AP: Calif. Could Have Big Day Against Ariz.

By JOSH DUBOW

AP Sports Writer

BERKELEY, Calif. -- Two trends were evident in the first month of the season for California and Arizona. While the 12th-ranked Golden Bears have had little trouble running the ball, the Wildcats have given up far too many big plays on the ground.  That could set up quite a mismatch Saturday when the Pac-10's top rushing offense faces the conference's worst run defense.   "It gets down to tackling," Arizona coach Mike Stoops said. "If we're going to have success, we need to tackle better than we have all year. We haven't tackled very well in the secondary and that's a concern. We're not playing very good in run defense and obviously we're going to get challenged in a big way this weekend."  While Cal (4-0) has used a trio of talented running backs to average more than 275 yards per game on the ground, the Wildcats (1-2) have been giving up 202, including two touchdown runs of longer than 50 yards.  With Cal's top running back, Marshawn Lynch, expected to return from a broken finger this week to share the load with Justin Forsett and Marcus O'Keith, it would seem like a safe bet that quarterback Joe Ayoob would spend a lot of time handing the ball off.

Maybe not, warned Cal coach Jeff Tedford, who pointed out that much of the success against Arizona has come by Utah and Purdue, who utilize a spread-option attack.  "It was just a matter of Utah and Purdue making some big plays with the option," Tedford said. "You're not going to pound them all day long because they are a physical group."  But Arizona's players know they need to improve.  "We have to play a lot more aggressive and physical," cornerback Antoine Cason said. "We just can't come up there and arm tackle these guys."  Ayoob is also prepared for the Wildcats to focus on stopping the run and forcing him to pass. After throwing 10 straight incompletions in the opener against Sacramento State, Ayoob has settled down in his first season after transferring from junior college.  He has completed 60 percent of his passes the past three games with six touchdowns, teaming up with Robert Jordan and DeSean Jackson to complement the running game.

"I'm sure defenses think let's stop the run and force us to throw the ball," Ayoob said. "But we have receivers on the outside that if they get one-on-one coverage, they will win nine out of 10 times. They can turn a 10-yard catch into an 80-yard touchdown. If teams start stacking up against the run, we have the weapons to expose them on the outside."  Even though the Wildcats' only win so far this season has come against Division I-AA Northern Arizona, they played Utah and Purdue tough, losing the two games by a combined 10 points.  Cal has had a much easier road, beating four relatively weak opponents -- Sacramento State, Washington, Illinois and New Mexico State are a combined 3-13 so far this season. A win against Arizona would give the Bears their first 5-0 start since 1996 under Steve Mariucci.  After watching tape of Arizona's first three games and last year's 38-0 Cal win, Tedford has noticed a big improvement for the Wildcats in Stoops' second season.  Arizona was second-to-last in the nation in scoring a year ago, but has scored at least 24 points in each of its first three games this season. Richard Kovalcheck has thrown for at least 250 yards in all three games and looks much more comfortable in his sophomore season.  "They're much improved and it comes as no surprise," Tedford said. "They could very easily be 3-0 right now. ... They've had a chance to work for a year in the same system. Anytime you can do that and gain experience, you're better for it."

Sacramento Bee: Cal versus Arizona Profile

Arizona (1-2, 0-0) at No. 12 Cal (4-0, 1-0)

When: 4 p.m.

Where: Memorial Stadium, Berkeley

TV: TBS

Radio: KGO AM 810.

Who has the edge?

Cal offense vs. Arizona defense - The Bears' running attack keeps churning along at 275 yards per game and will receive a boost with the return of tailback Marshawn Lynch. Even if Lynch's carries are limited, Justin Forsett is coming off a 235-yard effort against New Mexico State. Arizona's rushing defense is ranked 100th in the country. Edge: Cal.

Cal defense vs. Arizona offense - Wildcats quarterback Richard Kovalcheck is in his second year of coach Mike Stoops' system that relies on the run to set up long passing plays. Arizona is averaging 275 yards through the air and 101 yards on the ground. The Bears' defense has given up 13 points a game and ranks 28th in the country in yards allowed. Edge: Cal.

Special teams - Cal has returned two punts for touchdowns. Sophomore defensive back Thomas DeCoud blocked a field goal last week against New Mexico State. Arizona punter Danny Baugher is averaging 51.8 yards a kick and return specialist/wide receiver Syndric Steptoe has averaged 5.4 yards on punt return duties. Edge: Cal.

Players to watch

Cal - Lynch. Coach Jeff Tedford said Lynch will play, it's just a matter of how much. A broken left pinky has sidelined the tailback for 10 quarters.

Arizona - Kovalcheck. The sophomore has thrown for 793 yards and seven touchdowns but has also been intercepted four times.

Quote

• "I know that we all look for perfect games, but I haven't been around one yet. There are going to be times when things happen and it's how we bounce back from it."

- Tedford on if his team has room to improve.

ANG Newspapers: Cal is drawing attention with strong recruiting class

Bears get third verbal commitment for'06

By Jeff Faraudo, STAFF WRITER 

With a third commitment from a high-level prospect — and a fourth possibly around the corner — Cal's basketball team is assembling a powerhouse recruiting class.  Forward Ryan Anderson, who led Oak Ridge High of El Dorado Hills to the Division II state title last year, gave coach Ben Braun a verbal commitment Tuesday, joining center Taylor Harrison and wing Patrick Christopher as high school seniors headed to Cal in the fall of 2006.  "With the three players the Golden Bears have now, they're safely going to be a national top-15 or better recruiting class," said Bob Gibbons, veteran recruiting expert of North Carolina-based All-Star Sports.  Jerome Randle, a 5-foot-9 point guard from Chicago, is scheduled to make a Berkeley campus visit this weekend. Randle, who led Hales Franciscan to a pair of small-school Illinois state titles, also is considering Tulsa.  "If they get Randle, they could be a top-10 class," Gibbons said.

