USC brings 31-game winning streak to Berkeley
Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer
As he does before every game, Cal coach Jeff Tedford has spent the week watching every piece of video tape he can lay his hands on to study his team's upcoming opponent -- looking for favorable matchups, soft spots and things he can exploit.
He hasn't had much luck this week preparing for No. 1 USC. "They don't have any weaknesses," Tedford said. Cal (6-3, 3-3 Pac-10) hosts USC (9-0, 6-0) today in the highly anticipated showdown of the two teams that have played close the last three years. In fact, the Bears are the only team to beat USC in that span -- winning 34-31 in triple-overtime at Memorial Stadium in 2003. The Trojans claimed a share of the national title that year, earned it outright last year and are the odds-on favorite to repeat this year.
And the Bears are in a rebuilding year, going with young players throughout the lineup and still seeking consistency from quarterback Joe Ayoob. For the Trojans, it begins on offense -- with a group some are calling the all-time best. "How can you tell?" asked USC coach Pete Carroll, terming that praise just so much media talk. "But we're flattered by that." USC's offense is led by quarterback Matt Leinart, last year's Heisman Trophy winner and a two-time All-American. He is averaging 307.9 yards passing a game and has thrown for 23 touchdowns.
The Trojans have two 100-yards-a-game running backs, Reggie Bush and LenDale White. Plus Bush, the front-runner in this year's Heisman race, returns punts, kickoffs, occasionally lines up as a receiver and leads the conference with 193.2 all-purpose yards a game. And those are just the highlights. The Trojans have talent at wide receiver and boast a great offensive line. "When you get a group together like these guys have, it's unbelievable to watch," Tedford said. "You can't afford to focus on one person because they are experienced, they know where to go with the ball and they know what to do." In fact, Tedford acknowledges his team has little chance of stopping USC. "You just really hope to slow them down a little bit," he said. And while USC's offense receives much acclaim, Tedford said USC's defense is also formidable. "Their defense is the best I've seen," said Tedford, who is hoping his passing game gets on track to balance a running game that is No. 3 in the conference and led by tailback Marshawn Lynch, who is averaging 120.3 yards a game.
"Every play is critical," Tedford said. The two teams have a recent history of playing close, and with intensity. USC won 30-28 in 2002 and 23-17 last year. "Last year we both played it like we were playing in an NFL playoff game," Carroll said.
Carroll also vividly remembers the loss to Cal -- including a pregame walk to the top of Memorial Stadium to take in the distant view of Marin County after the team bus arrived 40 minutes too early. "They had a great stadium that day," he said. "They played great and deserved to win." Carroll acknowledged that the pressure is mounting in the late season with his team on a 31-game winning streak and seeking a rare third-straight national title. "We can lose any game," he said. "These games are hard now, they're really hard." Tedford said that for Cal to be competitive against USC, the Bears will have to eliminate turnovers and make plays when given the opportunity. "Everything has to fit together for us," he said.
This is the fourth time Tedford and Carroll have met as head coaches in a rivalry characterized by mutual respect and hard-fought games. "I have a lot of respect for USC, coach Carroll and their players," Tedford said. "I think they win with class."
Briefly: Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane, foot, is listed as probable. Wide receiver Noah Smith, ankle, is doubtful. In a late lineup change, Mathew Malele will start in place of Abu Ma'afala at defensive tackle.
Today's game
Who: USC at Cal
When: 12:30 p.m.
TV:
Channel: 7, Channel: 10
Radio: 810 AM
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