California vs. Oregon State
Tuesday, November 24, 2009
|
California offense vs. Oregon State defense California mustered just 27 rushing yards last week against a highly rated USC defense, but Golden Bears RBs Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen should find more room to work this week, especially between the tackles. C Alex Mack is a technician who is strong enough to drive defensive tackles off the ball and agile enough to get into position at the second level. With the help of guards Mark Boskovich and Justin Cheadle, Mack should be able to neutralize Oregon State DTs Pernnell Booth and Stephen Paea and get a body on MLB Bryant Cornell. Best and Vereen are going to have a harder time getting outside, though, because injuries have ravaged California at offensive tackle. Mike Tepper hasn't played this year because of a pectoral injury, Chet Teofilo sustained a season-ending ankle injury three weeks ago, and Matt Laird is listed as questionable with a shoulder injury that has forced him to miss the past two games. If Laird can't play, sophomore Donovan Edwards will start opposite redshirt freshman Mitchell Schwartz. Beavers DEs Victor Butler and Slade Norris have the explosive first step to shoot gaps, and the two have combined to record 24 tackles for loss this year. Their ability to get upfield in a hurry should force Best and Vereen to take a wider angle when they try to turn the corner, giving the pursuit more time to close in. Cal head coach Jeff Tedford started QB Nate Longshore against the Trojans and then replaced him with Kevin Riley in the second half. Riley completed just four of 16 passes for 59 yards and threw a pick, while Longshore completed 11 of 15 passes and didn't throw any picks. It's unclear who will start this week. There's a good chance both will play, but it may not matter against an Oregon State pass defense that starts four seniors in the secondary. CBs Brandon Hughes and Keenan Lewis have the burst and quick feet to stick with Bears WRs Verran Tucker and Nyan Boateng coming out of their breaks. In addition, 212-pound SS Al Afalava is big and fast enough to hold his own against 245-pound TE Cameron Morrah, who has a team-high six touchdown catches. Of course, the secondary's job is always easier when the pass rush forces the quarterback to get rid of the ball quickly, and that should be the case this week. Butler and Norris have the burst and athletic ability to consistently beat California's inexperienced offensive tackles when the Golden Bears don't use a back and/or tight end to help out. Problem is, keeping receivers in to pass-block will likely force Longshore and Riley to throw into tighter spaces, increasing the chances of a turnover. |
 |
To continue reading this article you must be an Insider. |