Ok, the stage is set for a Civil War that has all the makings of the 0-0 stinker played 24 years ago. The Beavers' chances are riding on the strong-armed (but horribly inaccurately-armed) shoulders of Lyle "the Smile" Moevao. The Ducks offense looks like it will be led by Cody Kempt who had a hard time figuring out how to throw the football on Saturday. Couple that with the fact that Jonathon Stewart is gimpy and Jaison Williams just plain sucks, and the Ducks are left to relying on their defense.
You know the Ducks' defense? The "bend but don't break" defense built by Nick Allioti that tends to break more than it bends. Saturday's game was the exception, not the rule. Mike Bellotti said the Ducks' defensive performance was the best he had ever seen. Doubtful. I think he was just trying to give his team, and Duck fans, so glimmer of hope for the civil war. I saw the game, the Ducks defense didn't play well, the UCLA offense was really bad.
The question for the Beavers is whether Yvenson Bernard is going to play. He is our playmaker, and our entire offense is predicated on our ability to run the ball. Clinton Polk has shown the ability to run on occasion, but the only consistent running back we have is Bernard. Based on the information I have, I predict YB will play on Saturday.
Remember, too, the pressure is on the Ducks to hold serve. For the last ten years the home team has won the Civil War. The Ducks are supposed to win, the Beavers aren't.
The year's Civil War is anything but a sure thing for either team. Stay tuned for further developments......
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