Quick Takes Before Kickoff: California

If you notice a different style of defense from Tedford's Bears tonight, it's because they made the switch from a 4-3 to a 3-4 in the off-season. That additional linebacker often drops into coverage, creating a formidable eight-man secondary.

Corner backs Syd'Quan Thompson and Darian Hagan form one of the better duos in the Pac-10 at that position. Sean Cattouse (three interceptions) is another ball hawker in their secondary.

Mark Sanchez, who has had a tendency to be risky with some of his throws, should watch out in obvious passing situations.

Both defenses are terrific a) on third down and b) in the red zone, ranking eighth or better nationally.

The kickers for each team are standouts as well, collecting a total of 74 touchbacks between them. That's good for No. 1 and 2 in the nation.

There have been a few nasty hits, by Taylor Mays and Kevin Ellison specifically, on Cal receivers over the past half-decade. I'll be excited to see if that continues, because there has been some bad blood built up in this rivalry.

The last thing USC wants to do is get in an emotional battle, as that's when you see top teams get upset.

Zack Follett and Mike Mohamed are Cal's best linebackers, and they will have their hands full if the Trojans' athletic offensive line can spring their blocks into the second level.

As badly as I don't want to see it, the men in stripes could have a lot to say before this Pac-10 battle is over. California and USC are two of the most penalized teams in the nation, 86th and 113th unrespectfully.

I see some parallels between this match up and the USC vs. Fresno State game of 2005. That game featured a lot of speed, like we'll see tonight, and the coaches, Pat Hill and Pete Carroll, really let their players play.

If you can remember, Reggie Bush responded with a ridiculous performance that won him the Heisman, and allowed the Trojans to escape with a 50-42 win (and their No. 1 ranking).

I have two key matchups that I'll be watching in the game tonight;

1) SC's running game vs. Cal's three-man defensive line, when Sarkisian spreads it out with three, four and five wide receivers.

2) Cal's offensive line vs. whoever rushes the QB for the Trojans. Nate Longshore, who is less athletic than injured Kevin Riley, will get the start at quarterback for the Golden Bears. Arizona had a boatload of success by blitzing him (on virtually every play) earlier this season.

Under two hours til the USC Blitz live blog, fight on Trojans!