Page One

When Cal has the ball 

The ground game 

The Bears’ two-headed tailback may finally be a reality this week. With starter Joe Igber running well and backup Terrell Williams finally healthy, Cal has two backs capable of breaking big gains and pounding on a defense. Oregon State will answer with one of the best linebacking corps in the nation. Cal head coach Jeff Tedford calls middle linebacker Richard Seigler one of the Pac-10’s two best defensive players, but outside backer Nick Barnett is leading the conference in tackles with nearly 10 per game. Good lead blocking from fullbacks Chris Mandarino and Panu Faumuina will be key to keeping the Oregon State duo off of Igber and Williams. 

In the trenches 

The Beavers’ big gun up front is tackle Eric Manning, who both Tedford and Kyle Boller compared to Warren Sapp. Manning will likely see double-teams by guard Jon Geisel and center Ryan Jones, which could open blitzing lanes for the Beavers. Sophomore end Bill Swancutt has 4 1/2 sacks for Oregon State but will face off against Cal left tackle Mark Wilson, who has been consistently excellent this season. 

Taking to the air 

Oregon State’s cornerbacks play press coverage nearly every down, so the Cal receivers’ ability to get off the line and into the pass pattern will be the key to offensive success. Look for Boller to avoid throwing at Dennis Weathersby, who is perhaps the best defensive back in the conference. The Beavers’ aggression could mean some big plays if Boller has time to throw. Tight end Tom Swoboda is having an outstanding season and will be key; if he can make some catches early and force the Oregon State linebackers to lay back in coverage, it will open up the field. 

When Oregon State has the ball 

The ground game 

Oregon State’s offensive line’s disarray has clearly affected the running game, as the Beavers haven’t rushed for more than 93 yards since left tackle Brian Kilkenny went down three games ago. Tailback Steven Jackson is a talented, shifty runner, evidenced by his 227-yard day against Fresno State. He’s the Pac-10’s second-leading rusher, almost solely based on his first four games. If the Beavers can get their line sorted out, Jackson is capable of big gains.  

In the trenches 

Kilkenny’s absence has forced left guard Mike Kuykendall to shift over to tackle, weakening two positions. Cal pass-rush specialist Tully Banta-Cain will be licking his chops in anticipation playing against an inexperienced left side, and the Bears’ depth on the defensive line should wear down the Beavers late in the game. Look for a big push in the middle from the Cal defensive tackles, which should stunt the Oregon State running game. Sophomore Lorenzo Alexander will probably see plenty of action with Josh Beckham hampered by a sore ankle, and Alexander has been coming on lately. 

Taking to the air 

OSU quarterback Derek Anderson started the season on fire, throwing 15 touchdowns and just one interception in his first four games as the starter. But Pac-10 play has proven more difficult, as Anderson has thrown five picks in his last two games and the Beavers have struggled. Those growing pains will likely continue against the Bears, who have excelled at pressuring the passer this season. Anderson does have some talented wideouts, led by James Newson, and the Beavers’ spread formation can create chaos. Given time to throw, Anderson could have success against the depleted Cal secondary.