SF Chronicle: Defense set to face air apparent

New Mexico State has a familiar look

Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer

Tuesday, September 20, 2005

For the second week in a row, Cal will face an unconventional offense.  On Saturday, it was Illinois' version of the Utah offense, a combination of the option and the spread.  On Friday night at New Mexico State, it's a different scheme, a modified offshoot of BYU's passing game that first-year Aggies coach Hal Mumme calls the "Air Raid offense."  Coach Jeff Tedford has another name for it.  "It's a Texas Tech-type of thing," he said.  It took the No. 13 Bears (3-0) a half to figure out the Illini's "Utah" offense, coming back from a 17-7 deficit to win 35-20.  And, of course, the Bears never quite figured out Tech, ending last season with a 45-31 loss in the Holiday Bowl.  Cal defensive coordinator Bob Gregory said that could work in the Bears' favor.  "It gives us a little incentive," Gregory said, even though many of the regulars on defense are gone from that team.  More importantly, he said, "We learned from that game."

And the lesson, Gregory said, was a relatively simple one:  "You can't give up the deep throw," he said.  Texas Tech threw the ball 60 times, completing 39 for 520 yards.  New Mexico State (0-3) hasn't put up those kind of numbers yet, but it clearly relies on the air game. The Aggies average 259 passing yards a game and 27 yards rushing.  "They're going to complete balls," Gregory said. The trick for Cal, he said, is to avoid the big plays that cost the Bears dearly in the Holiday Bowl.  Lynch practicing: Tailback Marshawn Lynch began practicing in a limited role Monday, although his status for Friday night is uncertain.  Tedford said he would wait until later in the week before making a determination.

Lynch broke the little finger on his left hand in Cal's win at Washington. He did not play in Saturday's win over Illinois.  At Monday's practice, Lynch ran and took part in several ball-handling drills.  In other injury updates, defensive end Tosh Lupoi (knee) will not play. Linebacker Greg Van Hoesen (ankle), offensive tackle Andrew Cameron (concussion) and guard Aaron Merz (concussion) are day-to-day.  Mixon's the one: Cornerback Tim Mixon was named Pac-10 Player of the Week for special teams.  Against Illinois, he had two punt returns for 101 yards, including a 79-yarder for a touchdown.  Game time announced: Cal's game against Arizona at Memorial Stadium on Oct. 1 will begin at 4 p.m., it was announced Monday.

TBS will carry the game nationally.  Kickoff times have yet to be announced for the Bears' three other remaining home games.