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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

WSU vs. Cal: Three things to watch


During tonight's game, WSU will keep close attention on California running back Marshawn Lynch, shown scoring against Arizona earlier this month. 
 (Associated Press / The Spokesman-Review)
The Spokesman-Review

1 Bounce it out: With Will Derting still out because of a knee injury, it looks as if the Cougars will once again have two true freshmen starting right up the middle. As a result, coach Bill Doba said he expects California will try to use its impressive running game largely between the tackles, where WSU is ostensibly at its weakest.

To play effectively against Cal, the Cougars must plug up some of those interior holes and force running backs Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett to take some carries outside, where outside linebackers Scott Davis and Steve Dildine are more likely to help out. Should the Bears find running room inside without having to look for other holes, they’ll be able to control the clock, keep the WSU offense off the field and make it another long day for the Cougars.

2 Turnover trouble: WSU has struggled badly in the turnover department this season, especially on defense. The Cougars have scored just eight takeaways in six games, the second-worst figure in the Pac-10, and they have only four in three conference games. Overall, WSU is minus-6 in turnovers.

Cal hasn’t been great, either, getting just one more turnover than it’s given. But that’s still substantially better than WSU, and considering that few if any statistics predict wins and losses more accurately, it’s safe to say the Cougars will have to turn things around to have a chance. On defense, WSU just hasn’t shown a knack for making big plays, or even to hit people hard enough to force turnovers on a consistent basis. Lynch has shown a propensity to fumble, and WSU will need to exploit both that and Cal quarterback’s Joe Ayoob’s erratic arm to give the offense a chance tonight.