Keys to the Game: Washington State

(Lobbestael has been solid Tuel's absence.)

I'm going to make this real quick since the Bears kick off against the Wazzu Cougars in less than six hours.

After one of the most disappointing losses of the past decade, the Bears must regroup against a WSU squad that is more than thrilled to be out of the conference basement. Both teams are still fighting for bowl eligibility and desperate for a win.

The Bears are favored, but after last week I've learned never, ever to get all high and mighty.


Finish in the Red Zone
With the Cougars ranked 11th in passing efficiency in the conference, I'm confident the Bears will be able to move the ball down the field.

However, where the Bears have struggled this year has been in the red zone. Cal is seventh in the conference in red zone efficiency, scoring on 29 of 35 trips, with 20 touchdowns and nine field goals.

The Cougars are going to score some points in this game, so the Bears have to be able to match them when their opportunities comes.

Stay Poised in the Pocket
Let's face it, Maynard is a completely different quarterback out of the pocket, than he is in it. He's much more confident and accurate, and has a chance to make something positive happen.

But the Bears are not going to be able to win any games this year if they can't complete throws inside the pocket. The entire field needs to be opened up, and the defense needs to be used which only happens when Maynard stays in the pocket.

Here's hoping this is the week that Maynard, or whoever Cal's QB is this week, settles down, stands tall, plants his feet and delivers the ball accurately.

Pressure Lobbestael
The Cougars are averaging 33.3 yards per game, most of that due to their efficient passing game. They're able to move the ball, and I'm already jittery about their ability to chuck the ball all around the field against our defense that has given up large chunks of yards through the air at times.

The Cougars are most vulnerable at offensive line however, in that they've given up 25 sacks this year. The key to slowing down WSU's passing game will be to disrupt Marshall Lobbestael and the passing offense.

Prediction
Bottom Line, the Bears need this game, badly. If the Bears lose, bowl eligibility becomes all but unlikely.

A must win situation pushes the Bears to rally and take down the Cougs by a field goal. And just for giggles, I say Tavecchio nailed a 19 yard field goal after the Bears are unable to punch it with 1st and goal at the 6 yard line.

Cal 24
WSU 21