This game needs no introduction. It's the one the Bears have failed to win for nine seasons now - a loss Saturday would extend the streak to a full decade of Trojan dominance.
It's been a terrible week to be a Cal fan. Former coach Ray Willsey passed away. Freshman running back Fabiano Hale was hospitalized after a fight with a teammate. Trey Cheek was also hospitalized, after a collision in practice.
To say Cal deserves a win - or needs one - after all the bad news might be a huge understatement. And it would be nice to get that win in the annual Joe Roth Memorial Game, which also happens to be senior day for 13 players who will be appearing in their final home game as Bears. (Mitch Bartolo, Jackson Bouza, Mark Braziski, Dan Camporeale, Deandre Coleman, Vincenzo D'Amato, Jake Davis, Lucas King, Brandon Madueno, Bill Tyndall, Chad Smith, Harrison Wilfley, and Matt Williams.)
Still, if there's anything that will be in their favor, it's the fact that USC defensive end Morgan Breslin will not be available. Considering the fragile state of Cal's offensive line, that can be nothing but a huge blessing.
Below is some basic game info. This is also your pregame open thread. Watch for the link to the first quarter thread as kickoff draws near.
GO BEARS!
Game info
Where: Memorial Stadium, Berkeley
When: 12:00p.m. PT. Gates open at 10a.m.
How to watch: FOX
Additional reading
Cal vs USC roundtable | Q&A with Conquest Chronicles