California at #9 Oregon Preview

Chris Conte is gone but it remains to be seen what impact that will hold Saturday.
(Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images North America)

Last season's match up between Oregon and California was mired in controversy that left both sides pointing the finger for dirty tactics. Much was made of feigning injuries by California and the illegal pick play by Oregon. Truly, that's all that needs to be said about those two topics. If you feel the need to look them up, Google is your friend. It was a hard fought, low scoring game that saw Oregon held under 20 points for the only time in the regular season. The game turned on a Cliff Harris punt return which made the difference in the game. Oregon made several stops down the stretch and held the ball for the final 9:26 as they escaped Memorial Coliseum with a 15-13 win to keep their national title hopes alive.

This year California makes the trip up to Eugene with revenge on their mind. Last season, they were able to contain Oregon's dynamic offense by playing a Cover-Zero package, meaning they were committing to the run and essentially playing one on one with the wide receivers. They dared Oregon Quarterback Darron Thomas to beat them over the top, which he was unable to do. Cal was able to do this with a disciplined attack on the defensive side of the ball and force Oregon's hand. It will be interesting to see if this years defense which had to replace more than half of its starters can be as disciplined and contain Oregon again this year. Cal loses standouts from every level on the defensive side of the ball. Cameron Jordan, Mike Mohammed and Chris Conte were who made that defense click and their absense could spell trouble for California's efforts.

On offense, the lefty Zach Maynard will get his first taste of Autzen Stadium. Along side him in the back field is, Junior first year starter Isi Sofele. Maynard has played well to this point in the season already throwing for 10 touchdowns, 3 a piece to dynamic weapons on the outside Keenan Allen and Marvin Jones. Both Allen and Jones average over 16 yards a catch and have the ability to break a big one at any point. The key to stopping any offense is to make them one dimensional. The Ducks won't stop Keenan Allen but if they can contain him, they stand a good chance to keep Cal's play makers off the field and do what Oregon is wont to do, run the football and wear down Cal's defense. As far as running goes, Sofele has 380 yards on the year. In his last game against Washington, Sofele went for 98 yards and two catches out of the back field. Standing 5'8", Sofele will remind Oregon fans of LaMichael James for his quickness and explosiveness with the ball in his hands.

For the Ducks, it all starts and stops with the offense. If Thomas and James can push the tempo and get Cal back on their heels early, it could be a long day for the Bears. Last time we saw James he was carving up the Arizona defense to the tune of 288 yards on the ground, a school record. The Golden Bears must stop him if they want to hang tough. On a lot of big plays against Cal, they were often caused by poor tackling. They will have to wrap up and make the stops early to keep players like Josh Huff, Kenjon Barner, DeAnthony Thomas and Darron Thomas from breaking a big one. It will be interesting to see what defensive strategy the Golden Bears come out with to stop the Oregon offense. Darron Thomas has matured as a passer and receivers Rashaan Vaughn and Lavasier Tuinei have stepped up for a graduated Jeff Maehl and a hobbled Josh Huff.

California Will Win If:                    Oregon Will Win If:
Maynard has time to throw                Offense spreads the field successfully
Sofele proves to be a weapon            Contain Allen and Jones
Defense contains running game          Receivers make an impact