Cal vs Washington State

Just a few notes -

The Bears should clobber WSU. We have the talent, the coaching, etc. But they do have the location.

WSU lost to Oklahoma State by a bunch the other day, but that game was played in Seattle, not in eastern Washington. This is the first real home game for the Cougars. And Oklahoma State is a good team. At least, it is coached by a man...

This is also the first home game for the new coach, and I am sure that the fans will be supportive. They know the hand he was dealt. The Bears need to come out strong and put out any fires right away to make sure that this game does not get into a situation where there could be a miracle finish, which often happens against us at the Palouse.

Washington State is playing 13 games this year again, as they are going to Hawaii at the end of the season. I guess that will be their bowl game. They would have to win 7 to be bowl eligible, which is doable for them but unlikely. Their next two games are at Baylor and Portland State, so they have something to look forward to after this weekend.

WSU was held to 196 yards vs Oklahoma State. Jahvid Best had a total of 277 all purpose yards. Interesting. So clearly, the focus is going to be on stopping the Bear rushing attack. I think that teams that do that early in the season have a great opportunity to get burned by Riley and the maturing receiver group. So I think this will be an interesting game - first to see what WSU is up to, and second to see if the young Riley can handle a tough crowd.

If Riley starts to fall apart up there (which I doubt) and JT puts Nate in, and he does well. I do not think there is a controversy. Riley is the guy, from here on out (unless he gets hurt). When Rodger's came out of the USC game, after getting rattled, there was no doubt that he would be going back in the next game, and not Reggie Roberson. That is the same type of situation we have here now. Riley is the guy. But this will be a big test for him and the rest of this young team. I look forward to watching.

GO Bears!!