More buzz for Saturday’s showdown

Things are still buzzing about Cal in anticipation of Saturday’s conference matchup against Oregon. First of all, there’s a few general-interest articles to read. The AP has a feature article about well-deserving Daymeion Hughes, talking about his successes on the field and his art major. The Daily Cal has an article describing the relationship between Coach Jeff Tedford and Oregon head coach Mike Belotti. ESPN also talks about both teams’ “hangovers” (Tennessee, Oklahoma) that they are overcoming in this game in a great article.

Next, here is the ABC coverage map for Saturday night. The game is receiving national attention from most of the country, most importantly both the West and East coast. Having exposure on the East Coast will be good, considering it seems that most people out there haven’t seen a Cal game since the Tennessee letdown.

Finally, here is a run-down of some more thoughts about the game (I’ll be adding more as it comes out):

ESPN’s Bruce Feldman: “Picks”

No. 16 Cal 41, No. 11 Oregon 35: I love the Ducks’ skill talent and the fact that Oregon has given up just one sack this season, but I’m playing a hunch here. Nate Longshore is rolling now and he has plenty of speed on the outside. And I have a feeling that this is the week we realize how much the Ducks miss Haloti Ngata as Marshawn Lynch reintroduces himself to the nation and ends up being the RB everyone is talking about Sunday morning (after Garrett Wolfe, of course). Oregon is only ninth in the Pac-10 in rushing D. It has surrendered three straight 100-yard rushing performances.

Thing that has me sold: Marshawn Lynch.

Scouts, Inc.’s Todd McShay:

Q: Todd, which team, Oregan or Cal, has the best chance to knock off USC?

A: They both travel to LA for the game, which does not bode well. But if I had to pick one of the two I would go with Cal. Tedford has beaten USC in the past and he has the defensive speed to match up better than Oregon. As good as Oregon has been, Cal seems to be improving by leaps and bounds each week. Oregon has good offensive weapons with QB Dixon, RB Stewart and WR Williams, but Cal has a more explosive bunch with RB’s Lynch and Forsett and WR’s Jackson and Jordan. If Longshore continues to improve between now and Nov. 18th, I think Cal would have the better shot.

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit:

Q: Oregon-Cal seems like such a toss-up to me. Can you help me pick a winner in this one and why?

A: Well, Oregon’s defensive line concerns me with the injuries they’ve sustained. The injury to Cole Linehan puts even more pressure on the inexperienced interior. I think they’ll have a hard time shutting down Cal’s running game with Marshawn Lynch. I think Oregon’s best chance will be the combination of Dennis Dixon to Jaison Williams and the running of Jonathan Stewart to not only outscore Cal but to eat up as much clock as possible to keep the ball away from Nate Longshore and the Cal offense. I don’t think Oregon’s defense can stop Cal. I think they’ll have to win in a shootout or keep the ball away by winning time of possession. I like Oregon in that game. Ball control and a balanced attack.