California Golden Bears (4-0) vs. Oregon Ducks (4-0) -6, O/U 73 3:30 p.m. Eastern, Saturday, September 29, 2007 on ABC.
by Jerald of Predictem.com
The California Golden Bears will meet the Oregon Ducks in in this Pac-10 battle to see who can keep pace with USC. These 2 teams have been racking up a lot of points in the early season with California averaging 41.5 and Oregon averaging 48.5 points per game. The Golden Bears come into this game off an impressive 45-27 win against Arizona. The Ducks rolled over Stanford last week by a score of 55-31.
California defeated Oregon last year 45-24 but the Ducks have won 8 of the last 10 meetings between these 2 teams.
California is led by Junior QB Nate Longshore who has completed 63.3% of his passes this season for 852 yards, 5 touchdowns and 2 interceptions. The ground attack is led by Justin Forsett who has rushed for 484 yards and 7 touchdowns.
Oregon is led by Senior QB Dennis Dixon who has completed 68.8% of his passes for 932 yards, 11 touchdowns and 0 interceptions. RB Jonathon Stewart is the leading rusher with 503 yards (7.7 yards per carry) and 4 touchdowns.
California ranks 37th in total offense with an average of 223.0 yards rushing (6.28 yards per rush) and 213.0 yards passing per game. They rank 15th in scoring offense averaging 41.5 points per game. The Ducks offense ranks 7th in total offense averaging 299.8 yards rushing (6.21 yards per carry) and 237.0 yards passing. Oregon ranks 7th in scoring offense averaging 48.5 points per game.
The Golden Bears defense ranks 55th in total defense giving up an average of 107.2 yards rushing (3.38 yards per carry) and 258.5 yards passing per game. They rank 59th in scoring defense giving up an average of 24.5 points per game. Oregon ranks 80th in total defense giving up 164.8 yards rushing (4.09 yards per carry) and 245.0 yards passing. They rank 47th in scoring defense giving up 21.5 points per game.
The Sagarin PREDICTOR ratings at USAToday.com rank the Golden Bears 8th at 87.14. Oregon ranks 7th at 88.01.
Oregon opened up as a 3.5 point favorite with a total of 71 at most college football sportsbooks. The line has risen to Oregon -6 and the total has raised to 73. At the time of this writing, the public was backing the California 60%-40%.
The Predictem Pick:
In this game of high flying offenses we feel the difference will be in Californias ability to slow down Oregons attack. WE feel the Golden Bears have the better defense and will support a play on them. Take the points!
California 35 Oregon 31