Oregon Football: Previewing the Cal Game

The ninth-ranked Oregon Ducks return to action after a bye week on Thursday against Cal.

The 3-1 Ducks hope to not repeat of last year's game at Cal where the number one ranked Ducks pulled out a 15-13 win.

Cal is 3-1 and is looking to not start out conference play 0-2 after last weeks loss to Washington.

Will Lamichael James Continue His Success?

James is ranked fifth in the nation with 613 yards through four games this season and has eclipsed the 200-yard mark in the past two wins over Missouri State and Arizona.

All the pieces are beginning to fall in place for Oregon on the offense so James will again continue to have success.

However, he won't run for 200-yards Thursday night, 150 is a more reasonable number though.

Will Cliff Harris Finally Return to All-American Form?

Nick Foles was able to throw wild all over the Ducks leaving many Duck fans fearing what will happen when Oregon plays against Stanford and Andrew Luck.

Cliff Harris hasn't shown any of the flashes that got him named a Pre-Season All-American and that needs to change fast.

Cal quarterback Zach Maynard has been accurate so far in the season with 10 touchdowns to three interceptions.

Harris needs to use his opportunity of playing against an inexperienced quarterback to get back into form.

Will the Offensive Line Give Up a Sack?

Through four games this year, the Ducks offensive line has yet to give up a sack. A great for a young offensive line.

Cal does not have one of the greatest pass rushes this year with Cameron Jordan gone and the Ducks should continue to play tough up-front.

Oregon Will Play Better Up the Middle

Against Arizona and LSU, the Ducks had no fight on the defensive side of the ball and they ended up giving up 31 and 40 points respectively.

Up the middle Duck defenders have let opposing runners run all over them and this needs to change against Cal.

Brendon Bigelow can make a play anytime he touches the ball and Oregon linebackers are going to have to play much better.

Prediction

Oregon shouldn't have the same problem as last year at Cal. They are back home playing at Autzen Stadium and should dominate much of the game.

Oregon-40, Cal-17