California vs. Oregon: Last Minute Spread Info, Line and Predictions

In a special Thursday night battle, the No. 9 Oregon Ducks will host their Pac-12 rivals, the California Golden Bears. The Ducks have bounced back since losing to LSU in Week 1 and still appear to be one of the nation's elite teams.

The Bears got off to a 3-1 start, but their momentum was halted in Week 4 with a loss to Washington. California was one of Oregon's toughest matchups last season as the Ducks narrowly escaped with a 15-13 victory en route to the National Championship Game.

In all likelihood the Ducks won't be playing for the National Championship again this season, but if they have designs on winning the Pac-12 in its inaugural season, then a win is crucial against the Golden Bears on Thursday.

Where: Autzen Stadium in Eugene, Ore.

When: Thursday, Oct. 6 at 9 p.m. EDT

Watch: ESPN/ESPN3

Listen: KGO 810 AM (California) and KUGN 590 AM (Oregon)

Betting Line: Oregon (-24.5)

Who Might Not Play for California: TE Spencer Ladner

Junior tight end Spencer Ladner is highly unlikely to suit up against the Ducks on Thursday as he has missed the past three weeks with a knee injury. Ladner isn't a big contributor in terms of pass receiving, but his absence will be felt in the running game.

At 6'7" and 260 lbs., Ladner is a highly effective run blocker. In fact, he almost acts as an extra offensive lineman on running plays. It will be interesting to see if the Bears struggle in short-yardage situations without him.  

Who Might Not Play for Oregon: OL Ramsen Golpashin 

Senior offensive lineman Ramsen Golpashin is out indefinitely with a knee injury and won't play against California on Thursday night. Although Golpashin isn't a starter, he is the main reserve on Oregon's offensive line and got into almost every game last season.

With as often as the Ducks run the ball, it would have been nice to have Golpashin available. His loss may not seem significant, but if an injury occurs along the line, then Oregon may have to turn to a far less experienced alternative.

BCS/Top 25 Poll Implications

At 3-1 with a loss to Washington, California isn't anywhere near the Top 25, but a win over Oregon would almost certainly catapult the Bears into the rankings. Also, their BCS hopes are essentially non-existent, especially after losing to Washington.

At No. 9 in the polls, the Ducks absolutely need to win or else they will plummet. Even with a loss on their record, the Ducks are still very much alive for a BCS berth. While they currently trail No. 7 Stanford in the Pac-12 standings, Oregon controls its own destiny as it faces the Cardinal later in the season.

Keys to California Win

While the chances of a California upset are extremely thin at this point, they will have to replicate their gameplan from a year ago if they are to have any chance. The Bears held Oregon's running game in check last season in a 15-13 loss and was successful in slowing down the game.

Although it was never proven, there have been whispers that the Bears faked injuries last season in order to slow down the Oregon offense. While it may not be the sportsmanlike thing to do, California would be smart to fake injuries again in this game if that is, in fact, what they did last season.

Keys to Oregon Win

Provided Oregon sticks to its usual gameplan, the Ducks should have little issue defeating Cal on Thursday night. The Oregon offense continues to run through running back LaMichael James who has 613 rushing yards and seven touchdowns through just four games.

While quarterback Darron Thomas isn't the key figure in Oregon's offense, he will need to be a consistent passer as usual in order to keep California off balance. Provided the Ducks can execute, then they should cruise.

Prediction

Oregon 48, California 21