The Bears also are pursuing Nikola Knezevic, a 6-2 point guard and junior national team member from Serbia-Montenegro. A Serbian basketball Web site reported Knezevic is expected to choose Cal over signing with a professional team in his homeland.  Anderson, at 6-9, 245 pounds, is an inside-outside scorer who averaged 17.1 points and 9.1 rebounds last season. He picked Cal over USC and Pacific and is a nice complement to Harrison, who is primarily an inside player. "Getting two quality big guys certainly speaks volumes for California," Gibbons said. "That's the most difficult recruiting objective to accomplish."  "I think all the players they've recruited are awesome," Anderson said of the recruiting class he joined. "We pretty much have all the positions covered."  Christopher, who will play his senior season at Dominguez High in Compton, recommitted to Cal last week after taking the summer to consider other suitors, including Texas and Kentucky.  "He's a versatile guard and an excellent scorer," said Gibbons, who rates Christopher as the nation's No.44 overall prospect. "He could emerge as the No.1 senior in the Los Angeles area this year."  Randle led his Ferrari Youth Basketball Club to the 17-and-under national AAU title at Orlando, Fla., in late July. He scored 44 points in one tournament game. "He is really quick and creative," Gibbons said.  Knezevic, 19, gave a promising demonstration of his talents at the adidas Superstar Camp in suburban Atlanta this summer.  "I thought he was really good," said Gibbons, who watched Knezevic play. "He's really skilled, and he can shoot it. It looks like he has awesome potential."  Commitments do not become binding until the letter-of-intent signing period, which begins Nov.9.

 

San Jose Mercury News: Unbeaten, yes, but Cal is truly untested

By Jon Wilner

Mercury News

OK, Cal fans. Here we go again. For the second consecutive week, the Bears weren't in the top-25 ballot I sent to the Associated Press. I know they are 4-0. I know they are ranked 12th. I know they are winning by an average of 30 points per game. I know they have one of the nation's best offensive lines and a terrific coaching staff and a ton of team speed. But the Golden Bears are missing what matters most to me. They don't have a quality win or a quality loss. Until they play someone better than Illinois -- which was 3-8 last season and just lost at home to Michigan State by 47 points -- how do we know the Bears are worthy of a top-25 ranking? I tried explaining this to dozens of angry/frustrated/incredulous Cal fans last week. Most didn't buy it, which is fine. That's the nature of opinion polls. But as a longtime voter in both the AP football and men's basketball polls, I was struck by some of the comments. Several e-mailers speculated that I must be either a Stanford graduate (nope) or a Stanford fan (wrong again). A few wondered if I was prohibited from voting for the Bears because I live in the area (absolutely not). Others said I should favor Cal because it's a local school (no can do).

Given the confusion, perhaps it's time to explain the AP voting process and my reasons for omitting the Bears.

System analyst

Each August, the AP sends its voters a list of ethics and procedural guidelines, which include the following instructions:

• ``Base your vote on performance, not reputation or preseason speculation.''

• ``Avoid regional bias, for or against.''

• ``Pay attention to head-to-head results.''

And, finally . . .

• ``Don't hesitate to make significant changes in your ballot from week to week.''

It doesn't get more specific than that, and it can't. Each of the 65 voters has a different system. I keep a log of about 40 teams and spend up to an hour and a half evaluating results on Saturday nights. The ballot is due at 9 a.m. Sunday, which explains why I have Louisiana State ahead of Tennessee in this week's rankings despite the Vols' impressive come-from-behind victory Monday. In my system, it's all about building your résumé. Since you need a starting point, I give early weight to teams with returning playmakers. For example, USC and Auburn were 13-0 last season. But USC returned every player who scored a touchdown in the Orange Bowl -- that doesn't even include Reggie Bush -- while Auburn lost its quarterback and two tailbacks to the NFL. (All three were first-round picks.) In my mind, the Trojans and Tigers were not on equal footing in August. I ranked USC No. 1 in my preseason poll and Auburn No. 22.

Once the season begins, my emphasis shifts gradually -- because of the lack of balance in schedules -- to performance. Whom did you play and whom did you beat? A close loss to an elite team is better than an easy victory over a patsy, because it proves you belong. That's why I have Michigan (losses to Notre Dame and Wisconsin) and Clemson (Miami and Boston College) on my ballot this week but not Cal, not No. 16 Texas Tech and not No. 19 Virginia. I pay little attention to margin of victory and regularly move teams up after quality losses. Two examples: Last season, I moved Cal from ninth to eighth after its loss at USC; this year, I moved Ohio State from sixth to fifth after its loss to Texas.

Not all my colleagues agree with this approach, but I look at it this way: Just because the No. 10 team loses to the No. 1 team doesn't mean it's not worthy of that No. 10 ranking. What defines a quality opponent? Is beating Maryland more impressive than beating Mississippi? Each week, we get a better idea.

Foes in focus

How does this relate to Cal? Check the schedule:

• The Bears' opponents (Sacramento State, Washington, Illinois and New Mexico State) are a combined 3-13, with the three victories coming against Idaho, San Jose State and Rutgers.

So not only have the Bears not beaten anyone, their opponents haven't, either.

• While Cal was dismantling winless New Mexico State last weekend, Sacramento State, Washington and Illinois were losing by a combined score of 134-38.

Sac State lost to Division I-AA rival UC-Davis by almost as many points (30) as it lost to Cal (38).

• According to Jeff Sagarin's computer poll, one of the six used to help tabulate the Bowl Championship Series standings, the Bears' schedule ranks 129th in the country.

• None of the I-A teams whose schedules are weaker than Cal's -- including undefeated Washington State, Kansas State, Oklahoma State, Nebraska and Texas Tech -- is in my top 25 this week. (I discovered this after submitting my ballot.)

In other words, combine the lack of proven playmakers with the woeful schedule, and Cal has nothing on its résumé.

For Old Blues still convinced I have an anti-Cal bias, consider this: In 75 percent of last season's ballots, I voted the Bears higher than, or equal to, their overall ranking. If they beat lowly Arizona this weekend and comport themselves well at UCLA next week, I'll certainly re-evaluate. So until then, Cal fans . . .

 

New Jersey Star-Ledger: Tom Luicci's college picks

* * *

CALIFORNIA over Arizona, giving 16 1/2 (TBS, 7) Golden Bears have found an answer at QB in Joe Ayoob, although their defense can be leaky at times. Wildcats' defense is in for a long day.

Arizona Daily Wildcat: By the numbers: Cal-Cats series tied, running crucial

By Ryan Casey

Arizona Daily Wildcat

Sure, you know the stats, but do you know the stats behind the stats? Here are some things to take note of leading up to tomorrow's Pacific 10 Conference opener for the Arizona football team in Berkeley, Calif.:  

The Arizona-California series is tied. Literally. The all-time record between the two teams is 11-11-2. Even the points scored in this series have been close, with Cal putting up 599 to Arizona's 591.

The last two games in this series have belonged to the Golden Bears, including a 38-0 shutout in Tucson last year.

