The Trojans have two straight losses in conference play and are in danger of seeing their season unwind. The USC defense continues to undo all the good the USC offense has spun, giving up two game winning drives in the final two minutes against Washington and Stanford. It's almost imperative that the Trojans win here, or risk their first losing season for the first time in over a decade.
The Golden Bears are back on the winning track after a crucial win vs. UCLA, but still questions remain unanswered about the passing game and how well the defense can perform against a top-notch offense. Kevin Riley had a horrible game against the Trojans last season, but their pass defense is a shadow of their former glory. Can he get it together and help Cal finally exorcise their demons and win in LA Memorial Coliseum for the first time since 2000?