SF Chronicle: Bears brace for brunt of Pac-10 play

Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer

Cal's season is about to get tougher with Pac-10 play beginning in earnest.  The Bears, after having an unusually early conference game against Washington, host Arizona today, as it's all Pac-10 opponents from here on out.  The Wildcats are 1-2, their losses coming against good Utah (3-1) and Purdue (2-1) teams. In fact, their schedule has been tougher than Cal's, with the Bears beating four opponents who are a combined 3-13.  But for Cal, it's all worked out for the best, given a string of injuries and the team's collective youth.  "I think we've learned a lot over the last four games," said coach Jeff Tedford, noting the schedule has been particularly beneficial for his first-year players. "The primary lessons are how to travel and how to prepare, how to go in knowing you've got to study your stuff so you don't make mental mistakes on the field."  The Wildcats, in the second year of a rebuilding program under coach Mike Stoops, are learning as well. "It's just learning how to win and play better," Stoops said, referring to the progress made by the team that was 3-8 last year. "We fell short in some areas, but we're much more competitive. We're close. The difference between winning and losing sometimes is very minimal." The Wildcats are improving on defense, befitting Stoops' credentials as a defensive innovator. Arizona's needs are more acute on the other side of the ball, after finishing last in the conference in total offense last year. Stoops said that sophomore quarterback Richard Kovalcheck, who started the final four games last year, has made significant strides. He is 63-for-108 for 793 yards and seven touchdowns.   "Our quarterback play is much more solid and our receiver play has gotten better," Stoops said.  Plus, running back Mike Bell is averaging 88 yards a game.  One key matchup will involve Arizona's run defense, ranked last in the conference, against Cal's running game, No. 1 in the conference.  Tailback Marshawn Lynch, who missed the past two games with a broken finger, is expected to return. And he'll be spelled by Justin Forsett, who gained 422 yards in starting the last two games.  "If we're going to have success, we're going to have to tackle better than we have all year," Stoops said. "They (Lynch and Forsett) are very physical and they are very quick."  For Cal, the challenge is to play closer to its potential -- a constant theme with Tedford after each game. At the same time, he acknowledges the team's progress -- citing the Bears' 595 yards in total offense in last week's 41-13 win over New Mexico State.  "Six-hundred yards of offense and we walk away from there feeling like it's a downer," he said. "We've got to keep it in perspective. We're a young team and we're getting better. We're not going to be perfect."  O'Keith on mend: Tailback Marcus O'Keith, who missed last week's game with a thigh bruise, is probable for today's game.