When the Washington Huskies (4-6, 3-4) play the California Golden Bears (5-6, 3-5) today both coaches will have the same message to their respected teams. "Don't lose because one more loss would eliminate us from a bowl opportunity".
But for Washington the situation is a touch different than Cal's. Washington will have to win this week and next week against cross state rival Washington State. The Cougars are improving fast and would like nothing more than to beat their bitter rivals from the Emerald City.
For Cal, It's simple win and you're in lose and you go home. Head Coach of the Golden Bears Jeff Tedford saw his team get annihilated by Stanford last week at home 48-14. The loss was the first time Cal had been blown out at home all year. More importantly back up QB Brock Mansion showed an enormous amount of jitters last week as he fumbled the snap multiple times and threw two interceptions.
Washington is coming into the game full of confidence following its 24-7 victory last Thursday night. In that game Washington had one of the best defensive showings all year allowing UCLA to only 163 yards of total offense. If Washington wants to come away from Berkley with a win they must stop Shane Vereen and the California running game. Vereen is already a 1000 yard rusher for the season. If he rushes for 262 yards today he will have 3000 yards rushing for his career.
Cal has been in a bowl game every year since 2002. That streak is in some limbo. Washington feels that they have every right to think that this will be the year they will play in a bowl. The Huskies have some talented Seniors on Offense and Defense. On Offense they have Quarter Back Jake Locker. Locker has been spectacular in the Huskies wins however, he has played pretty poorly in the Husky losses. Mason Foster leads the Huskies on the defensive side of the ball. Mason Foster has the second most amount of tackles in thee nation. All of the Seniors are hoping that this won't be the last meaningful game of their college careers for them.
The Huskies and Bears met last year in Seattle. That night the Huskies snapped a five game losing skid on Senior night. Furthermore, it handed Cal a 42-10 defeat. California has not forgotten about that beat down last year and would like to return the favor. In addition, California would love to leave Memorial Stadium with a win as it will be going through renovations next year. The Golden Bears temporary new home will be AT&T Park where the San Fransisco Giants play baseball. The Golden Bears will return to their home for 2012.
When it is all said and done the Huskies won't be able to stop the running attack of Shane Vereen. Jake Locker will play well but not well enough. The final score will be 27-19 and Washington will go back to Seattle thinking what could of been.
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