With a matchup against No. 2 ranked Oregon on the horizon next Saturday, it could be easy for Oregon State to overlook Saturday's game against California.
Head coach Mike Riley knows better than to let his team do that as they host the Golden Bears at Reser Stadium in Corvallis.
"They're good, they are talented," Riley said to the Associated Press. "We feel like there's three running backs that are all pretty good... they can block and they move the ball on you -- we're not expecting anything different than a tough Pac-12 game."
The Beavers are coming off of a rough 27-23 loss to Stanford on Nov. 10 and are 5-2 in the Pac-12 North this season, behind Stanford and state-rival Oregon.
"Obviously, the loss was tough, but I think the vibe of our team is to move on and that's exactly what we're gonna do," said cornerback Jordan Poyer to the Associated Press. "Our opponent this week is Cal, and that's exactly who we're focused on."
Poyer has been one of the most impressive players for the Beavers this season, making five interceptions and scoring a touchdown against Brigham Young. The defense has been much-improved form last year is ranked 23rd in the nation with 19.1 points per game.
Oregon State the season off 6-0 for the first time in school history before losing to Washington on Oct. 27. The team outgained the Huskies by nearly 200 yards, but couldn't overcome four interceptions from quarterback Sean Mannion.
The Beavers are ranked 24th in the nation in passing despite Mannion and sophomore Cody Vaz splitting time this season due to injuries. Vaz hurt his ankle in last Saturday's game against Stanford and may start against California.
"The situation's pretty obvious," Riley said. "Cody's hurt and Sean is chomping at the bit ready to go."
Vaz has been more efficient than Mannion this season, passing for eight touchdowns and only one interception.
According to the Associated Press, "Mannion has averaged 315.8 yards while throwing eight TDs and eight picks in five starts."
California has had a disappointing season in the Pac-12, but could salvage that with an upset win on Saturday. Head coach Jeff Tedford's job may be on the line if the Bears can't earn a win in their final game of the season.
The team has lost four straight games, including a 59-17 loss last Saturday to Oregon at home. Junior quarterback Allan Bridgford may start his second straight game for the Bears for starter Zach Maynard, who is dealing with a knee injury.
"We just need to get more first downs, complete more balls and make more plays overall," Bridgford said.
Bridgford only completed nine passes for 113 yards against Oregon and will have a tough time against a tough Beaver secondary.
Senior running back Isi Sofele has been one of the most consistent players this season, rushing for 653 yards and three touchdowns, including 134 yards last week against Oregon.
California has rushed the ball very will this season despite their losing record, ranking fourth in Pac-12 with 182 yards per game. The defense has been a struggle for the Bears, allowing over 30 points per game this season.
According to the Associated Press, "Tedford's 82 wins are the most in school history, but the Bears have a losing record over the last four years."
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