Cal has won nine straight games at home, but the Cats are 6-5-2 all-time in Berkeley.

The Bears enter this game ranked for the 17th straight week (No. 12 AP, No. 11 USA Today).

The Bears are 4-0 for the first time under head coach Jeff Tedford, beating Sacramento State, Washington, Illinois and New Mexico State to open the season.

Stopping the run has been a point of focus for the Cats over the last few weeks, and it should be again this week: Cal is 16-1 under Tedford when they rush for 200 or more yards as a team and is 21-4 when a running back has more than 100 yards rushing, which has happened in 16 straight games.

The Wildcats have given up more than 200 yards rushing twice this season, losing both contests.

Special teams should be another focus, as Arizona senior Danny Baugher, the nation's leading punter, faces off against a Cal team that has returned two punts for touchdowns.

The second half tomorrow could prove to be dangerous, as Cal has outscored its opponents 101-13 in the second half this season, including 70-3 in the fourth quarter.

The third quarter has been the worst for the Cats, who have been outscored 36-14. But the Wildcats have yet to allow a single point in the fourth quarter, outscoring Utah, NAU and Purdue 21-0 this season.

Quarterback Joe Ayoob is tied for second on the Bears with three rushing touchdowns.

Of the Wildcats' seven forced fumbles, Arizona has recovered only one.

Arizona tight end Brad Wood is averaging one touchdown every four catches.

Wood and freshman wide receiver Michael Thomas have combined for 48 percent of Arizona's first downs through the air.

Like the Wildcats, the Golden Bears also feature a standout true freshman wide receiver in DeSean Jackson, who caught nine passes against New Mexico State last week for 130 yards.

 

SF Chronicle: Ayoob a real threat on the ground

Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer

Friday, September 30, 2005

Quarterback Joe Ayoob doesn't mind that Cal is increasingly becoming known for its powerful running game. He considers himself part of the ground attack that is ranked No. 1 in the Pac-10.  Ayoob was an option quarterback at Terra Linda High and began to hone his passing at City College of San Francisco.  He is primarily a passing quarterback at Cal. He said he sees himself as a runner well along in the transition to a passer.  "It's nice to get banged around a little bit," he said.

In last Friday night's 41-13 win at New Mexico State, Ayoob passed for one touchdown and ran for three -- one on a quarterback sneak, one on a quarterback draw and another on a bootleg.  For the year, he has carried the ball 16 times for 47 yards, his longest a 26-yard gain. His net yardage is offset by four sacks -- counted as running plays -- for a total loss of 13 yards.  Lynch ready: Tailback Marshawn Lynch will start Saturday against Arizona.  "He's full-go," coach Jeff Tedford said.

Lynch hasn't played since breaking the little finger on his left hand during the third quarter of a 56-17 win at Washington on Sept. 10.  He has been practicing all week and will wear a splint on the hand for the game.  Justin Forsett started for Lynch the past two games, running for a total of 422 yards. Plus, Marcus O'Keith gained 103 at Washington.  Line mending: The offensive line is not quite back to full strength yet.  Starting left tackle Andrew Cameron, who missed the past two games with a concussion, should play Saturday. But Tedford said it hadn't been decided yet if he would start.  Starting right guard Aaron Merz, who also missed the past two games with a concussion, "could see some limited action," Tedford said.  More injury updates: Wide receiver Lavelle Hawkins, who sprained an ankle at New Mexico State, could play "a limited role" Saturday. ... Linebacker Greg Van Hoesen, slowed by an ankle injury, will be available against Arizona. ... Defensive ends Tosh Lupoi (knee) and Fahim Abd Allah (shoulder) are both out.

 

Contra Costa Times: O.C. proves huge hit on Cal's O-line

O'Callaghan continues to dominate defenders

By Jay Heater

CONTRA COSTA TIMES

BERKELEY - College defenders get through the line at the Department of Motor Vehicles faster than they get around Cal senior offensive tackle Ryan O'Callaghan. Just ask Bears senior linebacker Ryan Foltz. "It's pretty much the most frustrating thing ever," Foltz said about facing O'Callaghan in practice. "He pretty much smothers you. He is just an unbelievable player. If he gets his hands on you, you're eliminated from the play." Indeed, O'Callaghan has been abusing just about every defender who stands in his path, a fact noticed by the Pac-10 coaches who named him a first-team all-conference selection in 2004. "And he is showing more consistency this season," said Arizona coach Mike Stoops, whose team faces Cal on Saturday at Memorial Stadium. "He is going to have a long career in the NFL. He is a big guy who is difficult to get around, and he is so athletic. He has a big presence on the field." The 6-foot-7, 345-pound O'Callaghan might be an imposing presence, but fans surely don't spend a lot of time watching him, at least compared to the running backs who benefit from the holes he opens. The Bears are averaging 275.6 yards per game rushing, above the school record of 270 set in 1948. A Cal player has rushed for more than 100 yards in 16 consecutive games. While that streak includes four different tailbacks, O'Callaghan has been a constant. Just don't expect him to draw attention to himself.

"I'll drive a guy into the turf, but I'm not the kind of guy who will stand over him and yell at him," O'Callaghan said. Cal quarterback Joe Ayoob said O'Callaghan gets plenty of attention from his teammates. "Just seeing Ryan out on the field makes me feel comfortable," Ayoob said. "It takes a guy five minutes just to get around him. "And when I turn around to watch a run, I see this big guy running down the field chasing after some little defensive back. I know this guy is playing his heart out." O'Callaghan hasn't been playing football all that long. Growing up in Redding, he was too big to play youth football. "He always was just a big, nice kid," said O'Callaghan's father, Tom. "He was 6-foot-3 in eighth grade, but he got cut from the basketball team. So he ran cross country." Ryan O'Callaghan might have something funny to say about the world's largest cross country runner. He keeps his teammates laughing with his dry sense of humor and quick wit.

