The Oregon State football team can become bowl eligible this afternoon with a road victory over Pacific-10 Conference rival California in Memorial Coliseum.

Both teams have two losses in conference games. The winner is in position to make a late-season move toward the top of the Pac-10. The loser must scramble to salvage the season.

The Beavers have matched up well with the Golden Bears in recent years. They've held the advantage in wins but games have been difficult.

If the Beavers can win the following five areas they'll be in position to win the game.

1. Keep the variety

The Beavers have shown different ways to run the ball and throw it around the field. Those differences keep opponents guessing.

So while it's easy to just give the ball to running back Jacquizz Rodgers, teams know that's the foundation of OSU's offense and concentrate on him.

That's where the Beavers have opened up the playbook with the Wild Beaver formation and a diverse passing game with multiple receivers. OSU has reached the point that the offense is mutating for the better each week.

2. Stop Best

Cal is similar to the Beavers in that it has a standout running back in Jahvid Best. He's shifty and powerful. If he gets going the Golden Bears usually win.

Best is similar to Rodgers in that he can be a workhorse and come out of the backfield as a receiver. He's a big play waiting to happen.

The Beavers are good at stopping the run, so Cal's strength plays into their strength. The linebackers and safeties must be active near the line of scrimmage.

3. Don't obsess on Best

Best isn't the only weapon the Bears have in their arsenal. Shane Vereen is a quality backup ball carrier who can throw passes, too. They also have a veteran quarterback with Kevin Riley.

The receivers are not what they have been in recent years, but Riley can distribute the ball to the right spots. If the Beavers are too worried about Best and lax in the pass rush or pass coverage, they'll get burned.

That was an issue in the fourth quarter of last weekend's game when UCLA nearly upset the Beavers with long pass plays.

4. Be sound on special teams

Cal's field goal kickers are the worst in the Pac-10, while OSU's has been hit-and-miss. Justin Kahut is coming off a 4-for-5 day. As long as he doesn't have a relapse of inconsistency he'll be fine.

Field position is crucial against a potent running team. The coverage teams have been mostly good this season, but gave up a long kickoff return for an apparent touchdown last week.

It was called back due to two blocks in the back. After reviewing the video, coach Mike Riley saw his players were out of position anyway. If it weren't for the flags it would have been a touchdown.

5. Stay grounded

That's mentally and not an approach to the offense.

The Beavers have dominated the series with Cal in recent years. They've won eight of the last 10 games, including the last four on the road.

While it seems like it's a given OSU will play well in Berkeley, it's not. OSU still needs to find that killer instinct to finish games.

At the same time, this was supposed to be Cal's big year. The Bears faltered out of the Pac-10 gate and have been focused on regaining their luster. The potential for big-time play is still there.