Stanford, Cal each need wins to reach magic number
SoCal native is excited to play so close to his home at the Coliseum
Cal cornerback Cam Bynum, who grew up attending USC games at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum, is excited to play in the 95-year-old structure for the first time tonight.
“This place has history, serious history,” Bynum said, alluding to the Coliseum’s resume that includes hosting to two Summer Olympics and the first Super Bowl. “Walking through that big ol’ tunnel — that’s my favorite part. Everything echoing. I love it.”
Fellow cornerback Elijah Hicks has his own history at the Coliseum. As a 10-year-old, he played there in Snoop Dogg’s youth football league.
“At that time it was pretty cool,” said Hicks, whose parents live five minutes away. “That was exciting.”
Tonight, when the Bears (5-4, 2-4 Pac-12) take on the Trojans (5-4, 4-3), their focus won’t be on the venue.
“When we go out on the field, we have to execute,” coach Justin Wilcox said.
Cal is seeking a sixth
victory and bowl eligibility, which also would allow the Bears to snap a 14-game losing streak to the Trojans.
Here are a few things to watch:
EMBRACING DEFENSE >> Two years removed from their days as a free-wheeling team that was only barely concerned with stopping the opponent, Cal now is able to survive in a grindit-out defensive battle.
The Bears scored only one offensive touchdown combined against Washington and Washington State the past two weeks, and could have won both games (they split). Meanwhile, the defense has allowed only 36 points in the past three games — the stingiest Cal has been in three consecutive Pac-12 games since 2004.
“When we got here, unfortunately they didn’t play great defense,” said Cal defensive coordinator Tim DeRuyter, who this week was named a candidate for the Broyles Award, given to the nation’s top assistant coach.
“A lot of guys felt ‘woe is me’ with their little slumped shoulders. But now we have pride that we can win a game on defense. It’s really fun to see that transition in their attitude.” TURNOVERS REMAIN THE KEY >> The Bears threw two more interceptions in their 19-13 loss at Washington State — one each by Chase Garbers and Brandon McIlwain — and now rank thirdto-worst nationally in most turnovers surrendered with 22.
What the Bears’ record might be without the glut of giveaways is difficult to project.
But consider how dramatically Cal’s defensive rating has been impacted. The Bears rank 31st nationally in scoring defense. But if you deduct the six touchdowns given up by the offense, the Bears would climb to No. 13.
WHO WILL WIN THE RUN GAME? >> Cal wants to run the ball, but the Bears have struggled the past two weeks, gaining 203 yards on only 2.8 yards per try against the Washington schools.
USC rediscovered its traditional power running game last week after coach Clay Helton took over play-calling duties. The Trojans ran over Oregon State for 332 rushing yards on 7.5 yards per attempt, led by Aca’Cedric Ware, who had a careerhigh 205 yards and three touchdowns.