PLAYERS TO WATCH
–QB Chase Garbers did nothing special against Washington’s stout defense, but protected the football, going 16 of 23 passing for 153 yards, with no touchdowns and zero interceptions. Garbers and the Golden Bears’ offense will likely need to be more prolific against Washington State — a team with a highly productive quarterback and set of skill position players.
–LB Evan Weaver not only had a team-high 11 tackles, including one tackle for a loss, but nabbed the game-winning pick-six interception against Washington. Weaver and Jordan Kunaszyk have been the beating heart of Cal’s defense as leaders of the linebacker corps. Cal allowed just 91 rushing yards to Washington (on a day when the Huskies’ passing game was producing very little either).
–RB Patrick Laird provides the backbone for Cal playing a conservative brand of football, allowing the defense to dictate the tone (and resting them enough by helping to sustain drives). Laird had 22 carries for 83 yards against Washington, and while he did not score, he had six key carries and a first-down reception on the game-sealing drive. He’s a former walk-on who sprinted up the depth chart in 2017.
–CB Camryn Bynum intercepted Jake Browning in the Washington win, and along with Evan Weaver, could be a future pro. Oakland Raiders general manager Reggie McKenzie was in attendance in Berkeley — perhaps to see the Huskies — but Bynum probably caught his eye, too.
SERIES HISTORY: Cal leads Washington State 47-27-5 and prevailed with an upset win in 2017.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Every win is big, but this is huge. It gives the guys validation and confidence. We’ve got to build on it. That’s what is most important. … I think everybody is really excited, and it was a great environment in the locker room, but I don’t think anybody in there is surprised.” — Cal coach Justin Wilcox, after his team upset Washington 12-10 on Saturday in Berkeley.