PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Brandon McIlwain is an enigma wrapped in great potential wrapped in frustrating moments that can unravel the Golden Bears’ chances to pick up Pac-12 wins. His triple-digit rushing yards and two touchdowns, his over 300 passing yards, and his completing two-thirds of his passing attempts are excellent at first glance. But his devastating interceptions — two of which were taken to the house at Arizona — were brutal. McIlwain’s game needs to mature and sharpen to get Cal a Pac-12 win, even against a winless UCLA — which just tested a College Football Playoff contender in Washington.
–WR Maurice Ways is yet another Cal receiver who stepped up out of the shadows to lead his offense. Ways compiled a team-high eight catches for 97 yards against Arizona, and if he steps up as a consistent threat along with Vic Wharton III and Kanawai Noa, the Bruins could be in trouble.
–CB Camryn Bynum, who perhaps has the best chance on this Cal roster to make a name for himself as a pro someday, needs to stifle the already so-so UCLA passing attack to take the pressure off the front seven. Bynum came through with an interception against Arizona.
–LB Malik Psalms managed Cal’s only sack against Arizona. The defense has been consistent in tackling and stopping the run, and has had opportunistic moments in the secondary, but a menacing pass rush has been lacking.
SERIES HISTORY: UCLA leads Cal 53-33-1.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “We’ve got to take care of the ball better. I think Brandon is an explosive athlete, maybe the most explosive athlete on our offense right now with the things he can do running and throwing ? We can’t turn it over. Everybody knows that. It’s obvious.” — Cal coach Justin Wilcox, speaking about his quarterback Brandon McIlwain and his three interception (and also triple-digit rushing game with two TDs) performance in a 24-17 loss at Arizona. Wilcox has not named a starter for Cal’s homecoming game against UCLA Saturday.