The Bruins starting quarterback Ben Olson was still injured, so backup quarterback Patrick Cowan took his fourth start in California Memorial Stadium. The Bruins had a tough last three weeks after starting 4–1, losing to the Oregon Ducks on the road, losing their chance at an upset over the #10 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the last minute of the game at Notre Dame Stadium, and losing at home to the Washington State Cougars at home 37–15. The Bears and Bruins have split their last six contests, with the home team winning each occasion.