GAME NOTES: The California Golden Bears make the short trip to San Francisco this weekend, where they will take on the Miami-Florida Hurricanes in the 2008 Emerald Bowl at AT&T Park.

The Bears showed their resiliency late in the year by winning their last two regular-season games following back-to-back losses to USC and Oregon State that eliminated them from the Pac-10 title race. However, Cal posted four two- game win streaks this season to help it log an 8-4 record heading into this weekend. With the finish, California earned its school-record sixth straight postseason appearance and its first-ever Bay Area bowl game. The Bears are 4-1 in bowl games under head coach Jeff Tedford and hold a 9-8-1 all-time record in postseason bouts.

For Miami, it is making a long trip across the country to participate in this game after stumbling down the stretch. The Hurricanes appeared to have the inside track to an ACC title following a five-game winning streak, but those dreams were shattered with losses to Georgia Tech and NC State in their last two games of the regular-season. Despite the late season struggles, Miami is back in the postseason after having its nine-year bowl streak stopped last season.

"We're very excited that the Emerald Bowl has selected the University of Miami to play in its game in San Francisco," head coach Randy Shannon said. "This will be a great bowl game between two quality teams from two of the best conferences in the country."

The Hurricanes own a 19-14 all-time ledger in bowl games and are 8-2 over their past 10 appearances. The last time the program played in a bowl game in the state of California was 2002, when Miami defeated Nebraska, 37-14, in the Rose Bowl to win its fifth national championship.

Miami and California have met only three times previously on the gridiron, with the Hurricanes winning two of those encounters. The squads last clashed in 1990, a 52-24 victory by Miami.

The Hurricanes have done a good job in scoring 27.9 ppg this season, especially when considering they are averaging a modest 327.1 total ypg. The team's ground game has lacked consistency, but is still gaining a decent 130.1 ypg, while the air attack is producing 197.0 ypg. Interceptions, however, have been a real issue for Miami, which has thrown 19 picks as a team this season. Freshmen Jacory Harris and Robert Marve have split time under center all season, but Harris will get the nod this game, as Marve has been suspended for disciplinary reasons. On the season, Harris has completed 60.8 percent of his pass attempts for 1,001 yards, with 10 scores and six interceptions. His top two targets are both freshmen as well in Aldarius Johnson and Thearon Collier, whom have combined for 55 catches, 639 yards and four touchdowns. In the backfield, Graig Cooper has carried the load for Miami and he has rushed for 778 yards and four touchdowns. He can also play a part in the passing game, raking third on the squad with 24 catches.

Despite its inability to create turnovers, Miami's defense has been sound for most of the season, holding opponents to just 315.8 total ypg. The unit's weakness though, is against the run, allowing 146.4 ypg and 19 touchdowns on the ground. The Hurricanes however, have been stout versus the pass, as they are limiting foes to just 169.3 ypg, while racking up 31 sacks on the year. The biggest knock against this defense is lack of turnovers, as the unit has forced only 14, including a mere four interceptions. Glenn Cook paces the defense with 72 tackles, including seven for losses, while Anthony Reddick checks in with 65 stops.

The Bears have displayed good balance between the run (183.7 ypg) and pass (195.5 ypg) this season, helping them average a solid 33.3 ppg. Leading the charge is tailback Jahvid Best, who ranks eighth in the nation with 1,394 yards despite being slowed by injuries. He is averaging an eye-popping 8.0 yards per carry and has 13 touchdowns on the ground. If that wasn't impressive enough, he is also the team's leading receiver with 27 catches. Best is especially hot right now, setting a school-record with 311 rushing yards in the team's regular-season finale against Washington.

"I'm very proud of him," stated coach Tedford. "He's a guy who has played through a lot this year as far as injuries are concerned. You have to take your hat off to him. He comes out every week and he tries to practice, and we have to sit him down and rest him. And every week, he shows up at the game and puts his best effort forward."

Shane Vereen has helped to take some of the pressure off Best and he adds 678 yards and four scorers to this dangerous ground game. At quarterback Kevin Riley and Nate Longshore have both seen extensive action this season and they have produced similar results. Riley has thrown for 1,360 yards and 14 scores, while Longshore has passed for 930 yards and nine touchdowns of his own. Tight end Cameron Morrah is one player both quarterbacks like to utilize around the red zone, as he leads the team with eight touchdown catches.

Defensively, the Bears have been rather strong for most of the season, as they are holding opponents to only 315.4 total ypg. Cal has clamped down against the run, giving up only 122.5 ypg, and opponents are being held to just 3.2 yards per carry. Against the pass, the Bears have allowed just 10 touchdowns while recording 23 interceptions. The unit has even had success getting into the backfield, nothing 33 sacks on the season. Zack Follett has had an outstanding campaign for the Bears, as he leads the team in sacks (8.5) and TFLs (19), to go with 78 tackles.

The Bears have the advantage of playing this game close to home and behind their explosive ground attack and stingy defense, they should have no trouble handling the Hurricanes in this one.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: California 38, Miami-Florida 14