While the year has had its share of disappointing losses, the California Golden Bears have certainly turned a corner in 2015. Bowl Eligible for the first time since 2011, Cal fields a relevant team for the first time in the Sonny Dykes era. Who are the key players to watch?
Offense:
QB, Jared Goff
Everyone knows Jared Goff, Cal's junior quarterback destined for the NFL. In spite of putting up big numbers, Goff is having somewhat of a disappointing season, putting subpar games against Utah, USC, and Oregon for his lofty standards. Last week against cellar dweller OSU, Goff got back on track throwing for 453 yards and 6 touchdown passes. Obviously, Stanford's defense will pose a bigger test for the Bear Raid than conference worst OSU. Without CB Ronnie Harris, Stanford's young secondary will be tested by the Cal offense which loves to throw the ball.
RB, Vic Enwere
With Daniel Lasco questionable with an ankle injury, expect Vic Enwere to get the bulk of the carries. This isn't foreign territory for the sophomore back. Lasco's inability to stay on the field has allowed Enwere to become the primary back and Enwere has capitalized, rushing for 467 yards on the year. Enwere has both the strength to be a between the tackles bruiser as well as the speed and burst to break a big run. For the Cardinal to succeed, the defensive line must stop the Bears' running attack.
WRs Kenny Lawler and Steven Anderson
A quarterback's success is largely dictated by their receivers around them, and Goff has a pair of studs to work with. After an injury in the Oregon game two weeks ago, Kenny Lawler is expected to be good to go in the Big Game. The skinny receiver has 46 catches and 10 touchdowns. The bigger Stephen Anderson typically plays out of the slot and has caught 35 passes for 403 yards. The veteran savvy of both players will be a key test for the young Stanford secondary.
Defense:
A huge part of Cal's rise to relevance has been their improved defense. What's the strength of this unit?
MLB, Hardy Nickerson
Running a 4-3 scheme requires a solid middle linebacker, and Cal certainly has one. Nickerson is their leading tackler and helps out in both the pass and run game. With Stanford's offense predicated on between the tackles rushing, Nickerson's name will be called frequently. In addition to stopping McCaffrey, Nickerson will be key in stopping Kevin Hogan's legs, a vital part of the offense for the past 4 games.
DL, Mustafa Jalil, Kyle Kragen, James Looney, Jonathan Johnson
With Stanford's D looking questionable, the offense will likely look to dominate time of possession with the brutal run game yet again. Disrupting the point of attack is huge for opposing defenses, and that all starts up front with Mustafa Jalil. The success of the line as a whole will dictate how many defenders Cal must commit to the run and the DL's performance will likely dictate the tempo and outcome of this game.
FS, Demariay Drew
Stanford's strong running game will likely force Cal to put more bodies near the line of scrimmage. Should this happen, expect (or hope) for Shaw to open up the passing lanes, putting pressure on Drew and the secondary to step up. Drew is a very capable player and will pose a test to receivers Michael Rector and Devon Cajuste.
Stanford:
I know, I know, you all know everything about this team already. But here are a few quick storylines to follow this weekend.
DE, Brennan Scarlett
We all know Scarlett's story. The defensive lineman is the first graduate transfer between the rival schools and Scarlett could not play a bigger role on Stanford's shallowest unit. Expect an inspired performance from Scarlett as well as a chorus of boos from the visiting fans.
The whole secondary
As I mentioned before, Stanford will be without Senior CB Ronnie Harris who left the Oregon game early with an ankle injury. While Stanford's struggles against the Oregon offense were bigger than one player, Harris's departure certainly didn't help. In his absence, five first year starters will be in charge of defending Goff and co. Cal will undoubtedly look to exploit this young unit which will be an important storyline for the game.