Spring Break
Football travels to Berkeley in hopes to qualify for bowl game
Beavers will match up against No. 23 California Golden Bears led by Jahvid Best
Issue date: 11/6/09 Section: Sports
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The Daily Barometer
After a nail-biting win over UCLA at Reser Stadium last Saturday, the Oregon State football team heads down to Berkeley to face the No. 23 California Golden Bears.
"It's going to be difficult for us to go into a hostile environment, just like two years ago, and win there," senior cornerback Tim Clark said. "The crowd is going to be a factor but we should be able to face the challenges."
The Beavers (5-3, 3-2 Pac-10) are looking to pick up another win to help improve their Pac-10 standing in hopes of another winning season, resulting in a bowl game.
California (6-2, 3-2 Pac-10) is led on offense by junior running back Jahvid Best, who has been averaging 105 yards per game.
"His (best) outstanding strength is his speed," head coach Mike Riley said. "You have to tackle him slowly because he will run through you, he will make one cut and go. He is extremely fast."
Cal's quarterback, Kevin Riley, averages 225 yards per game with 13 total touchdowns. Riley will also be an important player for the Beavers' defense to focus on.
"He (Riley) is a really good quarterback, he spreads out the ball well," senior middle linebacker Keaton Kristick said. "It's just a good offense; we got to prepare ourselves this week and that's really where it starts, is having a good week of practice."
The last time the two teams met in 2007, the Beavers upset the Golden Bears, who were No. 2 at the time, 31-28. The Beavers also beat the Golden Bears last year at home 31-24. However, Mike Riley is not looking at past outcomes against California.
"We don't look back to the years before at all," Riley said. "We mostly look at what they're doing this year and how they're playing. For us, it's a brand new game."
Last week against the Bruins, the Beavers' offense put up 463 yards total. Senior quarterback Sean Canfield completed 25 out of 34 passes for 305 yards. However, sophomore running back Jacquizz Rodgers made the only touchdown pass for 14 yards, to junior tight end Brady Camp. Rodgers also rushed for 114 yards and 92 yards receiving.
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