Hurt Lynch to miss Cal's Illinois game

Two other starters out, but Tedford says it's 'business as usual'

By Dave Newhouse, STAFF WRITER 

BERKELEY — After breaking and dislocating his left little finger last Saturday at Washington, Marshawn Lynch said he would tape the pinkie and ring finger together and be ready to face Illinois this weekend.

That's not going to happen. After not practicing all week, Lynch won't suit up Saturday, Cal coach Jeff Tedford announced Thursday.  "He feels like he can't play," Tedford said. "Until he feels like he's ready to play, he won't play."

Is Lynch, whose left hand has been in a cast all week, experiencing considerable pain in the finger?  "I think so," Tedford said. "He feels throbbing there. He feels like he can't get it done, so we're not going to put him in a position to try to make him do that."  Lynch, Cal's exciting running back, wasn't available for comment Thursday. He didn't miss a game as a freshman, averaging 8.8 yards a carry. He's averaging 6.7 yards this season, and is being considered for All-America honors. How will Lynch's absence affect Cal?  "It will be business as usual," Tedford said. "Just another guy that goes in and plays."  Sophomore Justin Forsett will start for Lynch against the Fighting Illini and share tailback duties with junior Marcus O'Keith.  Tedford declared two more starters out of the game — defensive end Tosh Lupoi (sprained knee) and linebacker Greg Van Hoesen (sprained ankle). Center Marvin Philip (sprained ankle) and right guard Aaron Merz (mild concussion) will be game-time decisions in terms of starting).  With five potential starters sidelined, Tedford's successful recruiting and team depth will be needed more than ever at Cal.  "Whoever plays, plays," he said, "and you have trust and confidence that they will do their jobs. And I'm sure they're anxious to get in when they get their opportunity."  Sophomore Phillip Mbakogu from Hayward will start for Lupoi. Redshirt freshman Worrell Williams and true freshman Anthony Felder will split time in place of Van Hoesen. Redshirt freshman Alex Mack would replace Philip, and redshirt junior Bryan Deemer would take over for Merz if they can't play.

Speaking of depth, it isn't often that you can replace your leading rusher with one back who's averaging 5.9 yards a carry (Forsett) and another averaging 21.5 yards (O'Keith).  "Forsett's an unbelievable hard worker," Tedford said, "with great balance. He's hard to bring down, has very good speed and is reliable. You know you're going to get everything he's got.  "O'Keith is very similar. He's been running very strong, and has shown that when he gets in the open field, he can take it the distance. They're both very good players."  O'Keith had a 71-yard touchdown run against Washington after breaking off a 52-yard run against Sacramento State.  The 5-foot-8, 180-pound Forsett not only scoots when he runs but also has surprising power.  "It's exciting," Forsett said. "We got to do like we've been doing every weekend. Just play to our best ability, and we'll be all right. I'm happy that the coach trusts me and believes in me to do that."  The 6-1, 190-pound O'Keith is a special-teams contributor who doesn't expect that load to be reduced with increased backfield duty.  "When my number's called, I've just got to hold the rope," he said, referring to one of Tedford's team mottoes. "I don't have much time, so I've got to show my skills with this opportunity."