California Golden Bears vs Oregon Ducks: Predictions, Odds and Roster Notes

Where: Autzen Stadium in Eugene, OR

When: Saturday, October 5th at 8pm EST

How (TV): FOX

California Golden Bears (Away)

Saturday ▶️ On the road ▶️ In Autzen #EarnIt pic.twitter.com/UOOywSKy3j

— Cal Football (@CalFootball) September 30, 2019

Head Coach: Justin Wilcox {All-Time: 16-14 | CAL}

Regular Season Record: 4-1

The California Golden Bears enter this game looking to get back on track after suffering their first loss of the season and being bounced from the AP Poll. Coach Wilcox’s team will have to do so with starting quarterback Chase Garbers potentially out for the rest of the season after getting knocked out of their defeat to Arizona State. Pressure will be on former UCLA quarterback Devon Modster to right the ship for the Bears and improve an offense that ranks 100th in points per game.

Modster did not get off to a good start in relief of Garbers, completing just five of 14 pass attempts for 23 yards and an interception in Cal’s 24-17 loss to the Sun Devils. Although the Bears’ linebacking corps of Evan Weaver, Tevin Paul, and Cameron Goode were able to make plays in Arizona State’s backfield, they could not stop star running back Eno Benjamin, who ran for 100 yards and three touchdowns.

The Bears also allowed ASU quarterback Jayden Daniels to run for 84 yards, which should raise concerns for defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter, who will need to game plan for another athletic quarterback this Saturday in Justin Herbert.

Oregon Ducks (Home)

Leading the Pac-12 in:
Scoring defense ☑️
Pass defense ☑️
Sacks ☑️
Tackles for loss ☑️#GoDucks pic.twitter.com/x5tMg9huXd

— Oregon Football (@oregonfootball) September 28, 2019

Head Coach: Mario Cristobal {All-Time: 39-53 | FIU, ORE}

Regular Season Record: 3-1

After opening up Pac-12 play with a win over divisional rival Stanford two weeks ago, the 13th ranked Oregon Ducks come off their bye week well rested to keep the ball rolling against another NorCal school. Although they have not been putting up Chip Kelly-era numbers on offense, the Ducks still have the 19th ranked scoring attack at 38.5 points per game, while also owning a top ten defense.

Looking to avenge a heartbreaking loss to the Cardinal in 2018, Oregon got the job done, winning 21-6 in Palo Alto. Justin Herbert was in rhythm all game long, connecting with tight end Jacob Breeland on two touchdowns, while tossing another to junior receiver Jaylon Redd as part of a 259 yard passing performance.

Oregon’s defense suffocated Stanford’s offense, limiting quarterback K.J. Costello to just 120 passing yards and 16 completions on 30 attempts. Star safety Jevon Holland picked off Costello, while pass rushers Gus Cumberlander and Drayton Carlberg took him down for sacks. Heralded freshman Kayvon Thibodeaux also got in on the fun with half a sack, the first of his college career.

In 77 total meetings, the two schools are dead even at 38-38-1, although the Ducks have won nine of the last ten games, with the lone Cal victory being a 52-49 shootout in 2016. In those ten matchups, Oregon has failed to break 40 points just once against the Bears, when they won 15-13 during their 2010 title game run.

Last season’s meeting saw the Ducks get off to a slow start before pulling away in the second quarter, en route to a 42-24 win in Berkeley. Travis Dye and C.J. Verdell each ran for over 100 yards, while leading receiver Dillon Mitchell caught seven passes from Justin Herbert for 105 yards and a touchdown. The Ducks also picked off four passes, two each from Garbers and starter Brandon McIlwain, with one being a pick-six.

California Roster Notes

Redshirt sophomore quarterback Chase Garbers is out indefinitely with a shoulder injury suffered against Arizona State.

Redshirt junior receiver Kekoa Crawford has been upgraded to probable after dealing with an undisclosed injury that kept him out against Arizona State.

Senior safety Traveon Beck is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury that kept him out against Arizona State.

Redshirt freshman McCallan Castles is no longer with the team as he elected to transfer on September 11th.

Oregon Roster Notes

Freshman receiver Mycah Pittman has been upgraded to probable after dealing with an injury that has held him out of each game this season.

Senior receiver Brenden Schooler has been upgraded to questionable as he recovers from a foot injury suffered prior to the season.

Redshirt freshman receiver J.J. Tucker is away from the program due to a personal issue, with no timetable for his return.

Junior defensive tackle Austin Faoliu is currently listed as questionable with a thigh injury but is expected to be near 100 percent come game time according to coach Cristobal.

Redshirt sophomore running back Cyrus Habibi-Likio is listed as questionable with back spasms suffered against Montana, but has been a full participant in practice.

Freshman receiver Lance Wilhoite is listed as questionable with a hamstring injury that has held him out the last four games.

Senior receiver Juwan Johnson is listed as questionable with a calf injury that has kept him out the last four games.

Redshirt senior center Jake Hanson is listed as questionable with an undisclosed injury that held him out against Stanford. Hanson has been cleared to return to practice.

Head-to-Head: Luc Bequette (CAL) vs Shane Lemieux (ORE)

The matchup to look out for in this game will take place in the middle of the trenches between two experienced linemen. California’s Luc Bequette will look to disrupt both Oregon’s running and passing attacks at the line of scrimmage, with star guard Shane Lemieux likely lining up against him.

Luc Bequette

Defensive Tackle | 6-2, 290lb | Catholic HS | Little Rock, AR | Redshirt Senior

A versatile lineman who has lined up at each position along the line, Luc Bequette is well deserving of his preseason accolades. A three star recruit coming out of high school, the Arkansas native has made an impact in Berkeley as both a run stopper and pass rusher. Despite being under 300 pounds, he manages to penetrate opposing offensive lines to make plays in the backfield and force them into third and long situations.

Shane Lemieux

Left Guard | 6-4, 316lb | West Valley HS | Yakima, WA | Redshirt Senior

42 Career Starts

Like Bequette, Shane Lemieux arrived on campus as a three star recruit. It did not take long for the Washington state product to make a name for himself on campus, however, as he became an everyday starter in his redshirt freshman season. From there he has garnered All-Pac-12 honours and entered the discussion for All-American honours as well. Many NFL scouts see Lemieux as an pro-ready prospect with his mauling ability and quickness picking up blitzes.

California Golden Bears at Oregon Ducks: Odds

Find the latest odds for California Golden Bears at Oregon Ducks below. The odds are provided by New Jersey sportsbooks 888Sport NJ, DraftKings, and Unibet NJ.

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