 rushing yards or more. Quarterback Nathan Longshore has completed 67.2 percent of his attempts with 1,221 yards, 14 touchdowns and three interceptions since playing horribly against the Vols. Receiver DeSean Jackson has scored eight touchdowns in the last five games.  Not to be outdone, the Ducks' skill players have been lighting it up as well. Quarterback Dennis Dixon ranks eighth in Division I-A in total offense with 286.5 yards per game. Tailback Jonathan Stewart is averaging 114.3 rushing yards per game, and receiver Jaison Williams leads the Pac-10 with 115.5 receiving yards per game.  Oregon has won eight of nine games in the series and might have an edge on defense. The Ducks are allowing only 145.2 passing yards per game, tops in the Pac-10.

Here is the link.

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