Nothing earth-shattering about these picks; as a staff, we’re unanimous in the belief that Oregon will win tonight. How they win, and by exactly how much, is a different story altogether.
Lucas Clark:
I’d like to think that tonight’s game between the ninth-ranked Oregon Ducks and the California Golden Bears will be as competitive as last year’s 15-13 showdown in Berkeley, but I would be sorely mistaken if I thought that would actually be the case.
Oregon has been on an offensive tear the last three games, and even with the success Cal had in slowing Oregon’s ground game last season, it will be way too difficult to duplicate that effort inside Autzen Stadium. I expect to see Cal’s lefty quarterback Zach Maynard do well, but a handful of turnovers will cost the Bears down the stretch.
Final Score: Oregon 45, Cal 21
Andy Drukarev:
When the Ducks and Bears played last season, a low-scoring slugfest broke out. That same script won’t play out this season. While the addition of Buffalo transfer Zach Maynard has dramatically improved Cal’s offense, the Bears defense has taken several steps back – they’ve allowed more than 30 points to three of their four opponents this year. With a bye week to nurse its wounds, Oregon should have no trouble making it four of five. And while Cal will put points on the board, the Bears’ mediocre rushing attack will limit their total offensive output.