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Berkeley, Calif. • At first glance, the motivation factor will clearly be in Cal's corner on Saturday afternoon as the Bears entertain BYU in a regular-season finale. The Bears (5-6) are trying to get that elusive sixth win and become bowl eligible for the first time since 2011.

Meanwhile, the BYU Cougars (7-4) are not only headed to the Miami Beach Bowl in Florida on Dec. 22 regardless of what happens at 2:30 p.m. MST in front of Pac-12 Network cameras at California Memorial Stadium, they've already assured themselves a ninth straight winning season.

Advantage, Cal, it would seem, but the Cougars clearly don't see it that way.

"We have a lot to play for," BYU coach Bronco Mendenhall said. "I think it is an intriguing game, and it is fun at the end of the year to have an intriguing matchup, and a challenge."

It certainly beats the schedule the Cougars have played in November while building their three-game winning streak: Middle Tennessee, UNLV and Savannah State.

Cal played its rivalry game last week, losing 38-17 to Stanford, so the possibility for a letdown would seemingly exist if bowl-eligibility wasn't at stake. The Pac-12 doesn't allow its conference members to have byes the last week of the season, so BYU benefits by getting a Power 5 opponent after having played Nevada, New Mexico State and Hawaii in regular-season finales its first three years of independence.

"I like as many good opponents as we can play, from beginning of the season to the end of the season," Mendenhall said. "I see this as a step in the right direction for November scheduling."

Cal will return to Lavell Edwards Stadium on Sept. 16, 2017; BYU wraps up the 2015 season at Utah State on Nov. 28.

On Saturday, BYU will try to go 3-0 against power conference schools, having beaten Texas and Virginia, and wrap a couple four-game winning streaks around the four-game meltdown in October. The Cougs hope to build momentum for their 10th straight bowl game.

"We want to make a statement that we have had a tough season, but that we are coming back hard and strong," said BYU running back Adam Hine. "And that we are BYU football players, and we are not going to give up, despite having a winning record, and despite already going to a bowl game. … I think a lot is at stake on Saturday."

A shootout is likely because Cal's offense, led by quarterback Jared Goff, has been prolific in almost every outing, averaging 488 yards and 38 points per game. BYU's pass defense is ranked 97th in the country, allowing 255 yards per game, and its pass rush was virtually nonexistent until the past few games against inferior competition.

Conversely, BYU's offense is finally on track, despite the loss of its two biggest weapons: quarterback Taysom Hill in the fifth game and running back Jamaal Williams in the ninth game. Christian Stewart said he is eager to test a Cal defense he termed as "great" and "really stout" and "opportunistic" despite evidence to the contrary. The Bears are 121st in total defense, giving up 509.2 yards per game against a killer schedule.

"I feel like a lot is at stake," said Stewart, who has bumped his passer rating up to 134.7 with outstanding performances the past three games. "This is a big game for us. Our last few games have been against easier opponents. This is a big deal for us. We want to come out with a big win at the end of the season. We can still finish 9-4, which is a great season for BYU."

Stewart called it "a perfect matchup for us," but the weather might not cooperate.

Forecasts call for a 90 percent chance of rain in the Bay Area on Saturday afternoon, with temperatures in the high 50s and low 60s.

Twitter: @drewjay —

BYU at California

P At California Memorial Stadium, Berkeley, California

Kickoff • 2:30 p.m. MST

TV • Pac-12 Network

Radio • 1160 AM, 102.7 FM

Records • BYU 7-4, Cal 5-6

Series history • BYU leads, 2-1

Last meeting • California 35, BYU 28 (Dec. 22, 2005)

About the Bears • Linebacker Jake Kearney (abdomen) is questionable, linebacker Jalen Jefferson (shoulder) is probable and defensive tackle David Davis (knee) is out. … They average 488.7 yards per game, 15th best in the country, and 38.5 ppg,12th best in the country. … Quarterback Jared Goff has thrown 31 touchdown passes, with just six interceptions.

About the Cougars • Linebacker Fred Warner (back) is out for the season. … This will be the first game of the season in which they won't play on a TV station available to a national audience. … They are 28th in the country in total offense, averaging 455.5 ypg and 44th in the country in total defense, giving up 367.6 ypg. —

BYU at California

O Saturday, 2:30 p.m. MST

TV • Pac-12 Network