Is matchup with Cal a trap game for Washington State?

The undefeated Washington State Cougars will attempt to win their seventh straight game tonight as they face off against Cal. While the Golden Bears appear to be in a downward spiral, should fans be scared of the Friday night matchup?

A short week doesn’t make things easier and as we’ve been told, a Friday night road game following a Saturday road game is fundamentally unfair. Additionally, air quality in Berkeley is likely going to be mediocre at best, and the Golden Bears have wins over North Carolina and Ole Miss.

Thursday, CougFan reported that linebacker Nate DeRider will be out for the year. Redshirt freshman Justus Rogers is likely to start at inside linebacker alongside fellow freshman Jahad Woods. The inexperience is a concern but the pair held up just fine last week against Oregon.

Two weeks ago this game really concerned me, but today? Not so much. Cal has stalled out in Pac-12 play and was completely inept offensively last week against Washington. The Golden Bears are riddled with injuries, and have to face another tough defense this week.

Based on the way things have gone for the last two weeks, WSU should win this game with relative ease. The scenario might scare you a bit but the result should never be in doubt after halftime.

How do you all see this one playing out?

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Football:

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