(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)

Oregon snapped the longest active winning streak in the nation at sixteen games last week by beating Utah 31-24 at Autzen Stadium. With LaMichael James leading a resurgent running game, the Ducks seem to have finally put the Boise State debacle and the loss of LaGarrette Blount behind them.

Good thing too, because there are more than enough problems to keep Chip Kelly and the team busy.

Coming into the season, many were looking at this week’s game between the Ducks and the Golden Bears to determine who would challenge USC for the Pac-10 title. Cal seems to have upheld their end of the bargain. They have dominated FCS Eastern Washington, thumped Maryland, and pulled away from Minnesota in the fourth quarter to gain a top ten ranking.

The Ducks however have managed to squeak by Purdue and Utah after laying an egg on the blue turf and come into the game an unranked underdog.

The biggest concern for the Ducks this week is without a doubt their lackluster passing game. Fans and pundits alike have called for Jeremiah Masoli’s benching. This follows his dismal performance against the Utes, 4-16 for no touchdowns, an interception. As well as two lost fumbles.

After finally blossoming against Arizona last year Masoli became a true dual threat QB, able to beat defenses with both his feet and his arm. Indeed, after impressive outings against Oregon State and Oklahoma State some were touting him as a dark horse Heisman Trophy candidate.

How quickly things change.

Masoli seems to have regressed to the player he was earlier last season. In 2008 his worst performance as a passer was on a rainy day in Berkeley. His 7-21 passing numbers contributed to an inept offensive showing and an Oregon loss, despite a tour de force performance by the defense which netted five turnovers.

A similar defensive performance this Saturday at Autzen will be hard to come by. A year ago Cal’s passing game had problems of its own. However, with Nate Longshore no longer breathing down his back Kevin Riley has been able to complement the dynamite running game led by Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen. The Bears seem to have finally found the offensive balance they have been lacking the past few years.

The Duck’s defense has risen to the occasion over the past few weeks, scoring two touchdowns against Purdue and holding the Utes offense to only 17 points. With the offense still finding its groove, Oregon can’t afford to get drawn into a shootout this week.

Despite Riley’s improvement, this Cal offense still keys off of Best. Keeping him contained is defenses’ priority number one. Oregon will have a much better shot at doing so if safety TJ Ward is able to return from an ankle injury suffered against the Broncos.

The Ducks’ most important job on defense is simply to stop big plays. Both of Utah’s offensive touchdowns last week came on defensive breakdowns that allowed 20+ yards gained. If Oregon’s defenders can keep Best in front of them and not get burned by Cal’s receivers downfield, they can keep the game within reach.

Despite a thrilling punt return by Walter Thurmond III in the first quarter, the Ducks special teams continued to show warts against the Utes. A blocked punt led to Utah’s only touchdown of the first half, and Jackson Rice never looked comfortable again. Thurmond also muffed a punt later in the game that gave Utah a short field.

Cal’s return teams have not been overly impressive so far this season. If Oregon’s special teams can avoid the costly errors they made against Purdue and Utah the Duck’s will have the advantage in this phase. Against a team like Cal, the Ducks need to take any advantage they can get.

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