BEARING DOWN
CAL LOOKS TO BOUNCE BACK FROM FIRST LOSS IN TOUGH TEST IN EUGENE
KEYS FOR CALIFORNIA
Bounce back: The Golden Bears were the last remaining unbeaten team in the Pac-12 before losing 24-17 at home against Arizona State on Friday night. Cal moved up to No. 15 in the nation following a 4-0 start, but now the Bears are unranked once again as they prepare to visit the Ducks.
Can Garbers go? Quarterback Chase Garbers, who threw for 357 yards and four touchdowns in a win at Ole Miss the previous week, left Cal’s loss to Arizona State late in the first half with an apparent arm injury. If he can’s play against Oregon, the Bears will go with UCLA transfer Devon Modster, who was 5-for-12 for 23 yards and an interception in relief of Garbers against ASU.
KEYS FOR OREGON
Get healthy at receiver: Senior wide receivers Brenden Schooler and Juwan Johnson and true freshman Mycah Pittman have yet to play in a game this season but could return against Cal. Schooler injured his foot during fall camp and Pittman suffered a shoulder injury but both are expected to practice and possibly play against the Bears. Johnson has been nursing a calf injury and is listed as “day-to-day”.
Tough defense: Oregon has made a quick transition to new defensive coordinator Andy Avalos and leads the conference by allowing 10.5 points per game. The Ducks have not given up a touchdown in their past three games.
PREDICTION
The Ducks are the last team in the North Division without a conference loss and should stay that way with a home win over the Golden Bears.