Page One

When Cal has the ball 

The ground game 

The Huskies have been stingy against the run, allowing under 100 yards per game and just 2.9 yards per carry. Their front seven is a bunch of overachievers who swarm to the ball. If they can keep Joe Igber from bouncing outside, the Huskies shouldn’t give up much on the ground. 

In the trenches 

Washington has one of the smaller defensive lines in the Pac-10, but end Kai Ellis is a pass-rushing terror. He is fast enough to get around most offensive tackles and strong enough to throw in a bull-rush on occasion. How the Bears contain Ellis will be the key to their offense. 

Taking to the air 

The Huskies don’t have great cornerbacks, but they do have good depth in their secondary. Kyle Boller should have plenty of open receivers this week and could hit for some big gains. Jon Makonnen showed signs of becoming a top receiver last week. 

When Washington has the ball 

The ground game 

For years a power in the running game, Washington has struggled for the last two seasons. They are averaging just 3.1 yards per carry, but the banged-up Cal linebacking corps doesn’t bode well. Tailback Rich Alexis is always a big-play threat. 

In the trenches 

As always, Washington has a massive offensive line. But that didn’t hurt Cal too much against Baylor or Michigan State, so maybe the Bears match up better against bigger opposition. It’s key that they get some push from the defensive tackles, so Lorenzo Alexander may get a longer look. 

Taking to the air 

Quarterback Cody Pickett has thrown for more than 300 yards in every game this season, so it could be more bombs away against a Cal secondary that looked vulnerable against Washington State last week. In fact, count on some big plays from wideout Reggie Williams, as big receivers have killed the Bears this year.