The Oregon Ducks received a gift on Saturday as the undefeated, No. 1 ranked Alabama Crimson Tide lost to Texas A&M.
As the third ranked team in the BCS, all Oregon needs to do now is win out and a spot in the national title game is all but guaranteed. The first step on that road will be at Memorial Stadium as the Ducks face off against the California Golden Bears on Saturday night
Last week the Ducks survived a 62-51 shootout at Southern California by gaining over 700 total yards. Running back Kenjon Barner, who is one of the favorites to win the Heisman trophy, rushed for 321 yards and five touchdowns in the win.
"It's a blessing. It's an honor," Barner said. "But I don't really worry about it. I can't worry about that, I can't focus on that right now because there's still a lot of football left and anything can happen."
Oregon is one of the most efficient and high-powered offenses in the country, ranking second in the nation with 341 rushing yards per game. The team is also ranked first in the nation, averaging 54 points per game.
California would love to be the team that bursts Oregon's bubble.
"I think we're going to get everyone's best shot no matter who we play," Oregon linebacker Michael Clay said. "They're going to come out fired up and ready to get at us. So we just have to be ready for that, especially on road games. We have to weather the storm."
The Bears have lost three straight games and are only 2-5 in the Pac-12 conference, but showed promise last week in a 21-13 loss against Washington. Junior Allan Bridgford may start the game against the Ducks after starter Zach Maynard was injured against the Huskies.
"It would be different if it were my first time playing a college football game but it's not," Bridgford said. "I've played a number of games. I've thrown a handful of passes. I'm not overly nervous. I'm just ready to have fun and waiting to have my shot."
Bridgford was only 2-of-7 in the loss with 26 yards and has only completed four passes in two games this season.
According to the Associated Press, "during its previous visit to Berkeley on Nov. 13, 2010, Oregon needed a punt return touchdown and another score early in the fourth quarter for a 15-13 win."
"It was a dogfight," Clay said. "They missed a field goal, but it was a dogfight. It'll be another one down there."
The loss by Alabama leaves the No. 1 spot in the BCS up for grabs. If the Ducks look impressive against California, it could give them the advantage they need to overtake Kansas State, who is ranked No. 2 in the BCS by a .0152 margin over Oregon.
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