Bears prepare for new and improved Washinton State defense

By foxsports
Published

The last time Cal and Washington State met, Cal pulled out a 60-59 victory in Pullman. Needless to say, there wasn't much defense played in that game.

However, both the Cougars and Bears have stronger defenses so far this season. As Cal prepares for Washington State this time around, the Bears players feel as though the Cougars have improved significantly since last year.

“I think it’s just the fact that they’re not doing what they did last year that might be an improvement,” said Cal QB Jared Goff. “That’s not meant to be any sort of disrespect, but we were able to put up quite a few yards on them last year.”

First-year defensive coordinator Alex Grinch has instituted sweeping changes, including more aggressive blitzes and more nickel back packages.

The results have been solid so far as the Cougars are only allowing 187 passing yards per game, as opposed to the 296.6 yards they allowed per game in 2014.

(h/t SF Gate)