"We sit and watch TV, and his viewpoints are hilarious," Ayoob said. "He says things that are so off the wall. It's like, 'Geez, O.C., what are you talking about?' He is a crack-up." He doesn't do much laughing on the field. "He looks like a big, soft, cuddly baby, but he is the exact opposite," Ayoob said. "There is no in-between with O.C. He either likes you or he doesn't. And I know he doesn't like that guy who lines up across from him. He definitely has that mean streak in him." Combine that mean streak with his tremendous size, and O'Callaghan is a force. "In the last game I handed off, and after I turned around, I saw this defensive end laying on the ground with Ryan standing over him," Ayoob said. "I thought, 'Is it that easy?'" It sure looks that way at times. "Ryan has gained a lot of confidence in his ability," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said. "I think he is finishing better, and there is no question he has great athletic ability." O'Callaghan said he became more confident, and had more fun, last season when he became comfortable with Tedford's offense. That allowed him to concentrate on "putting someone on their butt." If he keeps playing like he has, it's likely he will be a high NFL draft choice in April. He was asked if he thought he might be a first-round pick. "I hope to be," he said. "Sometimes I come out of a game and think, 'Was that a first-round performance?' "Right now, though, I am just focused on getting better each week."

Getting better, along with getting prepared for the NFL combine, means concentrating in the weight room. Although O'Callaghan said he never has been a big-time weight lifter, his father said he has squatted a team-record 555 pounds.

O'Callaghan says not to be too impressed with all that leg strength. "My arms aren't that big," he said. "So you won't see me running around in a tank top."

Arizona Daily Wildcat: Walk-on now top player

By Kyle Kensing

Arizona Daily Wildcat

In 2002, Erick Levitre came to Tucson from northern California as a walk-on under then-football head coach John Mackovic.  The 6-foot-1, 265-pound offensive lineman spent his first season on the sidelines for a team with little expectations.

Oh, how times have changed.  Now the Wildcats' starting center, Levitre heads into his fourth game of 2005 as an important cog for a team with postseason aspirations and has earned the praises of the Arizona coaching staff.  "He's been a hard worker," said offensive line coach Eric Wolford. "He's an overachiever. He put forth a lot of effort this summer... and he ended up being the best man for the job for us at center."  The road from freshman walk-on to being the man at center was a long way paved with dedication, Levitre said.  "I knew coming in as a freshman walk-on (that) I probably wouldn't be playing a whole lot," he said. "I knew I'd have to work hard and just show the coaches I want to be here."

The Felton, Calif., native said he set a goal to do whatever possible to help the team.   Thanks to a strict regimen of strength training and a proper diet, he has stepped into a prominent role for a line head coach Mike Stoops said is the team's most improved unit.  Levitre said offseason workouts with strength and conditioning coaches Corey Edmond and Mark Hill were vital in both the line's and his own improvement.  "I have to give (Edmond and Hill) very much respect," he said. "They helped me gain a lot of weight, a lot of muscle, for (this) season. Coach Wolford told me I would have to have the hardest working summer of my life, and that's what I committed myself to."  That commitment included long hours of workouts and specially planned meals, Hill said.  "Our program is geared toward individual positions," he said. "With (Levitre), we wanted to work on his quickness coming off the ball."  Hill said this process included extensive agility drills and many hours on the "sled," a weight-lifting machine designed to strengthen the lower body. Levitre's diet consists of three full meals each day, with a balance of chicken and fish, vegetables and breads, Hill said, adding that the linemen are not permitted to eat fast food or candy.  "Eating a lot (is important)," Levitre said. "But it's about eating the right foods."  The determination Levitre has shown on and off the field has allowed him to play all three line positions throughout his career, an ability he said all productive linemen should have.  Being on the offensive line is physically demanding, Levitre said, but is something he loves doing for Arizona.  "It's like you're running into a truck," he said. "It's a battle every single play."

 

 

San Jose Mercury: Cal runners follow O'Callaghan's blocks

By Jay Heater

Knight Ridder

College defenders get through the DMV line faster than they get around Cal senior offensive tackle Ryan O'Callaghan. Just ask Golden Bears senior linebacker Ryan Foltz. ``It's pretty much the most frustrating thing ever,'' Foltz said about facing O'Callaghan in practice. ``He pretty much smothers you. He is just an unbelievable player. If he gets his hands on you, you're eliminated from the play.'' Indeed, O'Callaghan has been abusing just about every defender who stands in his path, a fact noticed by the Pacific-10 coaches who named him a first-team all-conference selection in 2004. ``And he is showing more consistency this season,'' said Arizona Coach Mike Stoops, whose team faces Cal on Saturday at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley. ``He is going to have a long career in the NFL. He is a big guy who is difficult to get around and he is so athletic. He has a big presence on the field.''

The 6-foot-7, 345-pound O'Callaghan might be an imposing presence, but fans probably don't spend a lot of time watching him as much as the runners who benefit from the holes he opens. The Bears are averaging 275.6 yards rushing per game, and the school record is 270 set in 1948. A Cal player has rushed for more than 100 yards in 16 consecutive games. While that streak represents four tailbacks, O'Callaghan has been a constant. Just don't expect him to draw attention to himself. ``I'll drive a guy into the turf, but I'm not the kind of guy who will stand over him and yell at him,'' O'Callaghan said. O'Callaghan gets plenty of attention from his teammates, Cal quarterback Joe Ayoob said. ``Just seeing Ryan out on the field makes me feel comfortable,'' Ayoob said. ``It takes a guy five minutes just to get around him. ``And when I turn around to watch a run, I see this big guy running down the field chasing after some little defensive back. I know this guy is playing his heart out.'' O'Callaghan was asked if he thought he might be a first-round draft pick. ``I hope to be,'' he said. ``Sometimes I come out of a game and think, `Was that a first-round performance?' ``Right now, though, I am just focused on getting better each week.''

Daily Cal: Cal Searching For Complete Game

Arizona Visits as Bears Schedule Takes Turn to Tougher Opponents

By BRIAN BAINUM

Daily Cal Staff Writer

Cal football coach Jeff Tedford has said it over and over again-his team has yet to play to its potential in the first third of the season.  One week, the Bears' special teams allowed a kickoff return for a touchdown and missed two field goals. Another week, quarterback Joe Ayoob did not complete a pass. Another week, Cal trailed by 10 points at halftime to an unranked opponent.  And yet, the Bears certainly have not been tested in their first four games, winning by an average margin of 30 points.  That could change Saturday, as No. 12 Cal plays host to a much-improved Arizona team at Memorial Stadium at 4 p.m.  The Wildcats (1-2) fell to then-No. 12 Purdue 31-24 two weeks ago and also came up just short against Utah, 27-24, on Sept. 2. The Utes are not ranked this season, but they did beat Pittsburgh in the Fiesta Bowl last year.  The Bears' competition, meanwhile, has not been quite as tough. Sacramento State, Washington, Illinois and New Mexico State sport a combined record of 3-13.  Of course, the soft schedule has its advantages.

