California running back
Marshawn Lynch
California coach Jeff Tedford is known for developing top quarterbacks, which sometimes overshadows the team's success at running the ball. Cal has had a 1,000-yard rusher the past three seasons and this year probably won't be any different. For No. 9 Cal to beat No. 16 UCLA on Saturday, the Bears first real test of the season, Cal will likely have to rely on its No. 7-ranked rushing attack. Last week against Arizona, sophomore tailback Marshawn Lynch returned after missing two weeks because of a broken finger and rushed for 107 yards and a score on 20 carries. In Lynch's absence, overlooked sophomore Justin Forsett stepped in and shined. (Forsett averages 117 yards a game.) So far, Cal's team average of 6.4 yards a carry is ahead of the school record of 6.1 set last season. "If Marshawn is in there and gets a little gassed, we will get him out and put Justin in," Tedford said. "It just reaffirms that our depth at running back is pretty strong, and there is not a lot of drop off when anyone comes out." Lynch, a 5-11, 215-pounder from nearby Oakland, backed up J.J. Arrington last year. He gained 628 on 71 carries, averaging a Pac-10-best 8.8 yards. He also scored 10 touchdowns.
Pacific-10
Still another team will fall from the ranks of the unbeaten as No. 9 California heads into the Rose Bowl to take on No. 16 UCLA. This is nearly a must-win for each club because it will eventually have to deal with that other school from Los Angeles. Both teams have nicely balanced offenses. Golden Bears QB Joe Ayoob benefits from the presence of RBs Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett. Bruins LB Spencer Havner is getting more tackling help this year, but he'll need to be active. QB Drew Olson and RB Maurice Drew rescued UCLA after a slow start against Washington. An early hole this time might be inescapable; Cal's defense, led by LB Desmond Bishop, ranks first in the Pac-10.
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