most rushing yards in a game

Cal defensive coordinator Bob Gregory, a Washington State graduate, is among a group of logical candidates for the Cougars' head coaching job if Bill Doba is fired, which has been the subject of widespread speculation on the Internet.

Gregory's first job interview - a 20-17 win over the Cougars - was nearly flawless.

The Bears didn't give up a touchdown until the game's final minute and allowed Washington State to put together only two drives of more than 70 yards. Cal limited the Cougars to 52 rushing yards, 17 first downs and 4-of-16 on third-down conversions.

"We played very well against a very good offense," Gregory said. "Hopefully, a game like this will give us a little confidence."

Washington State came into the game averaging 24.9 points and 129.2 rushing yards a game. Quarterback Alex Brink, who averages 293.8 passing yards a game, had only 138 yards through three quarters. Two late drives pushed Brink's total to 306 passing yards.

Doba was an assistant at Washington State for 14 years, and has gone 28-28 as the head man.

Front-seven heaven: Washington State played predominantly a 3-4 defense for a second consecutive week after being a 4-3 defense for the better part of the past two decades, but it didn't have the same effect as last week.

The Cougars upset previous conference unbeaten UCLA, holding the Bruins to seven points, 14 first downs and 100 rushing yards. Cal was close to those numbers by halftime, scoring 10 points on 12 first downs and 81 rushing yards. The Bears ended with 382 yards of total offense, including 169 rushing yards.

Dodging Jackson: Opponents have avoided punting to DeSean Jackson most of the season, but Washington State may have used the most creative means. Punter Reid Forrest would take the long snaps, sprint to his right as if to fake the punts and then kick low line drives that couldn't be returned.

Briefly: With tailback Justin Forsett reaching the 1,000-yard rushing mark, the Bears have produced a 1,000-yard back in six straight seasons. ... Forsett moved into sixth place on the school's all-time rushing list, passing J.J. Arrington with 2,679 career yards. ... Cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson registered his first interception of the season, hauling in a ball that was batted away from the receiver by rover Bernard Hicks. ... Free safety Thomas DeCoud, left guard Brian De La Puente, tight end Craig Stevens and middle linebacker Greg Van Hoesen were this week's captains.