Oregon State was actually a fairly fun team to watch last year. Even at 5-7, you were all but guaranteed an exciting game, mostly thanks to their three headed monster between quarterback, wide receiver and running back.
Unfortunately, only Jermar Jefferson returns. He’s one of only three offensive starters back in Corvallis this season. It looks like it’s going to be a long season for the Beavers and a defense that ranked 117th in passing isn’t going to make things any easier in this game.
Final Score: Cal 45, Oregon State 13 (1-0)
This is an early test that’ll really set the tone for how Cal’s 2020 will go. USC’s high flying air-raid offense will test the stout Bear defense as Kedon Slovis returns along with three of his top four receiving targets.
USC’s defense will have to improve, ranking in the bottom half of nearly every defensive stat.
Last year’s game was a real reality check for Cal in a game where Garbers was injured. Cal actually went up 7-0 on their first possession, but everything went downhill from there en route to a humiliating 41-17 loss.
USC will be coming off a high-emotion game against rival UCLA the week prior.
With a healthy Garbers, a 24-point loss is unlikely again this season. There’s no doubt Cal will remember how 2019 went and they’ll be out for revenge.
Final Score: Cal 35, USC 31 (2-0)