USC-Cal Preview: Is This The Year?

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

Five Golden Bears (not named Jahvid Best or Kevin Riley) who must step up

Marvin Jones

The sophomore wideout has been a virtual non-factor since his promising 74-yard season debut against Maryland, having caught just five total passes in Cal's last three games. 

If the Bears have any chance to keep the Trojans defense honest and hesitant about loading the box against Best, Jones and fellow receiver Verran Tucker (who had a case of the drops against Oregon) must become more reliable, particularly on third-down passing situations.

With Taylor Mays roaming the seconday, none of the Cal receivers scare the Trojans much right now. That must change.

Tyson Alualu

If the Bears hope to make Matt Barkley feel like a freshman on Saturday, they can't let him have all day to throw like they allowed Jeremiah Masoli. Alualu is the senior leader on Cal's defensive front, and must help re-energize a previously potent pass-rush that flamed out in Autzen.

Consistent pressure, a challenge against USC's sturdy offensive line, will not only make Barkley uncomfortable, but will also free up Cal's linebackers.

Josh Hill

The freshman, who had seven tackles and a pick against Oregon, chose an important game to make his second start in place of the struggling (albeit injured) Darian Hagan; a big performance is exactly what the Bears will ask of him and the rest of the secondary after a dreadful outing in Autzen.

With USC looking to protect their freshman quarterback, how many times do you think Hill heard about defending the short passes in practice? 

Bryan Anger

Fans could tell it was one of those days for the Bears in Autzen when even their All-America candidate punter struggled. The sophomore had one of the worst games of his career, shanking a punt off the side of his foot for five yards, and averaged just 35 yards per boot (30 yards net). 

Anger's punts have the potential to be game changing by turning the field around; he will be the first step in not only helping ground the USC attack, but consequently setting up the Bears with favorable field position.

Mike Tepper

This game will be decided in the trenches, with both Jahvid Best's and Kevin Riley's success depending on the boys up front. Cal's senior leader at tackle in particular must have a complete turn-around from a dismal performance against Oregon.

Even with USC's injuries on defense (notably to sack leader Nick Perry), the talented Trojans will bring plenty of speed off the edges to challenge him and fellow tackle Mitchell Schwartz.

Four Things Cal must do to win

Strike first

In the 2003 upset win, the Bears jumped out to a 21-7 lead, and playing from ahead is where Cal's offense is at its' most dangerous.

It means prime usage for Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen, while also helping open up the passing game.

Also, Bears' psychology when playing from behind is still in question, as they have only faced a deficit in one game this year...try and guess which one.

Convert on third down

It's quite simple, really: third down conversions keep drives going, the USC defense on the field, and the Trojan offense (with its clock killing running game) off it.

Another 3-of-15 showing on third down is not going to cut it for the Bears.

Get seven points, not three

Points will be hard to come by against USC's deep and talented defense, injuries be damned. That means the Bears must take advantage of every scoring opportunity they get, particularly in the redzone or near the goal line.

No offense to kicker Vince D'amato, but most fans would probably trust Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen more to get the team points right now.

Best, Best, and more Best

Cal has a Heisman trophy candidate who can score from anywhere on the field, and they better use him like one.

Get him between 25 and 30 touches is critical: runs, sweeps, reverses, lining him up as a receiver, even having him return kickoffs—whatever it takes, as long as it means Best gets out into space with the ball.

Cal fans should expect to see plenty of No. 4 running on the Memorial Stadium turf—and it better not be Joe McKnight.

Three Encouraging Stats for Cal

9: Amount of consecutive home wins by the Bears

7-1: Cal's record since 2003 in games that followed a loss by 10 or more points

21. 3:  USC's average point total against Cal between 2006 and 2008; the Trojans averaged 33. 5 points per game over those three years

Two Discouraging stats for Cal

1.7: Average yards per carry allowed by the Trojans defense this season

7: Number of fourth quarter points scored by the Bears against USC since 2004. That lone score was a garbage time touchdown during a 2005 blowout.

One Final score prediction

24 - 20, Cal The Bears are difficult to read right now, but it's just as hard to believe that a team this talented can put together two stinkers in a row. Battling for their Rose Bowl lives at home, Cal should have no shortage of motivation. 

The Bears have played USC tough the past couple of years, particularly due to the defense, and this year's Trojans are not Pete Carroll's offensive juggernauts of years past.

Cal's own offense has held the team back in those contests. This year, a motivated and improved Best provides just enough big plays to get them over the hump.

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