Quarterbacks
Cal has needed to make use of two signal callers to fill in for current Baltimore Raven Kyle Boller. Sophomore Aaron Rodgers has thrown 110-for-195 for 1,307 yards while junior Reggie Robertson also has seen time, throwing 62-for-98 for 797 yards. Each has three interceptions. The Sun Devils have the advantage with a healthy Andrew Walter, who has thrown for 1,974 yards with 15 touchdowns and six picks. But if true freshman Sam Keller sees the second real action of his career, Cal has the edge. Edge: ASU.
Running backs
The Sun Devils have found a good rotation between sophomore Hakim Hill and redshirt freshman Loren Wade, who have rushed for 421 and 491 yards respectively. Golden Bear senior Adimchinobe Echemandu has been one of the best backs in the Pac-10 this season. Echemandu has rushed for 881 yards in nine games. Edge: Cal.
Receivers
ASU receivers have stepped it up in the second-third of the season as sophomore Derek Hagan has 613 yards receiving and senior Skyler Fulton has 536. The Sun Devils have four more players with more than 100 yards. Cal is more talented at the top, however, as junior Geoff McArthur has caught 54 balls for 877 yards. Junior Burl Toler has caught for 428 yards while three other Bears have more than 100. Edge: Cal.
Offensive line
The Bears' front five have given up 22 sacks this season and have helped the team rush for 1,327 yards. The Sun Devils' "hogs" have given up only 15 sacks this season while rushing for 950 yards. Whoever plays better on Saturday will make a big difference in the game. Edge: Even.
Defensive line
Cal's starting four has combined for 95 tackles and just four sacks in nine games this season. The Sun Devils' starters have combined for 10 sacks and 89 tackles in eight games. True freshman Kyle Caldwell has come on strong with two sacks in the last two games. Cal lost a number of starters from last season, and the Sun Devils are primed for a big game. Edge: ASU.
Linebackers
The Golden Bears' three linebackers have combined for just 108 tackles in nine games. Outside linebacker, junior Wendell Hunter leads the unit with 63 tackles, four sacks and an interception. But the Sun Devils' two linebackers, junior Justin Burks and sophomore Jamar Williams, have combined for nearly as many tackles (90). Edge: ASU.
Secondary
The Bears have given up 2,175 passing yards this season and have picked off nine passes. None of their four starters have more than one interception. The Sun Devils have given up 1,827 yards and picked off 13 passes. Junior safeties Jason Shivers and Riccardo Stewart continue to be two of the best in the conference as they are the top two tacklers on the team and each have three interceptions. Edge: ASU.
Overall
The Golden Bears are a decent team that has overachieved in several areas this season, particularly on offense. The Sun Devils, a tough home team, have underachieved after entering the season with high expectations. There is no better time than homecoming to salvage what they can from the season. Edge: ASU.
