Washington State Preview

I’m going to have to make this a shorter post, especially considering how late in the week this is. I’m going to forego writing any semblance of a Keys to the Game feature and instead, just a recap of a few thoughts before we take on Washington State.

A loss against Washington State would be an utter disaster and a lowpoint in the Tedford era. Cal has had their share of headscratchers, but most of our big losses have been against teams that turned out to be pretty darned good. We’ve also been lost to teams we should have beaten such as pretty bad teams in UCLA and Washington in past years, but I can’t recall the last time we’ve been upset by a bottom feeder like an 1-8 Washington State squad.

With that said, a loss to the Cougars would not be completely out of the question or an absolute surprise at this point. I think that speaks to the improvement of WSU, and the inconsistency (putting it lightly) of this Bears squad when facing adversity, specifically on the road. This game is very much losable.

Again, the Cougars have made some pretty strong gains, particularly on the offensive side of the ball where they currently have the 5th ranked passing offense in the conference (avg: 258.1 ypg). Jeff Tuel has come on a bit this season, finding some key targets in Jared Kardstetter and Marquess Wilson. The receiving duo has combined for 1419 yards and 10 touchdowns this year, better than any other receiving pair this year.

However, the Cougars are still a season or two away from being a consistent threat in the conference. Their offensive line has paved the way for an average of just 73 yards per game on the ground, and have allowed 36 sacks on the season (twice as many as the Bears). The bigger disappointment is a defensive squad that ranks among the worst in the nation in most statistical categories: 116th in scoring defense, last in total defense, 119th in rushing defense, 106th in passing defense, 107th in opponents’ third down conversions, etc.

Like I said last week though, statistics mean very little to this year’s Bears squad. We know very weel the Bears can come out flat again “poor statistically defensive teams.”


Much will be made about Brock Mansion’s first career start. Honestly, I think his performance will be wholly dependent on his offensive line protection. How this offensive line performs in its final performance will be the bigger. After reshuffling its personnel a bit, with MSG finally getting the starting nod at LG, and Schwenke moving to RG, it will be interesting to see how they impose their will in the trenches. If Mansion has more than a few seconds to go through his progressions, there’s no reason why he shouldn’t have at least a decent day.

Frankly, the game will be won in the trenches and on the ground. If Vereen can’t rush over 100 yards on the ground today, it’ll cement the fact that there is something incredibly wrong with the entire offensive scheme and personnel.

The biggest issue is how the Bears will respond during their last road game of the season against an inferior squad. If the Bears make some mistakes (turnovers, key penalties) early on, and let WSU get up early, it’ll be hard not to kiss this game goodbye. But if the Bears can focus on assignments, drive down the field for a touchdown while forcing one or two three-and-outs, then I think the Bears will roll.

Again, the Bears should win. And absolutely need to if they want to keep any bowl hopes alive. As much as WSU has improved, I can’t foresee a loss to the Cougars being anything more than just a mere possibility. But then again, three blowouts on the road say, “Hello!”

Prediction
Cal 38
WSU 17