Buzz for the showdown at USC

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The Bears aren’t getting much faith in the media to upset USC on Saturday. Most pundits point to Cal’s loss to Arizona and USC’s “re-emergence” with wins over Stanford and Oregon since a loss to Oregon State. However, Cal should recover from the disaster in Tucson and come back with a big game against the Trojans. The game is very well-matched and will come out close.

While the game has been eclipsed by the Ohio State/Michigan #1/#2 rivalry game, the Cal/USC match-up will probably benefit from it; both are receiving national coverage on ABC (12:30, 5:00). Thus, the OSU/MI viewers will watch the ESPN personalities hype up and preview Cal/USC and many are likely to stay tuned in to watch the Pac-10 showdown afterwards. With the nation watching, this is Cal’s opportunity to dethrone USC and clinch the Rose Bowl.

Associated Press: Preview

After the fourth-ranked Trojans (8-1, 6-1) unexpectedly climbed back into the national championship race, they face the No. 17 Golden Bears (8-2, 6-1) on Saturday night in a matchup that will decide the Pac-10’s BCS bid.

The winner of the matchup at the Los Angeles Coliseum will own the tiebreaker advantage in the conference. A victory would keep USC in position to possibly play for the national title for the fourth straight season.

California, meanwhile, can clinch its first Rose Bowl berth since the 1958 season.

USA Today:

Two weeks ago it looked like the Golden Bears were the favorites to win the Pac-10. After their loss to Arizona and two impressive wins by the Trojans, the picture has a new look. The loss to Oregon State may just be the kick USC needed to jump start its championship run. Southern California 28, California 20.

ESPN’s Ivan Maisel: “3 Games Worth TiVo-ing”

It’s late November, and USC is one victory away from clinching the Pac-10 championship. Yes, Cal still goes to the Rose Bowl if it wins, but it’s hard to leap over the hurdle when you stumble on the previous step.

California will win if it finds a way to slow down the USC offense. Cal also has picked off 20 passes. That’s important because USC sophomore John David Booty still can make the occasional boneheaded throw. The Bears have a balanced offense and a decided edge in special teams, especially with DeSean Jackson, the nation’s leader in punt returns ( 20.7-yard average, four touchdowns).

ESPN: “Pac-10 notebook”

California needs to get over its loss at Arizona, which included blowing a 17-3 halftime lead, as quickly as possible considering that the program’s first Rose Bowl since the 1958 season is on the line at USC. “At the beginning, there was a lot of disappointment about not taking care of business,” coach Jeff Tedford said. “Now it’s full steam ahead with just thinking about playing USC with a chance to compete for a conference championship.”

Sports Network: “Cal seeks first Rose Bowl berth since 1958”

A week ago it looked like California was going to steamroll the Trojans, but this team showed a weakness in the desert and perhaps isn’t ready to unseat the old guard in the Pac-10. That being said, this will probably be one of the better games of the year, one that could see several lead changes along the way. In the end however, USC knows how to win big games, especially on its own lawn. Sports Network Predicted Outcome: USC 33, California 27

ESPN’s Jim Donnan: “What to Watch in Week 12”

The Trojans looked like a well-oiled machine against Oregon in Week 11… The Trojans’ defense is creating more big plays and the coaches look more comfortable applying defensive pressure. The much-maligned secondary is also starting to look better. USC received a loud wake-up call against Oregon State, and momentum is definitely in the Trojans’ corner. The one team that has consistently given them fits, however, is Cal. If Cal can get Jackson the ball early and often, the Trojans could be in trouble.

Scouts, Inc: “California vs. USC edge”

Pac-10 fans have been waiting for this matchup all year, but don’t expect the score to be as close as some might think or hope. Although both teams are 6-1 in the conference, the Trojans seem to be playing their best football of the season and the Bears lost to a mediocre Arizona team last week. In addition, this game is at the Coliseum and USC is back in the national championship race, so the environment will be hostile.

Lynch will break some electrifying runs, but the Trojans’ talented front seven will prevent him from controlling the tempo of the game and it will force Longshore to make plays. USC will confuse Longshore with a number of different looks and pressure him into making some poor decisions and/or errant throws. Offensively, the Trojans place a high premium on balance. They will run the ball despite the many injuries in the backfield and their backs will be productive enough to keep the Bears honest. In addition, Booty will find his receivers downfield for some big plays and force Cal to back their safeties up, effectively opening up the run.

Prediction: Trojans 35, Golden Bears 21