Aside from the changes on the field, the California Golden Bears already have a better shot this year at beating the Oregon Ducks than they did last year. According to the Weather Channel, there is a 10 percent chance of precipitation at Levi’s Stadium on Friday night.
Quite the difference in comparison to last year’s torrential downpour as Oregon cruised to a 55-16 victory in Autzen Stadium. It will be Friday night lights at the home of the San Francisco 49ers between two offensive powers.
Here’s how Oregon and Cal stack up:
Offense:
Oregon
In the last two weeks, the Ducks have found their running game. With the return of left tackle Jake Fisher to the starting lineup and the increased role of freshman running back Royce Freeman, the Ducks offense has opened up. Oregon scored a combined 87 points in its last two games. Also, without senior receiver Keanon Lowe last week, weapons like Darren Carrington, Dwayne Stanford and Pharaoh Brown stepped into the spotlight and showcased their talents. The Oregon offense is humming and starting to feel like the balanced, fast-paced attack of its past time.
California
In last year’s matchup, Oregon only got to see a water-downed version of then freshman quarterback Jared Goff. The Golden Bears’ signal caller went 3-of-7 for 11 yards, a grand total adjusted QBR (quarterback rating) of 1.7. This season, Goff is on pace to pass for over 4,000 yards and 40 touchdowns while leading the No. 3 passing attack in the nation. He has plenty of weapons at his disposal, too. Bryce Treggs, Chris Harper and Kenny Lawler are three playmaking receivers. The run-game isn’t a perfect complement to Cal’s passing attack as it’s ranked 108th in the country. Junior Daniel Lasco is leading the Golden Bears with 523 yards on 102 carries. Goff can sling it and Cal can put up points in a hurry.
Advantage: Oregon
Defense:
Oregon
The Ducks’ defense showed an improvement in its rush defense against the Washington last week. Lavon Coleman, who led the Huskies with 12 carries, finished with 28 yards against Oregon. Defensive line coach Ron Aiken said the improvement against the run is a testament to the Ducks focusing on the fundamentals. In the secondary, senior safety Erick Dargan has continued to show that he is an elite ball hawk. He snagged his fourth interception of the season and the 10th of his career last week against Washington. Though the Golden Bears aren’t classified as a run-heavy team, the goal of the Ducks is to force Goff into some pressured situations and make Cal a one-dimensional team.
California
It’s no secret that the Cal defense has struggled this season. The Golden Bears are ranked 120th in the nation giving up an average of 38.4 points per game. The Cal defense gives up points, but it’s an opportunistic and advantageous group. Against UCLA last weekend, the Golden Bears scored 20 points off of three Bruins turnovers. Sophomore linebacker Hardy Nickerson was responsible for two turnovers, forcing and recovering a fumble. The Oregon offense is one of the best in the nation at keeping a hold of the ball with only three turnovers on the season. Oregon needs to keep that consistent against the Golden Bears because they have shown they can force turnovers and generate points off them.
Advantage: Oregon
Follow Joseph Hoyt on Twitter @JoeJHoyt