He had 738 rushing yards on the season and averages 5

Best will be able to play by a bowl, but is officially out for this game. Sophomore Shane Vereen has stepped in and performed well in Bests absence. In the last two games with increased carries Vereen has 352 yards. He had 738 rushing yards on the season and averages 5.0 yards a carry.

Matching up against Vereen and the powerful Bears running attack is Washington and its 9th, in conference, ranked rush defense. Washington has not looked great statistically on the ground, giving up 155 yards a game, but like the pass defense has been stronger in the red zones than in years past. The Bears are a run first team so this will be a huge match up in the game. The Huskies need to be able to contain Vereen if they want a shot at pulling off the upset. They need to watch for Vereen'sability to run out of the Wildcat formation, as well as out of traditional running formations.

The Bears are also a solid punting team ranking 3rd in the conference at 37 yards a punt. Washington comes into the final contest fairly average at punt returns, at 6th in the conference at eight yards a return. The Huskies, however, come in dead last in the conference at kickoff returns with only 18 yards per return. As far as punting goes Washington does average at 6th in the conference at 36 yards a punt.California has a distinct advantage in the turnover margin at .73 to Washingtons .18. Washington wins the game if they are able to attack with a balanced offense. Polk needs to be used as a constant threat, and it would not hurt to have Locker at least show he is a threat on aroll out or two, just to make the defense think about him if nothing else. UW has a strong passing attack as well, but the key will be for them to have balance and not put the game entirely on Locker.

On the defensive side of the ball they need to keep Cal out of the end zone. This does not look to be a defensive battle, so if Washington wants to win this game they just need to put themselves in position to strike last. That means holding Cal to a field goal or two instead of touchdowns when they get in the red zone. California wins the game if establish a strong running game on offense, and use the pass to keep the defense from stacking the box. Riley can have a field day against the UW secondary if given time, and Vereen has proven to be a solid fill in for Best.