The Huskies knocked Cal out of the bowl picture last year with a win in the final game of the season at Memorial Stadium. It also resulted in Coach Jeff Tedford's first losing season at Cal.
"It's not so much about payback, it's a different team this year and a different team for them. It's a new season," said Tedford. "But I think that feeling that we had was the first time we ever felt that, and so that really created the motivation for the off-season."
Senior safety Sean Cattouse has a different take.
"I think the biggest motivation regardless of knocking us out last year is just that it's starting conference play," said Cattouse. "They're a good team and it's going to be a fight."
Quarterback Zach Maynard will be playing in his first Pac-12 contest in one of the loudest stadiums in the conference.
"Oh yeah, he's definitely going to experience it in the Pac-12 -- that crowd and the crowd noise, and I know he'll produce well," said wide receiver Marvin Jones.
The Huskies are at the bottom of the conference in total defense while the Bears are averaging 45 points a game.
"Not necessarily licking your chops, but we know that we have the ability to put up good numbers," said Jones.
