PLAYERS TO WATCH
–DB Traveon Beck intercepted USC quarterback JT Daniels in Cal’s recent win, and had six tackles, including one for a loss. Cal’s improvement in the secondary has helped key its defensive peak the past month. The Golden Bears had four sacks and 10 tackles for loss against the Trojans. As for Beck, he faces Colorado quarterback Steven Montez, who has completed 66 percent of his passes for 2,679 yards, with 17 touchdowns and six picks.
–DE Luc Bequette had the game of his career against USC, as the redshirt junior had career highs with eight tackles, 2.5 tackles for a loss, two sacks and a forced fumble. Bequette earned Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Week honors.
–LB Evan Weaver continued to build on his NFL Draft potential last time out against USC, racking up a game-high 13 tackles and two sacks in terrorizing the Trojans. Weaver, who came to Cal as an outside linebacker before moving to the inside, has teamed up with senior linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk to lead this defense since Week 1 (well before Cal’s recent surge into the limelight).
–QB Chase Garbers completed over 50 percent of his passes, had a touchdown pass, a running score and did not throw an interception against USC. Cal’s defense has become strong enough that games like this may be enough for Garbers, a redshirt freshman. Colorado has allowed an average of nearly 35 points per game the past six weeks, so this could be a good game for Garbers to grow.
–RB Patrick Laird is a fifth-year senior and former walk-on, and without his steady, workmanlike approach, the game plan of leaning on the defense and protecting the football would not be working as effectively. Laird, a surprise 1,000-yard rusher last season for Cal, had 19 carries for 71 yards against USC. Colorado did not force any turnovers against Utah last time out, which bodes well for Laird helping to sustain long drives.
SERIES HISTORY: Cal leads the series 5-4 but Colorado prevailed in 2017.
QUOTE TO NOTE: “Us going out and competing with teams, getting better every week, it shows the grit within our team — how strong we are; how resilient we are; how we can just go out and make plays, even through adversity.” — Cal DB Traveon Beck, after rallying past USC. Beck has credited Golden Bears’ coach Justin Wilcox for his team’s strong defensive mindset and style.
