Football Answers - Cal Edition

• Who's the one to watch for Cal? USC gave up just their sixth passing touchdown of the year, but it was to Lavelle Hawkins, not DeSean Jackson. "MeSean" had gone on record saying he would rather beat USC than win the Heisman. In three years, he's been nowhere near either accomplishment. It was a bad night for the passing game anyway, but that was compounded by some especially punishing hits by the Trojan defense.
• Who's the one to watch for USC? Nobody, really. USC only had 129 yards through the air, as the focus of the game shifted to running. Fred Davis led the way again and Vidal Hazelton had a relatively good night. Patrick Turner only had one catch but had a huge reception called back on a penalty. Ronald Johnson and John David Booty couldn't connect on one deep play where he was wide open.
• Will this game be grounded? Predicting that this game could hinge on the ground game had nothing to do with the rain, but that sealed the deal. The Trojans allowed a season-high 164 yards to Justin Forsett, but Chauncey Washington, well ... It's no secret that expectations are high at USC. He became a Trojan the same year as Reggie Bush and LenDale White. In the two years since they left, he's been the second or third hottest girl at the prom -- dependable for a dance or two, but not the queen. Until last night. 220 yards? Somebody get that man a tiara!
• Will the vibe be electric? It was, on two levels. Despite the rain, a sellout crowd of 72,516 packed California Memorial Stadium and let its presence be known. That's not counting the fans on Tightwad Hill (home of the always-jarring cannon blast), who couldn't be seen from the stadium after the mist settled in. The other level? The open-air press box had surge protectors exposed to the elements. Zap!
• Will there be an empty sack (column)? Cal didn't reach John David Booty all night, and the Bears will remain last in the Pac-10 in sacks. They'll also remain first in sacks against, as the Trojans only got to Nate Longshore once.
• How bad will turnovers hurt USC? USC lost a fumble again, but inched back toward an even turnover ratio on the season thanks to three by Cal. A pick by Terrell Thomas sealed the game in the closing minutes.
• Who's feeling special? It was a pretty straightforward game on special teams. Neither punter had impressive stats, despite ample opportunity. Greg Woidneck averaged 34.0 yards for USC, and Andrew Larson averaged 35.4 yards for Cal. Blame it on the rain. Which one was Milli and which one was Vanilli?
• Hey USC, are you gellin'? USC looked good considering the conditions (rain, mist, 57 degrees). After a bye week, the Thanksgiving game at Arizona State will be a lot more telling whether USC is BCS-worthy.
• Random Factoids: Correction on an earlier note, this is the third game USC has played against teams wearing throwback jerseys. It hasn't been so lucky for their opponents in those games(Washington, Notre Dame, and Cal), who all lost to the Trojans ... USC was wearing throwback socks (white knee-highs from a couple of years ago).