5 Bold Predictions For Oregon vs. California

By Phillip Jacques

5 Bold Predictions For Oregon vs. California

Oregon California Bold Predictions
Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

The high-flying Oregon Ducks offense rolls into Berkeley on Friday night to play the California Golden Bears, and here are five predictions for what will happen in this high-scoring affair.

5. There Will Be More Touchdowns Scored By Each Team Than Punts

Oregon California High Scoring Game
Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

5. There Will Be More Touchdowns Scored By Each Team Than Punts

Oregon California High Scoring Game
Scott Olmos-USA TODAY Sports

Oregon and California feature the two worst defenses in the Pac-12, allowing 448.4 and 525.0 yards a game, respectively. On the other side of the ball, they showcase the top two scoring offenses in the conference, with the Ducks putting up 43.6 points per contest, while the Golden Bears average 41.6. As a result, these two teams will be lighting up the scoreboard at will and the total number of points could reach the century mark.

4. Oregon Will Win By At Least Three Touchdowns

Oregon Ducks Will Defeat California By Three Touchdowns
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

4. Oregon Will Win By At Least Three Touchdowns

Oregon Ducks Will Defeat California By Three Touchdowns
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The last two weeks these teams have played common opponents, the Washington Huskies and the UCLA Bruins. Oregon defeted UCLA on the road 42-30 and then dismantled Washington at home 45-20. California, on the other hand, lost to both opponents at home, losing 31-7 to Washington and 36-34 to UCLA. In addition, Oregon has won five straight against California by an average of 30 points, including 55-16 last year.

3. Marcus Mariota Will Return To Being Focal Point of the Offense

Marcus Mariota Focal Point Of Offense
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Marcus Mariota Will Return To Being Focal Point of the Offense

Marcus Mariota Focal Point Of Offense
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Last week, the Ducks rushed Royce Freeman 29 times for 169 yards and four touchdowns. California, however, features the fourth-best rushing defense in the Pac-12, allowing 133.3 yards per game. Their pass defense, however, is allowing an FBS-worst 391.7 yards per game and 26 touchdowns. Don't be surprised if Marcus Mariota vaults to the lead in the race for the Heisman and matches the career-high six touchdowns he scored on California in 2012.

2. Jared Goff Will Match Marcus Mariota Throw-For-Throw

Jared Goff Matches Marcus Mariota
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

2. Jared Goff Will Match Marcus Mariota Throw-For-Throw

Jared Goff Matches Marcus Mariota
Cary Edmondson-USA TODAY Sports

Jared Goff is not as agile as Marcus Mariota, but he excels in the passing game. He has the second-best quarterback efficiency rating in the Pac-12 at 167.3, and he has thrown 24 touchdowns with only four interceptions while surpassing the 300-yard passing mark in five straight games. California is going to be down big in this game, and as a result Goff might throw 50 or more times, which could lead to big stats against a subpar Ducks defense.

1. Marcus Mariota Will Continue Quest To Break His Own Conference Interception Record

Marcus Mariota Looks To Break Record
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

1. Marcus Mariota Will Continue Quest To Break His Own Conference Interception Record

Marcus Mariota Looks To Break Record
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Mariota holds the Pac-12 record for most passing attempts without an interception with 353, and currently holds the second-longest streak as well, with no interceptions in his last 238 passing attempts. California's team leader in tackles and interceptions, Griffin Piatt, suffered a season-ending knee injury against Washington. This, along with the fact they are second-worst in the Pac-12 with 11 sacks, should limit their turnover opportunities.

Phillip Jacques is a Pac-12 Football writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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