California vs. Stanford

                                                                                         

Golden Bears -8 1/2 vs. Cardinal

The traditional PAC 10 rivalry of Stanford and California is renewed in Berkeley as the Cardinal struggle to become bowl eligible in their last game of the year, while the Golden Bears look to secure their place in a bowl game and climb the bowl depth chart for a more lucrative and prestigious game, still with one game left to play.

Stanford (5-6, 4-4) will more than likely conclude their season when they take on California Saturday afternoon. Their season has collapsed down the stretch on the road for a bowl game. Since starting the season 3-2, the Cardinal has dropped four of six contests, and two straight. Last week Stanford was beaten by the second place USC Trojans on senior day in Stanford, 45-23. The season seems particularly bittersweet since Stanford topped Oregon State in their season opener and while the Beavers have had a great season and are contending for the conference title, the Cardinal have had a tough path.

Stanford's poor play has stemmed from a very pour passing attack. The Cardinal rank 109th in total passing, largely because of Tavita Prichard's rough season. The junior has been a bit of a disappointment on the season by throwing for 1327 yards and nine touchdowns against 10 interceptions. Last week against USC, Prichard completed only 9 of 22 passes for 111 yards with no scores and one interception. Playing in relief Alex Loukas completed all five of his passes for 100 yards and a score. The sophomore also ran for 20 yards on the ground.

California (6-4, 4-3) have also had their issues at quarterback this season because of coach Jeff Tedford's inability to decide between Kevin Riley and Nate Longshore. Cal has lost their last two in a row and has fallen out of the Top 25 largely due to the lackluster quarterback play. Riley started the game for the Bears at the Beavers last week and threw for only 117 yards with a touchdown and interception. The sophomore was a last minute addition to the lineup, getting the start over senior Longshore.

Cal has a good shot at ending their two game losing streak and gaining a two game winning streak to end the season as they play Washington in Berkley in their last game next week.

Stanford won last year's contest 20-17 at home, ending Cal's five game winning streak in the series.

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