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.
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