Wash. State takes on California in Matchup of Struggling Pac-12 Teams

BERKELEY, Calif. (AP) — Washington State (4-5, 1-5 Pac-12) at California (3-6, 1-5), Saturday at 4 p.m. ET (ESPN2)

Line: California by 1 1/2 according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Series record: California leads 48-30-5.

WHAT’S AT STAKE?

Washington State has lost five in a row since an 4-0 start and can ill afford another loss if the Cougars want to become bowl eligible. Washington State has made a bowl game in the last seven non-pandemic seasons. California has lost four straight and needs to run the table the final three weeks to get to bowl eligibility.

KEY MATCHUP

Washington State offense vs. Cal defense. The Cougars were held to seven points last week in a loss to Stanford for their second game this season when they failed to score double figures. The Golden Bears haven't stopped anyone this year, allowing at least 50 points in four of their first six Pac-12 games. Cal hadn't allowed 50 points in a game once in coach Justin Wilcox's first six seasons.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

Washington State: Edge rusher Brennan Jackson had 1 1/2 sacks last week against Stanford to give him five on the season. Jackson has 16 1/2 career sacks and 29 tackles for loss.

California: RB Jaydn Ott was one of the few bright spots last week in a 63-19 loss to Oregon. He rushed for 93 yards on 20 carries with a touchdown. He has five games this season with at least 70 yards rushing and a TD.

FACTS & FIGURES

Washington State has won two straight in the series and is seeking its first three-game winning streak vs. Cal since taking four in a row from 1999-2002. … The Cougars are on their longest losing streak since an eight-game skid in 2012. … Washington State's 4 yards rushing last week against Stanford were the fewest in a game for the Cougars since getting 0 in a win vs. Utah in 2018. … Cal has started 1-5 in Pac-12 for the second straight season. … The 44-point loss last week was the most lopsided for the Bears since a 50-point defeat to Stanford in 2013. … Cal has multiple turnovers in all six losses this season.