I hate you, GoDucks.com

This is especially true when you compare the running stats with the passing stats.  They essentially have 3 RBs out there.  LaGarrette Blount, Jeremiah Johnson, and Jeremiah Masoli (the ostensible QB).  Masoli and Johnson are averaging 5.8 each a carry.  Blount is even higher. 

Compare that to the passing stats.  Masoli has like a 118 rating, which is not great.  55% completion percentage and I think less than 6.5 per attempt.  Arizona's 3rd wide out has over 30 receptions.  No Oregon wide outs have over 30 receptions.  Interestingly enough, Blount and Johnson have combined for about 5 receptions.  Thought they would throw to their RBs more. 

So, while Oregon does run the spread, it is wildly different than Tuitama and Co. out in Arizona.  Tuitama and Co. are slinging the ball everywhere.  Oregon is run, run, run, run, run.  We have the LBs to stop them, I think.  We shal see shall we not.  The rain plays into their strength, but ours, too.

We were able to shut down Javon Ringer, so we'll see if we can shut down their rushing attack, it will be a large challenge. If we can and we force them to throw, it takes them out of their game and puts Cal in a great position to win.  Easier said than done.

<Note from Ragnarok:  So, I don't know what is wrong with GoDucks.com, but apparently it was the defensive table of statistics that nearly killed our blog.  I don't know what's wrong, and I don't particularly care.  Just go here if you want to see the actual defensive statistics that Twist is talking about.  It won't kill your browser, I swear.  Besides, it's Friday afternoon, so if it does kill your browser, well...tech support's probably already gone for the weekend, and with your computer dead, you've got a good excuse to head out early too.  Just tell your boss it was the IRS website (or something else worky-related -- definitely *not* college football statistics) that did it.>

As for defense, it is sort of the opposite of ours.  Their true strength is up front with Nick Reed and Will Tukuafu.  They are killer DEs and have combined for 24 tackles for loss and 14 sacks.  Sick! 

3 out of their top 4 tackles guys are DBs, not LBs.  Never the most prudent set up.  Cal fans might remember Patrick Chung as the guy who got Patrick Chunged 2 years ago by Marshawn.  That was 2 years ago, he is a LOT better now and has about 50 tackles.  Jarius Byrd has been abused (ABUSED) by Tha1 the past few years.  Im sure hes happy to see Tha1 in Eagle green.  Byrd also has about 50 tackles. Their DBs are really strong.  But if their DBs are making the tackles tomorrow, it bodes well for Cal. 

Overall, this team seems pretty similar to ours.  Concerns with the passing game, but strong, strong running game.  Pretty solid defense that has had some unfortunate break downs.  The rain appears to favor both teams, insomuch as we both have running games as our strength.

Final Thought:  So, how do I think this game will go?  Tough to tell.  It is not going to be a blowout, especially with the rain.  That is for sure.  It might be lower scoring than most expect. 

Last year with a much better Oregon O and a much worse Cal D, Oregon put up 24 in Oregon.  If we can hold them to that amount, I feel like we have a good chance here.  Lord knows we are going to have guys just sitting there spying on Masoli the entire time.  If we can just execute tackling, I think we have a decent chance of being able to stymie their run game. It won't be easy, but if we can do that, I think we can force Masoli to throw throw throw.  He certainly will not be as bad as Craft last week, but if we can get a few turn overs, we could make some hay.  

Certainly, what helped last year was that we got 4 TOs and gave up none.  Now, I doubt that two of their return guys are going to run into each other again, giving Jahvid Best an easy fumble recovery.  However, with the conditions as they are, ball security will be key.  Wet Ball Mechanics.  I repeat.  Wet Ball Mechanics.  That will be key. 

On offense, I have major concerns about our O-Line.  They are beaten up bad now.  So, that's why the D is going to be key.  Their DBs were hyped coming into the season, but have been blow up some.  Can Riley blow them up again?  I don't know, but the conditons might make that a moot point.  Plus, our WRs are going to have to improve on their catching skills here.  So, I don't see us putting up 40+ like we did to years ago.

This is going to be a tight game.  I predict whomever wins the turn over battle will get this one.  May it be us.  Again, sorry for the stream of consciousness post her, I am just frustrated with all that lost work.  Anyway, what do you think?