Salem Statesman Journal: Cal shaping up as big test for Beavers

OSU returns to Pac-10 play after blowout win against Idaho

GARY HOROWITZ

CORVALLIS -- One of these weeks, Oregon State figures to be involved in a close game. How the Beavers react remains a mystery.  OSU has been part of three blowouts so far this season. The Beavers defeated Division I-AA Eastern Washington, 56-17 in the season opener, lost 42-14 at Boise State, and routed Idaho, 38-0 on Saturday in their first game in 16 days. Saturday's matchup against No. 20 California could be one of those trial-by-fire games that tests OSU's mettle. "Yes, we'd like to know who we are. We'd like to know how we respond to every situation," quarterback Matt Moore said Tuesday. "But the most important thing is just winning the ballgame." This much we know about the Beavers: They have much to prove on the road, they can handle overmatched teams and they are a work in progress. Coming off an impressive victory -- the Idaho game was OSU's first shutout since the 1983 Civil War game against Oregon ended in a scoreless tie -- should help the Beavers' confidence heading into their Pacific-10 Conference opener. "We can't be too confident after that win," tight end Joe Newton said. "We have to come in and prove that we can get it done in the Pac-10."

The Beavers certainly got it done last season against the Golden Bears, posting a 23-20 victory at then-No. 18 California in their most impressive performance of the season. OSU went on to lose four of its last five games and fall out of bowl contention. The Bears, who are led by tailback Marshawn Lynch and quarterback Nate Longshore, are coming off a 49-21 victory against Arizona State. They have won three straight games since losing their season opener at Tennessee. OSU was able to shut down the run against Idaho after giving up 240 yards rushing and five touchdowns to Boise State's Ian Johnson. Lynch (449 yards, three touchdowns) might be the best back OSU faces this season. "We kind of get a chance to redeem ourselves against a better rushing team to kind of make up for what happened at Boise State," defensive end Joe Lemma said. But Cal is hardly one dimensional. Longshore leads the Pac-10 in passing efficiency, and wide receiver DeSean Jackson has six touchdown receptions.

Cal's defense has stepped up as well since the opener. The Bears intercepted ASU's Rudy Carpenter four times last week and forced five turnovers overall. OSU goes into the game an 8 1/2-point home underdog. "I think our team still needs to remember the sense of urgency that we had after the Boise State game," OSU coach Mike Riley said, "and really have a great week of practice because the opponents' ability level is going to rise dramatically as it did after our first game."

Notes: Staring offensive tackle Josh Linehan (knee sprain) is out for the Cal game. He will be replaced by Andy Levitre. ... Defensive end Curtis Coker, who missed the Idaho game because of a violation of team rules, is expected back for Saturday's game.