KERRY SAYS: Another fruitful OSU visit to Strawberry Canyon? Maybe by a field goal

By Kerry Eggers

The Portland Tribune, Nov 6, 2009, Updated Nov 7, 2009

Jahvid Best's big plays could give Cal a big chance at a victory at home Saturday over Oregon State.

JED JACOBSOHN / GETTY IMAGES

I have to think California is going to be plenty motivated to face Oregon State Saturday in Berkeley.

Coach Jeff Tedford will make it a point of emphasizing to his players the Beavers have beaten the Bears four straight times on their home field and haven’t lost there since 1997.

And OSU Coach Mike Riley will remind his players that the past means absolutely nothing in Saturday’s contest, which is pretty much true.

Cal has injured players, starting with junior tailback Jahvid Best, who tweaked an ankle last Saturday against Arizona State but should be ready to go for the Beavers. The Bears will be without tight end Anthony Miller, who underwent arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday.

Two things seem critical about Saturday’s matchup.

California has recorded 51 plays of 20 yards or more this season, including 12 Best runs and 33 pass plays to nine different receivers. “For us defensively, it’s about limiting big plays,” Riley says. That means putting some amount of pressure on Cal quarterback Kevin Riley, the Beaverton High grad who is 0 for 2 against the Beavers and will be extra geared up to win.

And Oregon State must be able to run against Cal’s 3-4 defense to maintain some offensive balance.

“Most times when we win, our running back does pretty well,” Riley says. “That’s part of our identity. The more you can run the ball, the more you can settle in and use the things you want to use on offense. You have to be a little patient with the run and work at it pretty hard.”

Oregon State is due to lose in Strawberry Canyon. But something tells me the Beavers’ winning streak there is going to continue.

THE PICK – Oregon State 30, California 27

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