It has allowed Ayoob to gain confidence, shown in his 17-for-26 performance last week against the Aggies.  It has allowed starting tailback Marshawn Lynch to take his time in recovering from a broken little finger on his left hand that he suffered against the Huskies.  It has also allowed some of Cal's untested talent to shine. Justin Forsett ran for a career-high 235 yards last week. On the other side of the ball, freshmen linebackers Anthony Felder and Zach Follett have made solid contributions.  "Having nonconference games against not the best opponents-good opponents, but not the best-it helps you get that experience in before you get really tested in the Pac-10," Ayoob said.  The Bears (4-0, 1-0 in the Pac-10) passed the test against Arizona last year, cruising to a 38-0 rout in Tucson. But the Wildcats return 17 starters, all of whom have one year of experience in second-year coach Mike Stoops' system.  "They really do play with a passion and play together," Tedford said. "Their defense has always played physical. Their two losses were really close. They could easily be 3-0 right now."  On paper, Cal's rushing attack appears to have a considerable advantage over the Arizona defense. The Bears boast the conference's top ground game, averaging an outstanding 275.8 yards per game. The Wildcats surrender 202 yards per game, placing them dead last in the Pac-10.  "I'm displeased so far with our run defense," Stoops said. "Obviously, we have to do better in that area if we want to compete this week."  Cal's advantage on the ground probably will not extend to the air, though. The Bears rank ninth in the conference in passing, while Arizona boasts the Pac-10's top pass defense.

Against New Mexico State, Ayoob's favorite target was freshman wide receiver DeSean Jackson. Jackson had a breakout game, hauling in nine balls for 130 yards last week.  He caught a 31-yard touchdown, but the majority of his catches were short passes and wide receiver screens, which allowed the Long Beach Poly product to gain yards after the catch.  "Joe is getting a lot more comfortable, and that is making me more comfortable with him, knowing the balls are going to be closer," Jackson said.  Jackson might see more passes thrown his way this week, due to the ankle injury fellow wideout Lavelle Hawkins sustained last week.  If Hawkins is unable to play, sophomore Sam DeSa will fill in, Tedford said.  Injuries have also hit the Cal offensive line and rushing attack, but things appear to be on the mend.  Left tackle Andrew Cameron and right guard Aaron Merz will play Saturday after missing two games due to concussions. Lynch will also see the field, after sitting out the past two contests.

Cal football 2005: Arizona vs. Cal

Kickoff: Cal takes on Arizona tomorrow at 4 p.m. at Memorial Stadium.

TV: TBS

Radio: KGO 810 AM

The Opponent: The Wildcats (1-2) dropped their last game to Purdue, 31-24.

Series: The series is tied 11-11. The Bears beat Arizona 38-0 last season in Tucson.

 

 

 

Tucson Citizen: Analysis: Cats ready to rumble, but ready to rush?

Lack of long runs hurts in early losses

JOHN MOREDICH

Tucson Citizen

Big plays.

The Wildcats aren't getting them from their rushing attack - and opponents are. Heading into tomorrow's game at No. 12-ranked California, the Wildcats' longest run this year is 18 yards by Mike Bell against Northern Arizona. Arizona gave up a 59-yard touchdown run to Utah's Brent Casteel and a 25-yard scamper to NAU's Philo Sanchez, a former Sunnyside High star. And the Cats saw five Purdue players bust off runs of 14-plus yards. "We have to find ways to break tackles and get big plays," UA offensive coordinator Mike Canales said. UA's running backs are averaging 101 yards a game, compared to opponents' 202. At least the Cats are getting long gains through the air. They're averaging 275 yards a game, with 12 passes overall of 15-plus yards. "Teams are putting guys up there to stop the run and that is why we are able to throw the ball," UA coach Mike Stoops said. "But we still need to find a way to run the football." Coaches talked during fall workouts about using a three-pronged attack with Bell, Gilbert Harris and Chris Henry. Bell is averaging 88 yards a game, but the others have not fared well. Harris is averaging 7 yards per game. Henry has gained 33 total yards while fumbling three times. Henry, after fumbling twice against Utah and once against NAU, did not get a carry in the last game with Purdue. "I am kind of disappointed Chris has gotten off to such a slow start, but we keep trying to work him in there," Stoops said. "All three should get carries. I think we have missed holes this year."

UA offense vs. Cal defense

The Bears have the Pac-10's top scoring defense, allowing 13.2 points per game. Cal has been stingy against the run, giving up 106 yards an outing. It will be critical for the Wildcats to establish Bell early and control the clock and limit the amount of touches Cal's offense gets. That can only happen if Bell, not quarterback Richard Kovalcheck, becomes the focus of the offense.

Advantage: Even

UA defense vs. Cal offense

This seems like a mismatch with the way the Bears are running the ball. Cal is averaging almost 300 yards per game on the ground. Getting end Copeland Bryan and linebacker Dane Krogstad back helps, but the Wildcats can't afford to miss arm tackles this week and abandon their specific gaps.

Advantage: Cal

Special teams

Arizona's Danny Baugher, the country's top punter with a 51.8-yard average, could be a huge help in pinning the Bears back. He better be aware of Cal punt returner Tim Mixon, who is fifth nationally with a 24.7 yard return clip.

Advantage: Arizona

The X factor

Cal has played well and showcased its considerable depth. But it has faced teams with a 3-13 combined record: Sacramento State, Washington, Illinois and New Mexico State. UA has faced stronger teams in Utah and Purdue, nearly beating both.

Advantage: Arizona

The bottom line

Cal has too many talented runners behind what may be the nation's best offensive line. The Wildcats need to play perfectly.

Prediction: California 38, Arizona 20

 

Arizona Republic: Cal has had better luck than UA with juco recruits

John Moredich

Tucson Citizen

TUCSON - Going the junior college route for a quick fix has not worked out so well for the University of Arizona. The success rate is just the opposite for California, which has emerged as a perennial Top 25 program largely because of successful recruiting through the junior college ranks. The Wildcats were counting on at least a handful of JC players signed in December and February to be major contributors by the time they play at No. 12 California on Saturday at 4 p.m. advertisement 

None of the eight transfers has become starters; four are listed as backups on this week's depth chart. California has a built-in recruiting advantage, as City College of San Francisco, practically in Cal's back yard, has become a feeder school for the Bears. CCSF, regarded as one of the top junior college programs in the country, sent quarterback Joe Ayoob, receiver Lavelle Hawkins and linebacker Desmond Bishop to the Bears program after last season.

