Sacramento State vs. Cal

By John Schumacher -- Bee Staff Writer
Published 2:15 am PDT Friday, September 2, 2005
Story appeared in Sports section, Page C10
When: Saturday, 2 p.m.
Where: Memorial Stadium, Berkeley
TV: CSN
Radio: KTKZ (1380 AM), KGO (810 AM)
Who has the edge?
Sac State offense vs. Cal defense - The Hornets will try to open holes for running back Ryan Mole and keep pressure off quarterbacks Brad Tredway and Chris Hurd. Cal's defensive front lacks experience, but the Golden Bears' seasoned secondary could produce big plays. Edge: Cal.
Cal offense vs. Sac State defense - Senior center Marvin Philip, from Oak Ridge High School, anchors a quality, veteran line that should open big holes for sophomore tailback Marshawn Lynch. Redshirt freshman Nate Longshore has beaten out junior Joe Ayoob for the quarterback job vacated by Aaron Rodgers. Edge: Cal.
Special teams - The Hornets struggled in this area last year but brought in new coordinator Richard Sanchez to change things. Cal kicker Tom Schneider converted 56 of 57 extra points and 9 of 16 field goals last season. Edge: Cal.
Players to watch
Sac State - Hurd, who will alternate with Tredway, was declared eligible Thursday by the NCAA. After playing briefly at Washington State, Hurd transferred to Texas-El Paso, where he threw for 203 yards and two touchdowns in the spring game earlier this year before leaving for personal reasons.
Cal - Lynch showed signs of greatness last season, averaging 8.8 yards per carry. With a strong line in front of him, that average might jump Saturday.
Quote - "They're definitely going to be a force. But we're going to go out and give it our best and do what we can to come out ahead." - Hurd