Oregon Football should be looking for a complete game in all phases on Saturday with the return of key players.
The Oregon Ducks have been able to survive without their full complement of Wide Receivers this season. Tight End has been a key role player over the first month of the season, especially the play of Jacob Breeland. Tight Ends can now go back to blocking with the return of several key offensive weapons including Mycah Pittman and Brendan Schooler who have yet to see a snap this season.
Oregon may also have Juwan Johnson in uniform but may hold him out with a nagging injury that has kept him out over the first month.
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The Oregon Defense has shown its strength this season and is good enough to be ranked 8th in the country according to the College Football Matrix. The momentum needs to continue on Saturday. Cal comes into Autzen Stadium with one of the best defenses in the country, but a now banged-up offense without Chalmers at Quarterback. If Oregon can take momentum early on both sides of the ball it could be over early for California.
Despite the numbers, California is still 3-1 on the season after a loss against Arizona State last weekend. The strength for both teams is still on the defensive side of the ball, as shown by their respective coaching staffs. One aspect of the Ducks Offense that is lacking is the run game, which needs to be found on Saturday vs the Golden Bears. Oregon has too much talent in the backfield to be one-sided.
CJ Verdell and Travis Dye have shown they can gain yards. One big area that is lacking is pass-catching out of the backfield which was a big part of Verdell’s success last season.
Oregon and California meet at 5 pm Pacific Time from Autzen Stadium. The game is being broadcast on FOX.