Ayoob is starting at quarterback, Bishop is leading the team in tackles with 32, and Hawkins had three receptions before being injured last week. The Wildcats got linebacker Randy Sims out of CCSF in 2004. He became a starter for UA a year ago, but he's been bothered by an ankle injury this season. He is expected to start against the Bears this week. After spring workouts, December signee Byron Smith worked his way into a starting role at defensive tackle, but he has fallen behind sophomore Yaniv Barnett and has only three tackles in the first three games. Smith and fellow JC transfer Rickey Parker were being counted on to bring size and strength to the front line, but neither has found much playing time in big situations. "Sure. You would have liked (more production)," UA coach Mike Stoops said. "Rickey has practiced well and is getting in shape. That comes from playing and not being in the system. It is difficult for junior college players to come in and make a huge impact early on." Safety Michael Johnson, who plays behind Darrell Brooks and Lamon Means, is making strides, and offensive lineman Adam Hawes is making gradual progress toward a possible starting assignment.

The Wildcats suffered a huge loss when transcript issues forced transfer receiver B.J. Vickers off the team. Among other JC transfers, long snapper J.C. Zahradnik quit before the first week of school concluded, H-back Paul Nichols has not ousted Pedro Limon from a starting assignment and tight end Brandyn McCall has been bothered by a back injury. "Michael Johnson has competed well. Adam Hawes is a guy we are really happy with," Stoops said. "I think those are all quality players. We need to get them in shape and get stronger." The Wildcats' difficulties with JC recruits go back the past couple of years.  Sims was one of three JC players signed by Stoops when he first took over the job. Cornerback Kiel McDonald injured himself before last season started and is no longer with the team, and Dramayne McElroy is listed behind Wilrey Fontenot at one cornerback spot. UA signed eight JC transfers in 2003 under John Mackovic. Only defensive back Zeonte Sherman saw much action.

Arizona Daily Wildcat: Rushing focus of game against No. 12 Cal

By Charles Renning

Arizona Daily Wildcat

Although the Arizona football team opens its Pacific 10 Conference season against No. 12 California tomorrow, it might as well be the Wildcats' rushing game against that of the Golden Bears.  Arizona head coach Mike Stoops said the Wildcats' ability to move the ball on the ground and their success stopping Cal's backs will be the keys to tomorrow's 4 p.m. contest at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, Calif.  "We need to play more physical and we need to play better run defense," he said. "If you're going to win, you can't give up 200 yards a game rushing."  The Wildcats (1-2) come into the contest against Cal (4-0, 1-0 Pac-10) last in rush defense in the conference, while the Bears lead the Pac-10 in rushing offense with 275.8 yards a game.  On the flip side, Cal's defense ranks second in rushing defense, with the Arizona ground game ranking ninth.  "It's going to be a physical game," Stoops said. "They are very talented on both sides of the ball. They're well coached and they play hard."  The Bears have beaten their first four opponents by an average score of 43-12 and hope to become 5-0 for the first time since 1996.  One thing Arizona has going for it is the team's recent bye week, which Stoops said has allowed the Wildcats to relax and prepare for the Pac-10 challenge that awaits.  Arizona returns senior defensive end Copeland Bryan and sophomore linebackers Spencer Larsen and Dane Krogstad, important players who should improve the Wildcat defense.  Cal counters with a returning impact player of its own in sophomore running back Marshawn Lynch, who broke a finger in his left hand against Washington Sept. 10.

Whether the Golden Bears need him is another story.  In Lynch's absence, running backs Justin Forsett and Marcus O'Keith have racked up a combined 674 yards.  "They're very confident in the way they run their offense," said Arizona senior safety Darrell Brooks. "They have very talented backs. ... They're (playing) for a reason."  Another help has been the play of quarterback Joe Ayoob, a junior college transfer who took over signal-calling duties after Nate Longshore went down with an ankle injury.  In four games, Ayoob has completed 42 of 80 passes for 676 yards with six touchdowns and one interception.  Stoops said it will be key to limit large gains by the Cal offense.  "It's just big plays (that) have really prohibited us from being a good defensive team," he said. "We'll play 40 to 50 plays the way we are supposed to and give up two or three big plays. You can't give up big plays."  Stoops said Arizona needs to control the clock and limit costly errors to be successful in Berkeley.  "When you go on the road, you have to be able to control the ball, can't give up big plays and have to be solid in the kicking game," he said. "(With) some of those things we haven't been as good as we need to be."

 

 

 

Arizona Daily Star: Bears preparing for a tough test from UA

By Charles Durrenberger

ARIZONA DAILY STAR

Cal apparently believes Saturday's matchup with Arizona will be a mission of discovery.  The No. 12 Golden Bears (4-0, 1-0 Pac-10) have victory margins of 38, 39, 15 and 28 points.  "We really haven't played a tight game yet," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said.  The Bears trailed Illinois 17-7 at halftime before rallying for a 35-20 win.  Last week, Cal defeated New Mexico State 41-13 for its 11th win in the last 12 games.  "I don't think we can get into a shootout with them," Arizona guard Kili Lefotu said of Saturday's Pac-10 opener for the Wildcats. "Our defense is going to have to keep it from being a shootout."  California's first four opponents have a combined record of 3-13.  "We're facing a bunch of challenges," UA coach Mike Stoops added.  They are special If you are searching for a game within a game, look no further than UA punter Danny Baugher versus California return man Tim Mixon.

Baugher, a senior, leads the nation with a 51.8-yard average, while the speedy Mixon is fifth in NCAA Division I-A at 24.7 yards per return.  "You're not looking so much at yardage if you can just get the hang time," Stoops pointed out. "It's important that we give our kids a chance to cover the punts."  In three games, the Wildcats are allowing only 2.8 yards per punt return, which ranks seventh in the league.

Extra points

● The Golden Bears have a nine-game home winning streak, and will play three of its next four at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.

● The Cal-UA series is 11-11-2.

Oddly enough, the visiting team holds an edge. Arizona is 6-5-2 in Berkeley, while the Bears are 6-5 in Tucson.

Tucson Citizen: UA Football: JC player route bumpy for Cats

Saturday's opponent Cal has had a lot more success with transfers.

