| When the Cougars run: With the loss of Dwight Tardy, the WSU running game will take a hit. But senior Kevin McCall has the speed to take up the slack, though he has only 51 career carries. The Cal defense has been soft recently, yielding 671 yards in the past four games. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Cougars pass: The Bears have allowed only two 300-yard passers this season, one being Oregon’s Dennis Dixon. Part of that revolves around the ease teams are having running. The Cougars’ receiving core is getting healthier, and should have a big day. EDGE: WSU |
| When the Bears run: Justin Forsett has been slowed by injuries and stout rushing defenses the past two weeks and failed to pass the century mark in either loss. Expect Cal to emphasize him and freshman Jahvid Best early. The Cougars seem to give up one big run each game, then settle down. EDGE: Cal |
| When the Bears pass: If Nate Longshore is healthy and mobile, the edge here goes to Cal. But that’s a big if. Longshore practiced Thursday and is expected to play. If freshman Kevin Riley has to go, the Bears’ tough corps of receivers, headed by DeSean Jackson, may not be enough. EDGE: WSU |
| Coaching/intangibles: The home-field advantage is squarely with the Bears, who have won 21 of their last 24 games in Berkeley. For their part, the Cougars have yet to win a road game, unless you consider traveling to Seattle a road contest. EDGE: Cal |
| 1960s street cred: Though we weren’t around, we’re guessing there weren’t a lot of tie-dye parties, draft-card barbecues and police confrontations going on in Pullman in 1969. At least not to the level displayed at Cal. In this category, Berkeley is a 14.5-point favorite on most other colleges. EDGE: Cal |
