Saturday, October 14, 2006

Post Tribune: Top 25 Games Today

No. 10 California (5-1) at Washington State (4-2)

California update: Nate Longshore is among the nation's most productive passers, with 1,410 yards and 17 touchdowns. He leads an offense that is averaging 447.5 yards -- eighth in the nation. A 45-24 victory over Oregon last week should ease questions about a Week 1 loss to Tennessee, but the Golden Bears have lost the last 10 times they have played at Pullman.

Washington State update: The Cougars showed how tough they can be at home, taking USC to the wire in a 28-22 loss on Sept. 30. Defensive end Mkristo Bruce leads the nation with 10 sacks, pacing a defense that has a national-best 27. When they don't get sacks, however, the Cougars can be vulnerable. They have given up an average of 227 passing yards a game.

Story line: With Cal coming off a big victory and playing on the road, it seems ripe for an upset. The Golden Bears need a victory to keep alive hopes of a Pacific 10 showdown with USC on Nov. 18. Washington State has not beaten a ranked team in nine tries since December, 2003.

 

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