Originally published November 3, 2007 at 12:00 AM | Page modified November 3, 2007 at 2:01 AM

Preview | WSU (3-5) vs. Cal (5-3)

Cal's DeSean Jackson is a dangerous punt returner.

7 p.m. at Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, Calif.

TV: FSN Radio: Seattle KPTK (1090 AM); Everett KRKO (1380 AM); Tacoma KHHO (850 AM).

The line: California by 14 ½

At stake: California, which was on the threshold of being ranked No. 1 in the country, needs to stop a three-game losing streak. The Cougars need a victory to maintain momentum after big win over UCLA.

What to expect: WSU will stay with the 3-4 defense that has put increased pressure on quarterbacks with blitzing linebackers. With WSU running back Dwight Tardy (knee) out, Cal is likely to blitz more than usual because the Cougars will have to rely on the pass.

Notes: Cal offensive coordinator Jim Michalczik was a teammate of Cougars assistants Timm Rosenbach and Steve Broussard on the 1988 WSU team that upset No. 1 UCLA. ... Cal's DeSean Jackson is one of nation's most dangerous punt returners, averaging 9.5 yards this year and 18.2 last year. ... Cal leads the series 38-25-5. ... Cal's 21-3 victory last season was its first in Pullman since 1979, a string of 10 games. WSU was 0 for 11 on third-down conversions in that defeat. ... Cal junior linebacker Anthony Felder, an O'Dea grad, is No. 2 in the Pac-10 with 10.1 tackles a game. ... Cal defensive coordinator Bob Gregory, 44, is a former WSU player from Gonzaga Prep in Spokane. Gregory is being mentioned as a possible candidate for the Cougars head-coaching position if the school makes a change. ... Cal wideout Robert Jordan set a school record last week when he caught a pass in his 37th consecutive game.

Injuries: WSU: Starting RB Dwight Tardy (knee), backup RB Chris Ivory (concussion), starting SS Alfonso Jackson (concussion) out; backup DE Mike Graise (ankle) doubtful.

Cal: Backup K Tom Schneider (quadriceps), backup DBs Marcus Ezeff (quadriceps) and Robert Peele (ankle), backup DE Rulon Davis (knee) out; starting QB Nate Longshore (ankle) and starting WR Robert Jordan (shoulder), probable.

Prediction: Bears simply the better team. Cal 38, WSU 17.

Craig Smith


Washington State stat leaders
Passing	PC	PA	Yds	TD
Alex Brink	203	326	2,350	19
Rushing	TCB	Yds	Avg	TD
Dwight Tardy	143	676	4.7	6
Kevin McCall	33	156	4.7	0
Receiving	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD
Michael Bumpus	47	540	11.5	4
Brandon Gibson	45	619	13.8	7
Tackles	UT	AT	Total
Greg Trent	32	31	63
Husain Abdullah	31	22	53


California stat leaders
Passing	PC	PA	Yds	TD
Nate Longshore	144	233	1,644	11
Rushing	TCB	Yds	Avg	TD
Justin Forsett	178	873	4.9	10
Jahvid Best	23	185	8.0	2
Receiving	Rec	Yds	Avg	TD
DeSean Jackson	46	541	11.8	5
Lavelle Hawkins	44	603	13.7	4
Tackles	UT	AT	Total
Anthony Felder	39	42	81
Worrell Williams	36	37	73