Returning from a much-needed bye week, the Oregon Ducks are hoping that the rest can help them snap their four-game skid. The team started 2-0 before losing a pair of close games and blowout games.
Due to the losses, starting QB Dakota Prukop got benched in Week 6 in favor of true freshman Justin Herbert. Herbert did well for a first-time starter, going 21-of-34 for 179 yards, two TDs, and one pick in a loss to Washington.
Oregon is an offensive nightmare to opposing teams, averaging 37 points and 495 total yards per game. Among the key contributors in that production is running back Royce Freeman. The junior, whenever he’s on, is a big threat to the defense. Against Washington State’s 12th-ranked ground defense in Week 5, he was able to run for 138 yards and three TDs.
Defensively, the Ducks are a nightmare as well. But it’s not to the other team, it’s to themselves. The unit is giving up 42 points (125th overall) and 522 total yards (127th overall) an outing, while letting QBs move the ball well with a 63.4-percent completion rate. In the four defeats, opposing teams are able to score a total of 197 points, highlighted by the previous week’s 70 given up to the Huskies.
The Ducks are 6-4 (7-2-1 ATS) in their last 10 road games.
Health issues are pestering the Bears of late, with QB Davis Webb and WR Chad Hansen nursing hand and foot injuries, respectively. The team is being positive, though, as both are expected to play on Friday.
The Bears simply cannot afford losing the two, who are the main catalysts of their offense. The two have hooked up for eight receiving TDs this season, and are at the upper echelon of college football’s finest QB-WR combinations. Webb is both third in the nation in passing yards (2256, 376 per game) and passing TDs (22). His favorite wideout, Hansen, meanwhile, is fourth in receptions (59), seventh in receiving yards (770), and tied for sixth in receiving TDs (8).
Should the team opt for the receiver to sit, Demetrius Robertson will likely take the spot. The freshman has been one of the Bears’ best newcomers this year, reeling in 20 catches for 338 yards and five scores.
On defense, the Golden Bears ought to be the Rusty Bears. They are allowing 40 points (123rd overall) and 495 total yards per game (121st overall), which is, aside from appalling, is interesting because it’s identical to what the Ducks are producing on offense.
Cal’s weakness on defense was highlighted last week, as the 88th-ranked offense of Oregon State was able to put up 47 points, their highest scoring total in three years.
The Bears are 9-1 SU (5-5 ATS) in their last 10 games as favorites.
