While Oregon State pulled off an upset of Pac-10 power and perennial national title contender USC last weekend, the biggest winner of that game might have been California. The recipe for success became real simple for the Bears after the Trojans' slip-up: Keep winning, and the Pac-10's slot in the Rose Bowl is theirs. But you wouldn't realize it by listening to fifth-year Cal coach Jeff Tedford. He hasn't missed an opportunity to tout the parity in the Pac-10 in deflecting questions about his team's new position of strength. Tedford insists recruiting duties during his team's off week prevented him from watching all but the final minute of the USC-OSU matchup in Corvallis, Ore. But he said he wasn't surprised by the outcome. "Oregon State has been playing pretty well, and it (Corvallis) is a tough place to play," said Tedford, whose Bears (7-1) occupy first place in the Pac-10 standings at 5-0 heading into Saturday's game against UCLA. "Anything can happen in this conference each week, so nothing surprises me really."
But the Trojans' loss has heightened anticipation of the Cal-USC matchup in Los Angeles on Nov. 18. The Trojans could rebound and solidify their supremacy in the Pac-10, or the Bears may strengthen their bid for their first conference title since 1975. Oregon State coach Mike Riley, who has the perspective of having played both teams this season, can't wait for the clash of the two Pac-10 powers. "It's a great matchup of a lot of talent," Riley said. "Both teams have very good players, and obviously, both teams are very well-coached. Besides that, I really can't say (who might win). But it will be a classic matchup."
Here is the link.
No comments:
Post a Comment