The bye week allowed Washington State to hit the "reset button" (a common term used at practice this week) They were able to get healthy and take a break from the grind of a game week. Now, the resting is over, they have to jump right back into the fire against California on Saturday in Berkley.

The Golden Bears were ranked as high as 6th in the country earlier this year, but they've struggled in Pac-10 play. They lost their first two conference games to Oregon and USC by a combined score of 72-6 (Cal was averaging 48.6 points per game before that). California bounced back in a big way last Saturday with a 45-26 pounding of UCLA. That means the Bears are now 4-2 overall; 1-2 in the Pac-10.

I'm going to make the most obvious statement in the world: WSU MUST STOP THE RUN! California has a more balanced attack this year, but they still favor the ground game (they average 200.5 rushing yards a game -- 18th best in the country). The Golden Bears are led by running back Jahvid Best (once thought to be a Heisman Trophy candidate). He's run for 616 yards (a 102.7 ypg average) and nine touchdowns this season. Shane Vareen is also dangerous out of the backfield, going for 309 yards (154 of those came last week against the Bruins) this season and five touchdowns. Expect to hear these two names over, and over, and over again tomorrow.

NOTE: California ran the ball down Wazzu's throat last year. They rushed for 391 yards, while also racking up seven rushing touchdowns. Best was especially good, running for 200 yards and three touchdowns (86 yards, 80 yards, and five yards). At practice on Wednesday, Paul Wulff told us that the Cal running backs are scary again this year because they can break huge plays even when the blocking breaks down in front of them. This is going to be a HUGE test for the Cougar defense.

California quarterback Kevin Reilly has been very efficient so far this year. He's completed more than 52% of his passes for 1,225 yards (204.2 ypg). Even more impressive, he's thrown eight touchdowns and only one interception in his first six games.

Reilly spreads the wealth all over the field. There are five receivers (including running backs and tight ends) that average more than 20 yards per game (none average more than 45 ypg though). Marvin Jones is the top target with 15 catches for 260 yards and three touchdowns so far this season. Verran Tucker is the next best wide receiver with ten catches for 213 yards, while Jeremy Ross is right behind with 11 receptions for 133 yards. Nyan Boateng, who is now healthy after fracturing his foot earlier this year, is also dangerous. Cal will also involve the running backs and tight end Anthony Miller in the passing game quite a bit.

Washington State said at practice that they want to establish the run against California. That won't be an easy task. The Golden Bears allow just 122 yards on the ground per game. Cal is much more prone to the pass, allowing 252 yards per game (99th in the country). In other words, there are holes in California's defense. The Cougs need to find out how to exploit them.

The big question is...will Jeff Tuel have enough time to throw the ball? The Cougars allowed 12 sacks in their last game. The offensive line is healthier with the return of B.J. Guerra, Zack Williams, and Steven Ayers, but they'll only be available on a limited basis this week. The offensive line must step up if Wazzu wants any chance of winning this game.

California, who beat Wazzu 66-3 last year, is a heavy favorite again this season. WSU is a 35.5 point underdog on Saturday. I'm not really sure how to predict this one, but I'll try my hardest. The Golden Bears will score points...there's no doubt about that. Depending on the play of the offensive line, the Cougs can get on the board as well. I hate to say it, but I think California wins it 42-14.

Kickoff is set for 1:30pm in Berkley. The game is not televised (not even on some obscure cable channel). Chris Bach will still have all the highlights on KREM 2 News, so watch for those.

Right now on the WSU page on KREM.com, you can find uncut interviews with Paul Wulff, Kenny Alfred, and Jeff Tuel. All talked about the bye week, facing the Bears, and so much more.

That's all I have for now!

GO COUGS!!!

1 Comments

Chief said:

If Tuel gets time to look down the field... more than 14 points will be on the board.

Cal 32, Cougs 20 (missed PAT)

Go Cougs!

October 23, 2009 12:59 PM

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