There are four games this week that pit schools ranked in the top-25 against one another. They are games that, along with true upsets, stand to either help solidify or alter a schools ranking. Here’s a look at #11 Oregon Vs. #16 California (October 7, 2006 at 8 pm ET)
#11 Oregon Vs. #16 California
California (4-1) seems to have put that first-week 35-18 surprise loss to Tennessee behind them, winning four straight and over that time scoring an average of 43.5 points while holding opponents to an average of just 17.75 points. A few weeks ago the then #18 Oregon Ducks (4- 0) rallied late to beat the #15 Oklahoma Sooners 34- 33 with the aid of two controversial late fourth-quarter calls that went the Ducks’ way. Oregon has played four games, scoring an average of 40.25 points per contest and allowing opponents only 20 per outing.
Both teams possess fine offenses run by smart and athletic QBs—Dennis Dixon (Oregon) and Nate Longshore (California). A lot comes down to the front lines. Although the Ducks have shown a strong pass rush, they’re up against an offensive line that’s allowed only four sacks in five games. The Bears’ QB Nate Longshore (67.2% COMP, 14 TD) should be well protected while the Ducks’ secondary is their weakest and most vulnerable unit. Oregons’ secondary has suffered key injuries and is manned by talented but in experienced players.
The receiving corps for the Bears, which includes DeSean Jackson (16.5 YDS/REC, 7 TD), Lavelle Hawkins (17 YDS/REC, 2 TD) and Robert Jordan (14.1 YDS/REC, 1 TD), will be tough for the Ducks to handle. Seasoned running back Marshawn Lynch (7.0 YDS/ATT, 4 TD, 11.2 YDS/REC, 3 TD) can open up the field and is also a receiving threat. He’ll be involved in at least one big play. The match-up between California’s LOT Andrew Cameron and Oregon’s DE Dexter Manley II is key.
QB Dennis Dixon (65% CMP, 6 TD) is on track to pass for over 3,000 yards and hit for 18 touchdowns this season. He’s great inside and outside the pocket, possessing the ability to exploit the option to its fullest. The Oregon running game is especially explosive, with Jeremiah Johnson averaging 8.1 yards per carry and Jonathan Stewart 7.9 yards per carry. California MLB Desmond Bishop will be important in defending against the run. The Bears will have to disrupt Dixon’s game by holding his key receivers, Jaison Williams (16.5 YDS/REC, 4 TD) and Brian Paysinger ( 14.3 YDS/REC, 1 TD), in check and paying attention to tricky TE Dante Rosario (11.8 YDS/REC, 0 TD). Look for Oregon to establish their run game and then try to open up the passing corridors. The Bears’ DC Daymeion Hughes will have his hands full with the Ducks’ WR Jaison Williams, but he should prevail.
The hometown California Bears are -5 to -4.5 according to odds makers, while most prognosticators also see this as a close call with Oregon falling to the Bears by a margin of 3 to 7 points. Look for California to move up in the rankings after today’s high scoring contest and for the Ducks to be demoted.
Technorati Tags: California Bears, Oregon Ducks, NCAA Football, PAC-10 Football
