Daily Evergreen: Cougars try to run with Golden Bears

California marks the third Top 10 team the Cougars have faced in the early season.

Two weeks after a disappointing loss to the No.3 Trojans, the 4-2 WSU football team has another opportunity to shine in the spotlight as they welcome the No. 10 California Golden Bears to Martin Stadium on Saturday.  The Bears come into the matchup at 5-1, their only loss a season opening defeat at Tennessee 35-18. They possess the eighth most potent offense in the nation, scoring an average of 42 points per game while racking up nearly 450 yards of total offense.  “We better be ready to play or we could be embarrassed,” said WSU head coach Bill Doba. “They are an excellent football team. The thing that is scary is their speed.” Last week the Golden Bears upstaged the then-No.11 Oregon Ducks, 45-24, and continued to climb up the rankings. The Golden Bears feast on the big play, with dangerous punt returner Desean Jackson responsible for two touchdown returns already this season.

“Jackson might be one of the fastest kids we have seen around here for a long time, he is a very gifted player,” Doba said.  The Cougars will need to limit the turnovers allowed to the Bears to have a chance. The WSU defense, which accumulated six sacks last week, will again need to be active in forcing Golden Bears’ quarterback Nate Longshore into difficult situations. “They have both phases offensively, both running and passing games,” Doba said.  Golden Bears running back Marshawn Lynch leads the Pac-10 in rushing with 100.8 yards per game, but sat out against Oregon due to injury. His backup, Justin Forsett, ran for 163 yards and a touchdown in his absense, but Lynch is expected back Saturday.  WSU defensive end Mkristo Bruce will again attempt to lead the Cougars defense. He remains the nations sack leader after registering two against the Beavers, raising his total to 10 for the season. As a team, WSU also leads the nation in sacks per game with 4.5.  The Golden Bears have not won in Pullman since 1979, giving the Cougars a 10-game winning streak in the process. The last game played at Martin Stadium was in 2001 when the Cougars came away with a 51-20 victory.

Last season the Cougars wasted a 423-yard, five touchdown performance by quarterback Alex Brink, and 240 yards receiving by Jason Hill as they fell to the Golden Bears 42-38.  The Cougars could miss some key components of their No. 17 offense as they struggle with injuries. Tight end Cody Boyd will be out with a sprained ankle and Jed Collins and Tony Thompson will be left at the position. Jason Hill is a game-time decision as he fights a knee injury sustained against the Beavers. Doba said he will utilize different formations and schemes to offset the injuries but WSU quarteback Alex Brink believes the team can overcome them.  “We have a lot of quality receivers that can step in and play at a high level if we need them,” Brink said. “[Lack of tight ends] really affects our running game and stops us from using the two tight end sets.” This is the third Top 10 opponent the Cougars have faced through their first seven games and they continue to improve against the nations best.  “I think it is great to play good competition,” Doba said. “I think it helps us to prepare and it lets us know what it takes to compete at that level. We have to continue to get better.”