Scott Reed
Until the 2021 version of Oregon football proves otherwise, they play down to the level of their opponent and Cal has played poorly for much of the season; even their win is a suspect performance barely escaping FCS Sacramento State.
No matter which direction Oregon goes at quarterback, the absence of CJ Verdell is going to get Cal up to the line of scrimmage daring the Ducks to beat them through the air with deep passes. Cameron Goode is going to be one of the better defensive players Oregon faces the rest of the season and he is going to be relentless as Cal looks to put pressure on whoever is in at quarterback.
Offensively, Cal is not as bad as their points per game would suggest. They have a solid rushing attack averaging nearly 5.9 sack adjusted yards per carry and nearly 250 yards per game through the air. Oregon has struggled against the pass and this game does not set up well for Oregon to have a great defensive effort. They will be missing their best pass rusher in the first half, very thin at linebacker, and without Bennett Williams at safety.
None of these things shout a blowout victory; in fact, the flatness with which the Ducks have opened four of five games this season suggests a tough first half. The Ducks are the better team talent wise – even despite the injuries – but their tendency to play down to the opponent is going to leave them in a dogfight. The Ducks should win, but this one does not look like it will cover the spread.
Oregon over Cal 31-30.
Dale Newton
Cal comes to Autzen Stadium on Friday night as a two-touchdown underdog.
Their outside receivers, Travon Clark, 6-4, 195, and Kekoa Crawford, 6-1, 195, both seniors, average 20.1 and 18.3 yards a catch.
Fourth-year starter at quarterback Chase Garbers has regressed this season, throwing five interceptions to go along with 7 TDs, third in the conference at 249 yards passing a game. He completes 62.9%.
He's been sacked 11 times, and that's Oregon's challenge: the return of Bradyn Swinson, Mase Funa and Kayvon Thibodeaux (for the second half) must improve the pass rush.
Without adequate pressure, the Ducks have been too vulnerable to the intermediate passing game.
Easy chunk yards would allow Garbers to rediscover his rhythm and confidence.
Defensively, outside linebacker Cameron Goode (25 tackles) and safety Daniel Scott (3 INTs) that has held the Ducks to 17 points in each of the last two meetings.
Ducks come out with urgency before a festive late-night crowd, get a more settled performance from Anthony Brown.
Oregon 38, Cal 24.
Until the 2021 version of Oregon football proves otherwise, they play down to the level of their opponent and Cal has played poorly for much of the season; even their win is a suspect performance barely escaping FCS Sacramento State.
No matter which direction Oregon goes at quarterback, the absence of CJ Verdell is going to get Cal up to the line of scrimmage daring the Ducks to beat them through the air with deep passes. Cameron Goode is going to be one of the better defensive players Oregon faces the rest of the season and he is going to be relentless as Cal looks to put pressure on whoever is in at quarterback.
Offensively, Cal is not as bad as their points per game would suggest. They have a solid rushing attack averaging nearly 5.9 sack adjusted yards per carry and nearly 250 yards per game through the air. Oregon has struggled against the pass and this game does not set up well for Oregon to have a great defensive effort. They will be missing their best pass rusher in the first half, very thin at linebacker, and without Bennett Williams at safety.
None of these things shout a blowout victory; in fact, the flatness with which the Ducks have opened four of five games this season suggests a tough first half. The Ducks are the better team talent wise – even despite the injuries – but their tendency to play down to the opponent is going to leave them in a dogfight. The Ducks should win, but this one does not look like it will cover the spread.
Oregon over Cal 31-30.
Dale Newton
Cal comes to Autzen Stadium on Friday night as a two-touchdown underdog.
Their outside receivers, Travon Clark, 6-4, 195, and Kekoa Crawford, 6-1, 195, both seniors, average 20.1 and 18.3 yards a catch.
Fourth-year starter at quarterback Chase Garbers has regressed this season, throwing five interceptions to go along with 7 TDs, third in the conference at 249 yards passing a game. He completes 62.9%.
He's been sacked 11 times, and that's Oregon's challenge: the return of Bradyn Swinson, Mase Funa and Kayvon Thibodeaux (for the second half) must improve the pass rush.
Without adequate pressure, the Ducks have been too vulnerable to the intermediate passing game.
Easy chunk yards would allow Garbers to rediscover his rhythm and confidence.
Defensively, outside linebacker Cameron Goode (25 tackles) and safety Daniel Scott (3 INTs) that has held the Ducks to 17 points in each of the last two meetings.
Ducks come out with urgency before a festive late-night crowd, get a more settled performance from Anthony Brown.
Oregon 38, Cal 24.
