Seattle News Tribune: The Cougars' opponent this week

THE NEWS TRIBUNE

NO. 25 CALIFORNIA (5-2 overall, 2-2 Pacific-10 Conference)

7:15 p.m. Saturday at Memorial Stadium, Berkeley Calif., FSN, 850-AM

Coach: Jeff Tedford, fourth year, 30-15.

Last week: The Bears lost their second consecutive game, dropping a 23-20 decision to Oregon State in Berkeley. The loss snapped a 10-game home winning streak and marks the first time since 2003 the Bears have lost back-to-back games.

Against the Cougars: Cal leads, 36-25-5, although WSU has won the past four games in the series. The teams have not played since 2002.

Washington connection: LB Anthony Felder, Fr., O’Dea. Two coaches – defensive coordinator Bob Gregory (Class of ’87) and offensive line coach Jim Michalczik (’88) – played at WSU.

Scouting report: Cal may be slumping but the Bears, who are ranked in the Top 25 for the 20th consecutive week, are still formidable. Cal is one of five teams to rank in the nation’s top 20 in scoring offense (No. 16 at 37.29 points per game) and scoring defense (No. 19 at 17.6 ppg). The Bears are also the Pac-10’s top defense, giving up an average of 316.4 yards per game. All of which makes Saturday’s loss to the Beavers even more head-scratching, although Cal did commit five turnovers. Oregon State held Cal’s running game, which was averaging 271 yards, to 75 yards. The Beavers also ran over the Bears, getting a career-high 194 yards from Yvenson Bernard. … There are plenty of playmakers on an offense that features two running backs averaging around 100 yards per game. Marshall Lynch (98.6) and Justin Forsett (108) are capable runners. Lynch, however, was benched after fumbling twice in the first half against Oregon State. … Freshman receiver DeSean Jackson has blossomed the past two weeks making 15 receptions for 207 yards and two TDs. … Injuries might hamper the offense this week. Already down one starting lineman because of a season-ending knee injury, Cal could be without tackle Ryan O’Callaghan because of a concussion. Also, receiver Robert Jordan has a collarbone injury that could sideline him against WSU.

Did you know: Cal had a streak of 19 consecutive games with a 100-yard rusher snapped by Oregon State on Saturday.