Date and Time: Saturday, December 1st. 3 PM EST.
Location: California Memorial Stadium, Berkley, Cal.
Background Information: This game was supposed to be played a couple of weeks ago back on November, 16th. But due to a massive wildfire outbreak as well as poor air quality in Northern California, this game was moved back. Both teams were bowl eligible already and each got a bye week and proceeded to beat the next team they played (UCLA and Colorado. This game features a above average rushing game for one side (Cal) and an above average passing game for the other (Stanford). Cal’s defense has been elite in this last half of the season. Since the 30 point loss to UCLA back in the middle of October, Cal has given up 20 points or more only once (21 to Colorado) and pinned the Washington teams to a combined 29 points. What continues to be a downward trend for this team is the lack of explosive plays from the passing game which can be a problem..
Players to watch for:
Stanford: You could go with the obvious choice that would be speed and red zone threat, JJ Arcega-Whiteside. But Instead were going to go with Sophomore CB Paulson Adebo. His first year starting has been fantastic. Racking up 57 tackles (4 for loss) and 2 interceptions. He is also 3rd in the nation and 2nd in the conference in Pass Deflections with 15. Cal already struggles with passing, so if Adebo can stay active and make some plays to force Cal to get one-dimensional, Stanford should handle this game.
Cal: I normally don’t go with two players, but I will in this case due to how critical they have been for this Cal team all year and how they can be critical in this game. HB Patrick Laird and LB Evan Weaver. Laird is a do-it-all running back with 819 rushing yards and 5 rushing touchdowns, with 275 receiving yards and 4 touchdown catches. If there is one guy on this offense that is a spark, its Laird. On defense, Weaver is essential the football’s version of a floor general Point Guard. Weaver has collected 126 tackles. 8.5 for loss and 4.5 sacks. Weaver also has 2 interceptions as well as a pick 6. He is in the Top 10 in the nation in 5 different category’s.
Keys to a Win:
Stanford: Score quick and often. Cal anchors two of the best linebackers in the conference, but are all around average in the secondary. If Stanford is able to use the height and talent they have at the receiver position, they should win this game with K.J. Costello having some big numbers.
Cal: Mix up your game plan. Stanford is expecting a heavy dose of Patrick Laird. Get Vic Wharton going on the outside and keep the slightly above average defense on their toes. If Cal can create enough explosive plays, this is a game Cal can win.
Final Verdict: 21-14 Stanford. Both teams are all around solid teams and whoever they play during Bowl season should be a problem. This is a defensive slugfest with a Arcega-Whiteside red zone touchdown late in the game will get Stanford the big win and each 8 wins on the 2018 campaign.
Image Credit: http://www.dailycal.org/2018/08/01/cal-football-running-back-patrick-laird-named-wuerffel-trophy-watchlist/