JOHN MOREDICH

Tucson Citizen

Going the junior college route for a quick fix has not worked well for the University of Arizona. The success rate is just the opposite for California, which has emerged as a perennial top-25 program largely because of recruiting through the junior college ranks. The Wildcats counted on at least a handful of JC players signed in December and February to be major contributors by the time Arizona played at No. 12 California at 4 p.m. Saturday. None of the eight transfers starts, although four are listed as backups on this week's two-deep depth chart. California has a built-in recruiting advantage, as City College of San Francisco, practically in Cal's back yard, is a feeder school for the Bears. The school, regarded as one of the top junior college programs in the country, sent quarterback Joe Ayoob, receiver LaVelle Hawkins and linebacker Desmond Bishop to the Bears after last season. Ayoob starts at quarterback, Bishop leads the team in tackles with 32 and Hawkins had three receptions before being injured last week. The Wildcats got linebacker Randy Sims out of the college in 2004. He became a starter for UA a year ago but has been bothered by an ankle injury this season.

Sims is slated to start against the Bears. The only success Arizona has had out of Pima Community College is tight end Brad Wood, a Sabino High grad who has caught four touchdowns among his 12 passes this season. After spring workouts, UA defensive tackle Byron Smith worked his way into a starting role, but he has fallen behind sophomore Yaniv Barnett. Smith has made three tackles. At the start of fall camp, Smith and fellow JC transfer Ricky Parker brought size and strength to the front line, but neither has played much in critical situations. "Sure, you would have liked (more production)," Arizona coach Mike Stoops said. "Ricky has practiced well and is getting in shape. That comes from playing and not being in the system. It is difficult for junior college players to come in and make a huge impact early on. "It usually takes them a half a year to get acclimated to the process of developing into a player. The JC (level) is higher than high school, but it is still not the level that you move up to at a Pac-10 school." Wildcat safety Michael Johnson appears to be making strides while in the mix with Darrell Brooks and Lamon Means. Offensive lineman Adam Hawes is working his way up to a possible starting assignment before long after gradual improvement. The Wildcats suffered a huge loss when receiver B.J. Vickers left the team recently over transcript issues. Among other JC tranfers, Long snapper J.C. Zahradnik quit before the first week of school ended, H-back Paul Nichols has not ousted Pedro Limon from a starting assignment and tight end Brandyn McCall has been bothered by a back injury. "Michael Johnson has competed well. Adam Hawes is a guy we are really happy with," Stoops said. "I think those are all quality players. We need to get them in shape and get stronger."

 

The Wildcats' bad luck with JC recruits goes back a couple of years. Sims was one of three JC players signed by Stoops soon after he took over the job. Cornerback Kiel McDonald injured himself before last season and is no longer with the team, while Dramayne McElroy is listed behind Wilrey Fontenot at one cornerback spot. Arizona signed eight JC transfers in 2003 under John Mackovic, but just defensive back Zeonte Sherman saw much action. Defensive end Andre Torrey proved transfers can have success at Arizona. Torrey started every game last year, making 43 tackles, including 13 1/2 for loss and five sacks after transferring from Laney College in Oakland as part of the 2002 class. California coach Jeff Tedford planned, after he arrived following the 2001 season, to help plug holes by going the junior college route. "I expect them to be impact players right away," Tedford said at the time. "I expect them to make a difference. We wouldn't be recruiting JC guys unless we felt that they could play immediately." The Bears signed eventual first-round NFL draft pick Aaron Rodgers and second-rounder J.J. Arrington in the 2003 class out of junior colleges. Rodgers' quarterback exploits are a major reason for California's reversal of fortunes, especially with the Bears having a 1-10 record in 2001. Arrington was a 2,000-yard rusher a year ago. Those are two of the biggest names, but also emerging from the 2003 class were Ryan Riddle, who broke Cal's season record for sacks with 14 1/2. Tight end Garrett Cross was the team's third-leading receiver a year ago. Linebacker Joe Maningo made 45 tackles. Going the JC route and mixing the transfers with high school stars, has been the right combination for a team that has won 11 straight regular-season games.

 

Arizona Daily Wildcat: Buddy system: Folk, Baugher kicking it up a notch

 

By Charles Renning

Arizona Daily Wildcat

Prior to the Arizona football team's first game of the 2005 season, head coach Mike Stoops singled out the Wildcats' kicking game and said it would be a strong point this season.  Stoops knew he had a pair of capable feet in senior punter Danny Baugher and junior placekicker Nick Folk, and both athletes have proven Stoops correct over the team's first three contests.  Baugher leads the nation in punting, averaging 51.8 yards per kick going into Arizona's Pacific 10 Conference opener Saturday in Berkeley, Calif., while Folk has booted 12 out of 17 kickoffs into the end zone this season.  Folk is a big reason why the Wildcats' opponents have, on average, started their drives at their own 18-yard-line.  "Our kicking game has been our best and most consistent aspect of our team," Stoops said. "I'm really pleased with both kickers. They've kicked outstanding."  Both Baugher and Folk said their offseason workouts and general communication have contributed greatly to their early-season success.  Since the pair started living together in 2002, they have developed a strong relationship, which they use to help each other on the field.  "It's very beneficial because we know each other so well," Baugher said.

Folk added that it was a luxury to have someone to help and who notices technical problems in kicking when they can't look at film immediately.  Baugher and Folk spent much of the summer together lifting weights with the rest of the team and working on kicking drills just with each other.

"We were out here four or five times a week trying to get better, especially in the weight room," Folk said.  So far that work has paid off.  Against Northern Arizona Sept. 10, Baugher set the Pac-10 record for single-game individual punt average (58 yards per kick).  A week later, against Purdue, he gave the Wildcats the Pac-10 single-game team punt average mark with his seven kicks for 402 yards (57.6 per kick).  "It's great to have records, but I still have a lot of hunger," Baugher said. "There's things I like to do before my time is done, especially win some games."  Stoops said he has not been surprised at all by Baugher's performances this year, which include a career-long 76-yard boot against Purdue and three other punts of 60 or more yards.  "We always knew Danny had a phenomenal leg," Stoops said. "I just like that his consistency level has improved. I think he's stronger this year and more consistent."  Folk has also been a huge asset.

Besides forcing opponents to drive longer distances, Folk has nailed three of four field-goal attempts this year, including a 51-yarder against the Boilermakers.  By comparison, the Wildcats hit on only three of 11 field-goal attempts in 2003 and started the 2004 season 2-of-5.

