Ninth-ranked Oregon looks to rebound at home against Cal

The Associated Press
Updated ·2 min read
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California (1-4, 0-2 Pac-12) at No. 9 Oregon (4-1, 1-1), Friday at 10:30 p.m. EDT (ESPN).

Line: Oregon by 13 1/2, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record: California leads 41-40-2.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Oregon is coming off a bye week ranked No. 9, but the Ducks' last outing was an overtime loss at Stanford. The loss dealt a blow to Oregon's hopes for a spot in the playoffs, and added some pressure to win out. They'll have to do it without top running back CJ Verdell, who was injured against Stanford and is out for the season. Cal has struggled this season with just one win, against lower-tier Sacramento State. The Golden Bears are also coming off a bye following a 21-6 loss at home to Washington State.

KEY MATCHUP

With Verdell out, Travis Dye will lead a group of Oregon running backs. The Golden Bears rank fourth in the Pac-12 against the rush, allowing 118.2 yards a game. Dye ranks second on the Ducks with 382 yards rushing and three touchdowns this season. Cal’s D has limited three of its five opponents to under 100 yards rushing.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Cal: QB Chase Garbers has thrown for 1,245 yards and seven touchdowns. He leads the league in total offense with an average of 281.2 yards a game, and he ranks third with an average of 249 yards passing. He's had a pair of 300-yard passing games this season, both on the road.

Oregon: Verone McKinley III has four interceptions, tied for the most in the nation. He's also third on the team with 27 tackles. The Ducks have forced 13 turnovers, tied for most in the league. Of those, nine are interceptions, ranking Oregon in a tie for fifth at the FBS level.

FACTS & FIGURES

Cal has not defeated a top-10 team on the road since 1969. ... Oregon has a 15-game winning streak at home. ... The Ducks have been ranked in the top 10 for five straight weeks. ... Oregon has a plus-11 turnover margin, tops in the Pac-12 and third in the nation. ... Cal beat the Ducks last season in Berkeley, 21-17. But Cal hasn't won in Eugene since 2007. ... Oregon leads the league with an average of 35.8 points a game. ... Cal defensive lineman Luc Bequette is in his seventh year of eligibility. He spent five seasons at Cal before transferring to Boston College last season, and back to the Golden Bears for this season.

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