PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Chase Garbers is making the most of his opportunities, going 20 of 25 passing for 224 yards, with three touchdowns and one interception in a lopsided win over Idaho State before the team’s bye. Garbers started the season third on the depth chart line behind Ross Bowers and Brandon McIlwain and now splits time with McIlwain.
–WR Jordan Duncan is yet another Cal receiver who has stepped up and had a big game unexpectedly. Current headliner Kanawai Noa did the same last year when Demetris Robertson — who has since transferred to Georgia — was the marquee target. Duncan had four catches for a team-high 63 yards and two touchdowns against Idaho State, and he gives the Oregon secondary another person to think about when game-planning for Saturday.
–LB Evan Weaver has been a machine for the linebacker corps, added a team-high 13 tackles against Idaho State to up his team-high total to 39 for the season. Weaver and Jordan Kunaszyk are the heart of the defense as veteran ‘backers.
–RB Marcel Dancy made the most of his chances against an FCS team in Idaho State, taking 11 carries for 80 yards and a touchdown (his first NCAA score). Dancy is a Bay Area and Northern California product who transferred from Laney Community College in Oakland. If Dancy can be a No. 2 punch behind Patrick Laird, Cal’s rushing game could be even more formidable.
–S Jaylinn Hawkins is one of the Golden Bears who has to be at his best against Justin Herbert and the Oregon offense. Hawkins has a team-high three interceptions. Herbert, while prolific, has been susceptible to a mistake — having thrown five picks this season.
SERIES HISTORY: Cal leads the series 41-38-2 but Oregon won last season in Eugene, Ore.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We’ve really got to pick up ourselves, because this was horrible in the first three games toward the end of the games. We can’t close out a game. We can’t finish it. For some reason, I don’t know if our mindset or what we’re doing or we’re not focusing, but we really need to crack down whatever it is and figure it out right now.” — Cal linebacker Evan Weaver, after an uneven second half against Idaho State.