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.