Seattle Times: Capsule Preview | Washington State vs. California

2 p.m. today at Martin Stadium

TV: None Radio: Seattle, KPTK (1090 AM); Everett, KRKO (1380 AM); Tacoma, KHHO (850 AM)

The line: California by 8

AT STAKE: The Cougars can pull off a shocker with an upset over the 10th-ranked Golden Bears. California needs a victory to keep chances alive for BCS bowl.

WHAT TO EXPECT: The Cougars are without tight end Cody Boyd and will use fewer two-tight end sets. On defense, the priority for WSU safeties will be helping defend dangerous receivers and Cal is likely to try to attack the middle with runs. Cal's defense usually is willing to allow short passes until the opponent gets within field-goal range.

NOTES: As of Friday, more than 1,000 tickets were available. WSU said it was because Cal returned a large number of tickets. ... Cal's offensive and defensive coordinators are from Washington. Offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar went to Curtis High and was head coach at one time at Central Washington. Defensive coordinator Bob Gregory went to Gonzaga Prep, and played at WSU. Assistant head coach Jim Michalczik is from Port Angeles and played at WSU. ... Anthony Felder, a Cal backup linebacker, is a sophomore from O'Dea High who has 11 tackles (six solo) this season.

INJURIES: WSU: Starting TE Cody Boyd (ankle), DT Favaea'i Ahmu (foot), starting WR Chris Jordan (knee), starting DE Matt Mullennix (knee), backup LB Chris Balzer (knee), all out. Starting OT Charles Harris (ankle) doubtful. Starting WR Jason Hill (shoulder), questionable; backup TE Jesse Taylor (knee), backup S Michael Willis (shoulder), backup CB Markus Dawes (ankle), backup DT Aaron Johnson (back) all probable. Cal injuries: Starting CB Tim Mixon (knee); out. Starting S Thomas DeCoud (knee) questionable. Starting RB Marshawn Lynch (ankle) probable.

PREDICTION: The Cougs are good enough to make it interesting, but the Bears are too fast. Cal 35, WSU 17.