Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer
Saturday, October 22, 2005
The wise fan would not think about leaving Memorial Stadium early tonight. Cal's game against Washington State could get exciting come the fourth quarter. Both teams come in on losing streaks, and each is carrying a late-game jinx. During Cal's two-game losing streak the Bears have been outscored in the fourth quarter by UCLA 19-3 and Oregon State 7-0. Things have been even worse for the Cougars, who have lost three in a row. Last week they led UCLA 38-21 going into the fourth quarter, only to lose in overtime. They were outscored by Stanford 17-14 in the second half two weeks ago in a 24-21 loss. A week earlier the Cougars led Oregon State 30-23 going into the fourth, but lost 44-33. "When it comes time to make plays, they're a lot like us," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said. In other words, the Cougars -- and the Bears -- are not making big plays when they're needed the most. "We could be 6-0 right now, or at least 5-1," Washington State coach Bill Doba said. "But we're not playing together as a team. ... Hopefully we'll take our frustrations out on Cal." Tedford is preparing for the Washington State team he's seen early in games. "They have done great things," he said. "They are very explosive on offense."
The Cougars have the No. 1 ranked running back in the Pac-10 in Jerome Harrison, who is averaging 166.8 yards a game. They also have a potent air attack in quarterback Alex Brink, ranked No. 5 in the conference in passing efficiency, and receiver Jason Hill, No. 2 with 36 catches for 586 yards and eight touchdowns. And they play basically the same offense that's become a fixture in Pullman -- spreading receivers across the field, sometimes lining up with just one back. "They bring big play potential with them," Tedford said. "I think they play really solid on defense as well." Cal has several key players nursing injuries. DeSean Jackson, the Bears' leading receiver with 29 catches for 397 yards and four touchdowns, will probably play, despite a shoulder injury. Robert Jordan, No. 2 on the team with 24 catches for 375 yards and four touchdowns, will not play because of a collarbone injury. Receivers Sam DeSa, Sean Young and LaReylle Cunningham are all expected to see increased playing time. Two of the team's best players up front are doubtful. Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane has an ankle injury and offensive tackle Ryan O'Callaghan is recovering from a concussion. Mika Kane and Abu Ma'afala will get more time at defensive tackle if Mebane can't play. Jonathan Murphy will take over if O'Callaghan can't go, plugging an offensive line that has already lost tackle Andrew Cameron with a torn ACL. Tailback Marshawn Lynch will start after being benched in the second half last week following two fumbles. He also will take over as the primary kickoff return man. The key on offense could come down to quarterback Joe Ayoob, who has yet to successfully make the transition from junior college to Division I. Although he had shown improvement the last few games, he turned cold in the fourth quarter against Oregon State,completing just two of 11 passes in the Bears' final three possessions.
Today's game
Who: Washington State (3-3, 0-3 Pac-10) at No. 25 Cal (5-2, 2-2)
When: 7:15 p.m.
TV: FSN Radio: 810 AM
Story line: This could very well be a turning-point game for Cal. The Bears, after winning their first five games with relative ease, have lost their last two. A win would return some momentum heading into a bye week before the toughest part of the schedule, games at Oregon and against No. 1 USC. The Bears again need to overcome injuries to key players And they'll need to find some consistency on offense, looking for improvements in the passing game and for the run game to return to form after problems in the loss to Oregon State.
Washington St. (3-3) at Cal (5-2)
Time: 7:15 p.m.
TV: FSNBA
Radio: 810 AM
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