 

 

San Jose Mercury: Cal running game concerns Arizona

Mercury News Wire Services

Arizona hasn't been able to stop opponents from rolling up yards on the ground, and that is Cal's strength. That has Wildcats Coach Mike Stoops concerned about visiting the Golden Bears on Saturday. ``Our ability to stop the run has been a problem,'' Stoops said. ``Obviously, going into this game with the way Cal rushes the football, we need to be much improved.'' Breakaways have hurt the Wildcats (1-2), who had last weekend off after beating Division I-AA Northern Arizona.

``You can't give up the big plays,'' Stoops said. ``We do some decent things and play well at times, but we are very inconsistent.'' The Wildcats rank 100th nationally in run defense, allowing 202 yards per game. Cal (4-0) is averaging 276 yards rushing (sixth), even though starter Marshawn Lynch broke his hand in the second game. Marcus O'Keefe and Justin Forsett stepped in for the Bears. O'Keefe gained 103 yards against Washington, and Forsett had 235 against New Mexico State last week. ``We have to play a lot more aggressive and physical,'' cornerback Antoine Cason said. ``We just can't come up there and arm tackle these guys.'' Arizona will face a different type of running attack than that used by spread-option teams such as Utah, which gained 226 yards, and Purdue, which ran for 239. Cal is more traditional with an I-backfield or fullback formation.

• Cal starting left tackle Andrew Cameron and starting right guard Aaron Merz could be in the lineup against Arizona. Both missed the past two games after suffering concussions against Washington.

Daily Cal: The Enforcers

The Powerful Offensive Line Makes it All Happen for the Bears’ Offense

By STEVEN DUNST

Daily Cal Staff Writer

Surveying the field, senior center Marvin Philip calls out the blocking scheme to the rest of the offensive line. He notices the New Mexico State defense has stacked eight men in the box and that the linebackers are creeping towards the line to stop the inside run.  But with the No. 12 Cal football team up only 7-3 against the Aggies in Las Cruces, NM last Saturday, coach Jeff Tedford knows the Bears need to stick with their bread and butter, confident that Cal's highly touted offensive line will be up to the task.  Tedford calls a routine pitch to Justin Forsett, who waits for the line to pave the way.  Mammoth offensive tackle Ryan O'Callaghan-just as he has done throughout his collegiate career-proceeds to neutralize the New Mexico State left end, giving Forsett an extra second to bounce to the outside.  Forsett utilizes the blocking up front, beats the outside linebacker and sprints 39-yards down the right sideline for a first down.  By the end of the evening the Bears had rolled through Las Cruces with a 41-13 win and Forsett had racked up a career-high 235-yards. However, lost in Forsett's heroics was another dominating, yet largely unrecognized, performance by the marquee Cal offensive line.

As the years have blurred together and Tedford has continued to churn out 1,000-yard rushers-from Adimchinobe Echemandu to J.J. Arrington to the three-pronged attack so far this year-the one constant has been O'Callaghan and company up front.  "For the past three years the line has been the heart of the program," says O'Callaghan. "Our running game has been the base of the offense."  The Bears have led the Pac-10 in rushing for the past two years and are off to a torrid pace through four games, bulldozing opponents for a conference-leading 275.8 yards behind five upperclassmen across the line.  "This year more than ever (our offensive line) is important, since with our quarterback situation we've been a little hesitant to throw the ball," says O'Callaghan.  Even though the line is undoubtedly one of the biggest and most experienced in the Pac-10, it takes nothing for granted. Offensive line coach Jim Michalczik puts his subjects through a rigorous offseason weight lifting regimen, focusing on maximizing leverage and power.  During the season, Michalczik spends practice focusing on increasing speed and simulating game-time situations with punishing hitting drills and sled-driving.

"We bang into each other, try to knock people around," says Michalczik. "We do a few hours of that every day. It's not the most fun thing in the world."  A vital part of the smash-mouth running attack is the offensive line's speed, which allows the running backs to run north-south and hit the holes hard.  "If we make mistakes, we make them at 100 miles per hour," says Robertson. "Especially on inside runs, that's how we're so dominant."  One player who thrives on the physical contact and intensity is O'Callaghan, a senior and, along with Philip, an anchor of the veteran unit.  O'Callaghan, however, was hardly born a star-he almost quit football as a headstrong high school freshman.  "I'd never had someone tell me what to do all the time, and that's what football is," says O'Callaghan.  His views changed quickly when he came to a football camp in Berkeley his junior year, where he was offered a scholarship and drew attention from programs all along the West Coast.  "From then on I was recruited like crazy and realized I could do something in football," he says.  What he has done is nothing short of becoming one of the top offensive linemen in the conference-if not the nation. After earning first-team All-Pac-10 honors in 2004, he is a All-American candidate this season.  "Ryan is very physically blessed," says Michalczik. "He's so big and so naturally powerful. But he's a competitor and he works hard to maximize those things. He's a helluva player. He deserves those accolades."  Rounding out the line-in addition to O'Callaghan and Philip-is senior Aaron Merz, and juniors Erik Robertson and Andrew Cameron, three more experienced cogs to the blocking attack.  Merz and Cameron each missed the past two games with concussions, but are cleared to play this Saturday against Arizona.  Even in their absence, Cal continued to run the ball very effectively, proving the line is not only dominant but also deep. Scott Smith and Bryan Deemer filled the voids.  "We have confidence that whoever comes in can do a great job," says Philip.  Contrary to popular belief, blocking schemes don't consist of the behemoths up front simply bulldozing forward until they find someone to block. Michalczik says that opposing defenses can show up to 10 different looks throughout the game in an attempt to confuse the Bears and stifle the running attack with stunts and variations in the middle.

Michalczik compares his game preparation to a computer programmer concocting a flow chart of different rules. This flow chart runs through the players' heads before each snap and during each play, dictating how the linemen are supposed to react to different coverages.  Making instantaneous reads is where the experience of Cal's offensive line shines.  Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane has witnessed this maturation first-hand.  Mebane is used to dominating the opposition-he already has four sacks through four games-but has nothing but praise for the unit he battles daily in practice.  "Since I've been here I've seen (the offensive line) improve in all areas," says Mebane. "They're very similar to a lot of O-lines we face in the Pac-10. It gives us a good look."  Cal's run game was not fully tested in the nonconference portion of the season, but if the past serves as any indication, Pac-10 play should produce similar results for the running game and complete offensive attack, especially if Robertson and the rest of the unit has its way.  "Nobody should be able to stop us," says Robertson. "Our goal is to be physical and aggressive. If we dominate physically, we'll break their will."