4 takeaways from Washington State's upset loss to Cal

California crushed Washington State 37-3 Friday evening in Berkeley, handing the Cougars their first loss of the season.

While the Golden Bears certainly deserve the win, the stunning result had more to do with the Cougars' dismal, careless play in the game.

Here are four takeaways from the upset:

Turnovers

Washington State's first possession began with an interception on the third play of the game, and it didn't get any better for Mike Leach's squad against the Golden Bears' defense. The Cougars had 14 possessions and turned it over half of the time. Quarterback Luke Falk had a rough night, tossing five interceptions, and posting a quarterback rating of 11.0.

Not before the half

Late in the second quarter, trailing 10-3, Wazzu punter Mitchell Cox booted a one-yard punt, giving the Golden Bears great field position with under a minute left. Eight plays and 45 yards later, quarterback Ross Bowers hit Kyle Wells for a touchdown, and a 17-3 halftime lead.

Quarterback protection

The Golden Bears' defense not only forced turnovers, they made Luke Falk's night very difficult in the pocket. Falk was sacked a season-high nine times, with Jordan Kunaszyk leading the way, recording 2.5 sacks, his last coming with 5:26 remaining on a strip-sack.

Playoff hopes are done

The Cougars needed to be undefeated heading into their Apple Cup rivalry game against Washington to impress the committee. A blowout loss against an unranked opponent likely ends any hopes of making the four-team playoff.