SEATTLE - Sophomore tailback Marshawn Lynch dislocated his knuckle just above the pinkie finger on his left hand during Cal's 56-17 victory over Washington on Saturday at Husky Stadium. But he wasn't the lone Bear to go down. Starting linebacker Greg Van Hoesen suffered a sprained ankle and starting defensive end Tosh Lupoi sprained his left knee. All three injuries will be evaluated today before Cal Coach Jeff Tedford speculates on whether the players would be available for next Saturday's home game against Illinois. ``We think that Marshawn's finger or knuckle may be fractured,'' Tedford said. ``We were trying to get it set.'' Lupoi, a sixth-year senior who missed all of last season because of a broken foot, said he hurt himself in the second quarter, then tried to play on it for a couple of series before giving way to sophomore Phillip Mbakogu. The Bears lost starting quarterback Nate Longshore and sophomore wide receiver Noah Smith in the opener because of broken fibulas.
• Tailback Marcus O'Keith is averaging 21.5 yards per carry after gouging Washington for 103 yards in six carries. He had two carries for 69 yards in the opener against Sacramento State. ``I am just trying to stay focused on special teams and if my number is called, I will be ready,'' O'Keith said. ``I was trying to make something happen and our offensive line did well spreading the defense.'' “'Keith ran for two touchdowns against Washington, including a 71-yarder in the fourth quarter. If Lynch can't play against Illinois, O'Keith figures to share the tailback duties with sophomore Justin Forsett. Cal has had a 100-yard rusher in 14 consecutive games.
• Although it appeared that Cal sophomore wide receiver Robert Jordan had caught Joe Ayoob's 24-yard touchdown pass in the left corner of the end zone with 11:43 remaining in the second quarter, the official on the spot called it out of bounds and therefore no catch. The instant replay official, however, reversed the call and ruled the play a touchdown. ``I love it,'' Tedford said of instant replay. ``That's why I am a fan and why I voted in favor of it.''
Jordan said he is glad the play was checked. ``That was something new for me,'' he said. ``I was nervous.'' Instant replay was also used when Jordan caught a 31-yard pass in the first quarter, just before going out of bounds. The instant-replay official found that the call was made correctly on the field.
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