CAL Comes Marching In . . .

This is a big one . . . as it usually has been between USC and CAL the last few years. With one loss in conference, both teams are trying to stay in position for a run at the Pac 10 championship.

The Bears are a team that presents balance on offense, but more importantly for them, they are playing some defense this year. The Trojans feasted on a pasty in UW last week, and are rested on both sides of the ball. Which team will blink first?


Let's break 'em down:

CAL

Offense - The saying goes that "two heads are better than one", and CAL is trying that notion by rotating between QBs Kevin Riley and Nate Longshore. Either could start against SC, and both have put up solid numbers combining for 154 - 280 for 1,832 yards with 18 TDs and 7 INTs. Riley is more mobile, but is also coming off of a concussion in last week's win over Oregon. The Bear RBs Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen have been very productive, both averaging over 5.5 yards per carry. Best and Vereen are fast, but not big. Best has battled injuries this year, and is nursing a sore foot but should play vs. SC. CAL's receiving unit has been led by TE Cameron Morrah who leads the team with (21) receptions and six TDs. The OLine is a little banged up, but is getting a few players back. Center Alex Mack is thought of as the best in the Pac 10.

Defense - Using a 3 - 4 scheme, CAL's surprising defensive unit is led by a very good LB unit with Zack Follett, Mike Mohamed and Worrell Williams who are very active in both rushing the passer and stopping the run. The DB group has also been productive leading the conference with 17 INTs. Starting CBs SydQuan Thompson and Darian have combined for (4) INTs and (17) pass breakups. The DLine group, however, may be a bit of a weak link this weekend. They are banged up in the middle with starting NT Derek Hill questionable for the SC game.


USC

Offense - Big game for Mark Sanchez. He'll have to contend with a CAL defense that has confused a lot of QBs into throwing INTs. Sanchez's decision-making will be huuuuuge in this game. Taking the easy pass, and not getting flustered if he does make a mistake will be key to leading SC's offense. The RB group welcomes back Joe McKnight, and that can take some pressure off by moving him around and making the CAL D adjust to SC's formations. The WR vs. CB matchups in this game will be great. SC's rushing game will be important to keep CAL's pressure from the edges off of them, especially cuz CAL is banged up in the middle of their DLine.

Defense - SC's D is on a roll, and will have to focus on banging around CAL's fast, but not physical RBs (Best and Vereen). Stopping the run is key for SC because CAL is not very prolific throwing to its WRs. CAL will probably try to take advantage of SC's quick pursuit with screen passes on 2nd and 3rd downs, so MLB Rey Maualuga will have to be alert to keep the Bear RBs from operating in space. Dealing with QB Riley's mobility within the pocket could also pose a challenge for the Trojan defense.


Prediction:

USC - 31
CAL - 13