What happened a year ago?

Last year, the Ducks beat the Bears in a very tough, physical game in Berkeley 15-13.  The Ducks were held to a season low in points and total yards (317). Cal was able to keep LaMichael James under control (94 yards) and frustrated Ducks' QB Darron Thomas all night.  Thomas never got into any rhythm and California FS Chris Conte (Chicago Bears 3rd round pick) spied on Thomas all night,  helping to keep the Duck QB in check.  But the Bear secondary has been suspect in giving up a ton of passing yards in both an overtime win vs. Colorado and a close road loss to Washington.

However, the Ducks are a big favorite at home vs. the Golden Bears.  Make no mistake about it...both programs don't like each other.   There is a plethora of homegrown California talent on the Oregon roster and both schools recruit hard in each others' back yard. Both teams are coming off bye weeks, so look for some trick plays by both squads.  Cal has the athletes to run with Oregon, however, and this looks to be a very interesting match-up.  The questions for Cal is how will they respond if Oregon gets off to a fast start and Autzen starts rocking?  Cal needs to keep the score close early, and if they do, this could shape up to be a tight game.

Inside the Matchup:

OREGON (OFF) vs. CAL (DEF)

For Oregon it all starts with the zone read by QB Thomas.  The Oregon line runs a lot of slant blocking schemes, so it will be essential for the Cal D-line and linebackers to "find" running back James.  Cal will employ a man-to-man defense or cover 0 (All-out blitzes with no safeties in the middle of the field).  They will man up on every Oregon player...so look for Cal to play 3 corners on the Ducks' 3 wideouts, the Cal "rover" on the tight end and the safety (which is the unique part of the Cal scheme) mans up on the Oregon QB (spy).  This defense worked especially well last year as Duck QB Thomas was frustrated and out of rhythm all night.  DC Clancy Pendergast's scheme allows the Cal D-lineman and LBers to concentrate on LaMichael, while the safety contains the QB.  Cal executed this to perfection last year and must repeat this to have a chance Thursday night.  Cal is hoping this will work again, thus avoiding a high scoring track meet which they surely more than likely will lose.  

CAL (OFF) vs. OREGON (DEF)

Bear junior QB Zach Maynard has to protect the ball.  He must stay focused and not allow the crowd noise to rattle him. Cal's experienced O-line has played well, but they must give Maynard time time to look downfield and find Cal's main weapons in wideouts Keenan Allen and Marvin Jones.  Both are tall, long, speedy recievers who pose a threat to go all the way all the time.  Both average over 16 yards per catch and Oregon's smaller, shorter DBs must defend if they are to stand a chance.  The Duck DB's must hold their position and not "creep" up too close to the line of scrimmage or they will be burned for long pass plays by Cal.  Oregon has been giving up over 500 yards total offense in wins over Nevada and Arizona.  Look for Oregon D-coordinator Nick Aliotti to zone blitz Cal. He likes to have his DEs crash hard and wide to the outside of the offensive tackle, forcing the lineman to move out wide.  This creates huge gaps for the Oregon LBers to shoot the huge gap and harass the Cal QB.  Look for Oregon safety John Boyette to read Maynard's eyes as the Cal QB has a habit of locking on to his targets.  If so, Boyette is savvy enough to possibly grab a pick or two vs. Cal.   

PREDICTION

Cal 31  Oregon  28