I also like Cal +1.5 over Oregon State.
Fundamentals:
OSU may have a talent edge, but Tedford gets more out of his guys than most coaches (and way more than Riley, IMO).
The Cal ?D? is good against the run, much better than their stats show. They are ranked 9th in the Pac Ten against the run, but that includes facing K.St. and Utah, who both have deceptive overland schemes. Oregon State doesn?t. Cal must contain Beaver RB Steven Jackson the way they contained the USC running game LW. The rebuilt Cal ?D? held Hershell Dennis and the Trojans to about 50 yards on the ground. Without being able to run the ball on the road, Oregon State will find it impossible to control the clock. When OSU goes to the air, they will probably have some success. However, play action will be less effective, and Derek Anderson will be eager to get rid of the ball early, since he took some big hits LW from the Sun Devils (doctors have cleared Anderson to play TW).
The Cal ?O? is tough to corral. Tedford is a heady coach and has a new package for every opponent. Plus, he uses two QBs each with different styles and tendencies. Overall, it is balanced, so opponents cannot cheat one way or the other. In Mike Riley?s words: ?They do a nice job of formationing you and giving you runs and passes and screen passes off of it.?
Situational:
Cal is off the huge upset of #3 USC and could suffer a letdown here (biggest upset win in 21 years for the Bears). But I don?t think so. They thrive in the role of the spoiler, and are mentally tough. Note: There has been a change in the OSU player?s daily routine with classes starting there this week.
Technical:
The host team is on a 11-3 run in Beaver games, and OSU is 3-10 in 2d RD GOY.
Cal 31, Ore. St. 28
Fundamentals:
OSU may have a talent edge, but Tedford gets more out of his guys than most coaches (and way more than Riley, IMO).
The Cal ?D? is good against the run, much better than their stats show. They are ranked 9th in the Pac Ten against the run, but that includes facing K.St. and Utah, who both have deceptive overland schemes. Oregon State doesn?t. Cal must contain Beaver RB Steven Jackson the way they contained the USC running game LW. The rebuilt Cal ?D? held Hershell Dennis and the Trojans to about 50 yards on the ground. Without being able to run the ball on the road, Oregon State will find it impossible to control the clock. When OSU goes to the air, they will probably have some success. However, play action will be less effective, and Derek Anderson will be eager to get rid of the ball early, since he took some big hits LW from the Sun Devils (doctors have cleared Anderson to play TW).
The Cal ?O? is tough to corral. Tedford is a heady coach and has a new package for every opponent. Plus, he uses two QBs each with different styles and tendencies. Overall, it is balanced, so opponents cannot cheat one way or the other. In Mike Riley?s words: ?They do a nice job of formationing you and giving you runs and passes and screen passes off of it.?
Situational:
Cal is off the huge upset of #3 USC and could suffer a letdown here (biggest upset win in 21 years for the Bears). But I don?t think so. They thrive in the role of the spoiler, and are mentally tough. Note: There has been a change in the OSU player?s daily routine with classes starting there this week.
Technical:
The host team is on a 11-3 run in Beaver games, and OSU is 3-10 in 2d RD GOY.
Cal 31, Ore. St. 28
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