We were all shocked to see Cal get beat 35-18 against Tennessee in their season debut. Especially Lee Corso, who picked Cal to win the national championship. They could still come close to that feat, but hopefully the Beavers can abolish those chances of a major bowl today at Reser Stadium.
The Bears are going to start Sophomore Quarterback Nate Longshore ahead of their QB for much of the season last year, Joe Ayoob. (That's Boo-YA spelled backwards!) Cal head coach Jeff Tedford announced his decision in late August, and after the rocky start at Rocky Top, Longshore had been having a descent season. He is averaging 203 passing yards a game, with six touchdowns and two interceptions. His percentage comes out at about 65%, while Joe Ayoob is at about 42% from his backup role, with one interception.
At receiver, the Bears have a talented group led by sophomore DeSean Jackson, as well as Lavelle Hawkins and Robert Jordan.
In the backfield, Cal has Heisman candidate Marshawn Lynch as well as Justin Forsett. The Beavers did a great job of shutting these two down in thier underdog victory over the Bears last season, and that be a major key to this game. If Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett can't get anything going, and the Beaver DB's can do a good job of denying the Cal passing game, the Beavers have a good chance of coming out on top.
Cal's defense consists of a line that is still on it's way to living up to the expectations, a strong linebacking corps, and a to some extent, a develping secondary.
The 3 Cal Linebackers are Justin Moye, Desmond Bishop, and Worrell Williams. Desmond Bishop is a load in the middle, and a big reason why Cal has only allowed 3 rushing touchdowns this year.
Cal's DB's include a All American candidate, Daymeion Hughes, and a freshman on the other side, Syd'Quan Thompson. Thompson got picked on in the Tennessee game, as Hughes on the other side is hard to complete a pass on. He already has 3 picks on the season.
The Prediction: 24-17, Oregon State.
See you at Reser! It's going to be another upset for the Beavers, for the second year in a row!
Go Beavers!