Cal victory over the Huskies not only holiday gift for Bears Backers

December 5, 8:00 AMCal Bears ExaminerRob Calonge

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Normally, before a Cal Bears football game, we get in-depth on what each team needs to do in order to come out on top.  I honestly began doing that again, but while preparing to wow you with knowledge about the match ups in the game it hit me like a ton of bricks - there is no way that the Bears lose this game.  Sorry Husky fans, it's just not going to happen.

For as much as we hear the phrase, "play with pride," there is an underlying truth about end-of-season games: Teams play according to what they have on the line.  Washington is on their way to a 'defeated' record, or as I like to call it, "un-victorious."  The Seniors won't lose their scholarships, their NFL futures have already been decided, and their is no worry about losing a spot within the playing rotation on their last game.  Everyone else on the Huskies - they won't be playing for Willingham next year, so their play in the final game has little to do with their status with a new head coach.  They may be up for avoiding a winless season by knocking over a national power house, but after their performance in the Apple Cup, it's not likely.

For the Bears, you could argue that their Bowl aspirations are complete.  No matter how this game turns out, they already know it's either the Las Vegas or Emerald Bowls.  They are unranked, unloved nationally, and have nothing to gain or lose in this game.  However, they do happen to have an undefeated streak at home.  They've won seven straight and haven't lost in Memorial Stadium since November 10, 2007, when they lost to USC 24-17.  They also have players that are up for end-of-season awards and are being heavily assessed by NFL scouts.

This is why I came to the realization that the Bears can't lose this game.  No amount of analyzing is going to do this game justice.  Cal has had two weeks to prepare for the hapless Huskies, and as long as they haven't taken them too lightly, it should go along the same lines as the Washington State game did - a huge blowout.

So with that said, here are 10 things that I think Bears Backers would like to get from Cal for the holidays:

1. A Zack Follett blind side sack - This guy is going to be playing on Sundays next year and what better way to send him off than how he came on the scene in Berkeley, sacking the quarterback.  Not since Ryan Riddle, have the Bears had a more prolific quarterback killer.  When he gets a sack, it energizes everyone in the stands, and for a guy with such a high motor, it's a thrill to see him take a moment to savor it.
2. A substantial Nate Longshore appearance - Love him or hate him, he's been 'The Great Bears Hope' for most of his college career.  Prior to his injury last season, he was a beloved Cal Bear, and a great interview.  While it's now the Kevin Riley era at Cal, it would be nice to see Longshore leave on a high note.  Besides, there's no sense in taking a chance on injuring Riley prior to the postseason in a meaningless game.  When I say, 'substantial', I mean he's passing the ball, not coming in to hand off.
3. A long touchdown run - Jahvid Best, Shane Vereen, Tracy Slocum, you pick the back.  It doesn't matter who does it, just so much as we get to see another 40+ yard TD run.  We'll have to wait an entire nine months to see another one.  An addendum to this: on the run, we get to see a pulverizing block by Will Ta'ufo'ou.
4. Every senior plays - Many often forget that a football team is only as strong as it's weakest player.  Day in and day out, these players have been there in practice, pushing the guys that we see starting to get better.  For what it's worth, despite the disappointment of not being a BCS Bowl team the past few years, these Bears have been good.  That's why every senior should get some time in the game, and with the opponent being the hapless Huskies, there should be an opportunity for it.
5. A Syd'Quan interception - Why not?  He's been so good at time this season that he's been ignored by opposing quarterbacks.  His interception returns are pretty exciting, so why not ask for one of those?
6. Sean Young makes a highlight reel - This sixth-year senior will be gone in a few months.  He came to Cal, a heralded football prospect, and will be leaving as a work-force prospect.  It's highly unlikely that he'll get to play at the NFL level, but having a great final game at Memorial Stadium wouldn't hurt.  With all that he's overcome to play this season, it's his just due to be the star of the game.
7. 60 full minutes of Cal Football - While it should end up a laugher, there's nothing better than watching your team play hard on every snap.  I think that the Cal fans would enjoy seeing a full four quarters of hard-nosed play and real attempts at scoring throughout the game.  Laugher or not, you can never have too many touchdowns.
8. A Jeff Tedford in-game smile - It's not often that Tedford smiles on the sidelines.  'Yo Jeff!  How 'bout giving a smile for the Bear Backer?'
9. Every underclassman declares they'll be back next year - For as young as the team is, there are only a few guys that COULD opt for NFL fame and fortune, but it's likely that this won't be an issue.  Even so, it's always good to get it in writing that you want them back...just in case.
10. One (positive) play to remember the game by - Hopefully, this game won't require 'The Play', but a play that a few years from now, you can easily recall this game.  It could be a 50+ Giorgio Tavecchio field goal, a 60+ Bryan Anger punt that puts the Huskies on the one-yard line, or an 'alumni' play like the hook and ladder for a touchdown two weeks ago.  Chances are, nobody is going to remember much about a victory over Washington unless somebody does the unthinkable, unimaginable, or improbable.  Hey!  This is a wish list of sorts.

There are some other happenings in Cal football, but rather than regurgitate it, I figured I'd give you the link to read it first-hand:

Alex Mack Named Finalist for Rimington Trophy

Tedford Talk (new post)

Four Golden Bears Named First-Team Pac-10 All-Academic in Football

Jeff Tedford Press Conference Quotes (Dec. 2)

ESPN Insider's Todd McShay likes Best

McShay also likes Davis (non-insider story)

USC's Steve Sarkisian to be the new coach at Washington

Cal's full attention is on winless Washington

Cal has eight players committed according to Scout.com

Cal Bears Inside Slant

Cal Bears Examiner prediction: Cal 57 - Washington 10