- WR JuJu Smith returned to practice, while S John Plattenburg sat out with a thigh contusion. He is considered day-to-day, but head coach Steve Sarkisian explained that those injuries can be "tricky."
- Without J.R. Tavai, Greg Townsend has emerged thanks to his "natural pass rushing ability," said Sarkisian. He has picked up sacks in two of the last three games.
- Redshirt freshman WR Steven Mitchell has touchdown catches in two of the last three games, and he continues to build confidence in his surgically repaired knee. Sarkisian likes his "natural wiggle," and he made a tremendous one-handed TD catch in practice this morning.
- Along with former reserves like Townsend and Mitchell, walk-ons have become key members of this team given the severely diminished numbers. "They are not just here to practice every week. They get some opportunities on the field, and they are contributing," said Sarkisian, who singled out George Katrib, Matt Lopes, Zach Smith and Conner Sullivan.
- Lopes could play a major role trying to stop Cal's electric passing game led by sophomore QB Jared Goff. "He plays with a lot of confidence, and his anticipation is something that jumps out," said Sarkisian about Goff. "He does not hold the ball very long."
- Su'a Cravens has been impressed by Cal's rapid improvement from year one to year two with Goff as the starter. "We're not sleeping on him. He can throw the ball. Not a lot of quarterbacks can do what he can do. He's a great QB," said Cravens.
- Hayes Pullard pointed out that the Bears have a strong running game as well and use multiple quarterbacks. "They are very explosive," he said. "They put up points well. They've been running the ball well, so we have to stop that. Both quarterbacks are extremely talented. We have to respect that."
- With UCLA and Notre Dame on deck, the Trojans cannot afford to look ahead. "Not at all. The leaders took care of that," said captain Pullard. "Every single day we're focused on this game and not thinking about UCLA or Notre Dame. Just focused on being 2-0 in November."
- Here is Sarkisian's morning presser:
