EUGENE — No team is more aware of the scale of chaos Cameron Goode can cause than Oregon.
The outside linebacker and designated pass rusher has had his greatest performances both in volume and overall impact against the Ducks, who host the Golden Bears on Friday (7:30 p.m., ESPN).
Goode tormented Oregon in last year’s meeting in Berkeley, with seven tackles, including a career-high 3.5 for loss with 1.5 sacks, and a fumble recovery to help lead a 21-17 upset for the Golden Bears.
“I think he’s as good of a edge player and disruptive a force as you’ll find in the country,” Oregon coach Mario Cristobal said. “I say that without any reservation or hesitation. Just watching him on film, (he’s) just different. His ability to change direction, beat tackles and tight ends underneath with power, set edges, win the one-on-ones, split double teams, redirect, play the dive, play the quarterback, hunt down and chase down wide zone from the back side.
“This guy, he impacts the game in every way imaginable. This guy is really an elite player and you’ve got to be aware of where is all the time.”
Goode has 25 tackles with three for loss, including two sacks, and a pass breakup this season. Those are modest numbers, particularly for a sixth-year senior with his career production.
“Cam’s had a very, very good season,” Cal coach Justin Wilcox said. “He’s impacted the game each and every week in the run game and in the pass game and is playing at a high level.”
The 6-foot-4, 240-pound Goode had 18 career tackles, 5.5 for loss and 1.5 sacks against Oregon.
With Oregon having to lean on freshmen running backs Trey Benson, Seven McGee and Byron Cardwell Jr. more this week, Goode will be the most accomplished edge defender any of them have faced yet, both in trying to elude and also square off in pass protection.
Confident as the No. 9 Ducks (4-1, 1-1 Pac-12) are in their freshmen, Travis Dye is cognizant of how much he’ll be called upon to aid in pass protection, particularly against Goode.
“He’s a great player,” Goode said. “He has a high motor and he’s ready to play, I know he is. It’s going to be fun. It’s going to be really fun. I’m definitely going to have to help out the linemen on that one and we’re going to get after it.”
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