Cal's season needs a win against ASU
Coaches preach playing them one at a time, and this is one game the Cal Bears can't afford to let get away.
The Bears (2-2, 0-1 Pac-12) return to Memorial Stadium on Saturday for a noon kickoff against Arizona State (13, 0-1) in a game that could go a long way in determining the trajectory of the rest of Cal's season.
On the heels of a 59-32 reality check crushing at No. 7 Washington last week, the Bears won't get another chance like this one all season: At home, mostly healthy and favored by nearly two touchdowns against an opponent without an FBS victory.
Victory becomes imperative on the final day of September because of the gauntlet directly ahead in Cal's path. The Bears' next five games over six weeks are against opponents with a combined record of 19-1 — home games vs. Oregon State, USC and Washington State, and grueling road tests at Utah and Oregon.
The Bears have little wiggle room in their pursuit of six victories and bowl eligibility and ASU is a game they cannot afford to give away.
The Sun Devils are coming off a 42-28 loss to USC and playing on the road for the first time this season, and are still finding themselves. ASU has 78 new players on the roster from a year ago, second to only Colorado (88) among FBS teams, and has already started three quarterbacks this season. Freshman Jaden Rashada won the job out of camp, but an injury from his days at Pittsburg High sidelined him after two games. Notre Dame transfer Drew Pyne made his first start as a Sun Devil against USC, but is out indefinitely with multiple injuries. Trenton Bourguet is expected to start against the Bears.
Reasons Cal should win TURNOVER FACTOR FAVORS THE BEARS >>
Despite three interceptions at UW, Cal is plus-3 in turnover margin thanks to 11 takeaways, which is tied for the most in the country by a Power 5 team.
ASU has coughed up 11 turnovers, which ranks in a tie for worst among Power 5 programs. The Devils have just one takeaway (and no interceptions), giving them a minus-10 turnover margin — last among 130 FBS teams.
CAL SHOULD SUCCEED RUNNING THE BALL >> While the Bears continue to sort out the quarterback position, they are running the ball better than they have in years, ranked third in the Pac-12 at nearly 217 yards per game.
USC averaged 7.3 yards per rush against ASU last week, and they don't have anyone with the speed of Jaydn Ott.
THE DEFENSE BOUNCES BACK >>
After the Cal offense and special teams spotted Washington a 14-0 lead, the Bears' defense could not slow Michael Penix Jr. and the Huskies' potent attack. ASU is not that — the Sun Devils rank last in the Pac-12 in scoring, total offense, rushing yards and pass efficiency.
Ways Cal could stumble
VERSATILE SCATTEBO DELIVERS ENCORE >> Running back Cameron Scattebo, the Big Sky Offensive Player of the Year in 2022 at Sacramento State, helped keep ASU close with a marvelous performance against USC last week, totaling 232 yards rushing, receiving and passing before the Trojans escaped with a 42-28 victory. Scattebo also punted once for 53 yards and completed a 25-yard pass for a first down on an ab-libbed play out of punt formation. SUN DEVILS PRESSURE CAL'S QBS >> Cal managed to avoid allowing any sacks at Washington but the Sun Devils present another challenge in that area. Their defense has 11 sacks but also 17 quarterback hurries in four games. If the Bears get into too many third-and-long situations, ASU could make life uncomfortable for Sam Jackson V and Ben Finley.