Contra Costa Times: Lynch is off the bench and has a second job

TAILBACK CALLED ON TO LIFT THE SAGGING KICK-RETURN UNIT

By Jay Heater

Although Jeff Tedford benched Marshawn Lynch for the second half of Saturday's loss to Oregon State, the Cal coach has made a decision that shows the faith he has in his sophomore tailback. Lynch, who fumbled twice in the first half against the Beavers, will not only start at tailback Saturday against Washington State but will return kickoffs for the first time this season. Cal is averaging just 17.5 yards per return; Lynch got 24.8 yards per in 2004, third-best in the Pacific-10 Conference behind Stanford's T.J. Rushing and USC's Reggie Bush. ``We need some life in our kickoff-return team,'' Tedford said. ``We've had some big punt returns, but we haven't had any big kickoff returns.''

• Tedford said that offensive tackle Ryan O'Callaghan (concussion) and wide receivers DeSean Jackson (sprained shoulder) and Robert Jordan (collarbone) have all made significant progress since Saturday. Jackson and Jordan both wore slings on Monday, while O'Callaghan wore sunglasses that were prescribed due to his concussion. The coach added that he would not determine the starters' statuses until Thursday.  Defensive tackle Brandon Mebane did not run during practice because of the sprained ankle he suffered against Oregon State. And Tedford said that tests on defensive end Philip Mbakogu's swollen knee revealed no damage; Mbakogu did not play Saturday.

• Defensive end Tosh Lupoi said the loss to Oregon State forced players to ``take a deep breath and take a look at ourselves in the mirror.'' The senior said it was easy to see the difference Monday in practice. ``We have a horrible burning sensation in our stomachs and our hearts,'' Lupoi said. ``We are starving for a victory, and we are starving to play. I don't care how banged up we are, I wish we could play tomorrow.''  Tedford met with his team before Monday's practice. ``We're anxious to get in a good work week,'' Tedford said. ``Our focus and an effort was awesome. We've lost a couple of tough games in the fourth quarter, and that has left a bad taste in our mouths.''  Center Marvin Philip said the game on Saturday will ``reveal our character.''  ``We're facing adversity right now,'' he said. ``It's important for us to bounce back.''