Cal plays very well at home, they have a running back that can keep the ball out of Oregon's offense
After watching them up close and personal, this is a major non factor. Oregon's offense does not depend on ball control. In fact they want you to run more plays on offense that you are accustomed to in order for your offense to tire as well.
You need a solid defense that frankly we did not have, but I do believe we provided a blue print for beating Oregon. The key to beating Oregon is to force Thomas to throw, keep him in the pocket and hopefully have enough talent and discipline in your defensive secondary so they stay with their receivers. Otherwise Maehl and the TE (brain fart on his name) will kill you over the middle or find space in zone coverage. Gap control is important for the defensive line, and of course the LB's can't bite on everything and leave the middle wide open.
The measure of a great team is that you have to play a perfect game to beat them, Oregon is that team right now. I still say that Matt Barkley fumble before the second half was the beginning of the end. It was our first mistake, and it led to a 14 point swing.
When you have a talented/disciplined D, Oregon is beatable. (ex. Ohio State)
Unless Oregon or Auburn loses, TCU shouldn't jump either. Sorry, they are a solid team, but they don't face teams week in and week out. Stop crying, joing an AQ conference. #%%@ it, join the Big East, they need decent teams in that league.
