Ambitious bowling dreams are still on the line for Washington. It heads to Berkeley to face the 5-6 California Golden Bears. Cal has been as erratic as Washington this season, barely losing to top-ranked Oregaon, but also being beaten up by Washington State. Regardless, the line-setters at USA Today like Cal by seven over Washington.
The Sportspress Northwest staff picks:
Art Thiel (7-3 overall, 6-4 against the spread)
Extra prep time paid off earlier in the year against USC, and so it should against the Bears, as neurotic a team as you’ll find this side of the couch of “Dr. Phil.” UW’s Jake Locker has read enough criticism of his season that will be ready to show the world just what a Ferndale man is made of. Washington 23, Cal 21
Seth Kolloen (3-7, 2-8)
Miraculously recovered Jake Locker throws for 800 yards and nine touchdowns, including several 55-yard out routes. He is immediately named 2011 NFL MVP. Washington 72, Cal 63
Todd Dybas (4-6, 4-6)
Bowl eligibility ends, questions about coaching staff and program begin. Cal back Shane Vereen has Bears fans singing in the rain, helping Cal keep its meager bowl hopes alive. Cal 20, Washington 16