By George Devine, Sr.

After taking a 37-10 beating from eleventh-ranked UCLA at the Rose Bowl, the Bears return to Memorial Stadium to host Oregon State at 7:30 p.m. PDT on Saturday, October 19.

The game against UCLA was characterized by the toll of injuries to the Bears, but the Cal defense showed an improvement early in the game. Still, the Bruins took an early 17-0 lead. Quarterback Jared Goff, leader of the “Bear Raid” was limited to 215 passing yards.

By this time in the season it is clear that Sonny Dykes’ reputation as a coach strong on offense but not on defense is well deserved, even with the improved performance at Pasadena, and he will have to correct that situation. Cal’s defense was eventually in trouble against the Bruins, and will be so again against the Beavers. In their 52-24 win over Washington State, Oregon State benefited from Sean Mannion’s school record of 493 passing yards, and Brandin Cooks’ three touchdowns, plus two by Storm Woods.