WSU vs. Cal

Herald Staff

Kickoff: 2:30 p.m. today at Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, Calif.

TV, radio: no live TV, KJR radio (950 AM).

Washington State: 1-2, 0-1 in Pacific-10 Conference play.

Cal: 1-2, 0-0 in Pacific-10 Conference play.

Washington State: Mike Price, 106-112 in his 19th year, 60-68 in his 12th year at WSU.

Cal: Tom Holmoe, 13-23-0 in his fourth.

Washington State: Deon Burnett and Dave Minnich have been a steady 1-2 combo in the Cougars’ running game. Quarterback Jason Gesser has been efficient, with six TD passes and just two interceptions. Flanker Milton Wynn is seventh in the nation in receiving yards at 106.7 yards a game. Strong safety Billy Newman and middle linebacker Melvin Simmons are among the conference’s leaders in tackles.

Cal: Coach Tom Holmoe has simplified the offense for quarterback Kyle Boller, who, despite his struggles, is a diamond in the rough. Punter Nick Harris had five punts downed inside the 5-yard line at Illinois and two inside the 5 at Fresno State. Andre Carter is an NFL-caliber defensive end.

Washington State: DB Eric Coleman (groin) is probable; SS Billy Newman (hamstring) is probable; FS Lamont Thompson (neck) is out; WR Farwan Zubedi (knee) is questionable; K Nick Lambert (quad) is doubtful; DB Wendell Smith (shoulder) is out; LB Ing Aleaga (foot) is out; OL Sam Lightbody (thumb) is out; S Ira Davis (knee) is out.

Cal: DT tackle Jonathan Giesel (biceps) is out; WR Derek Swafford (back) is probable.

Washington State: Get a running game going and set up play-action passes. Balance is the key, and it starts with Burnett and Minnich.

Cal: Give Boller some confidence with short passes and try to run the ball with Joe Igber. If the Bears don’t get something, anything out of their offense, it’s going to be a long day.

Bottom line: In a game that pits the two worst teams in the conference, don’t underestimate the home field.

Pick: Cal, 17-16.