SF Chronicle: Cal's offensive line keeps its killer attitude

Injuries don't slow 'attack mode' approach

Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer

The five veteran stalwarts who began the year as Cal's offensive line have all missed time because of injuries. But one thing hasn't changed.  "The nasty mentality," All-American senior center Marvin Philip said. "We try to finish people; we try to get after people. We want to be in the attack mode rather than be on the receiving end."  Once again the Bears go into a game with uncertainty along the line. Coach Jim Michalczik says he still doesn't know for certain who among his battered corps will be available for Saturday's Big Game at Stanford.  He said it could be the regular group -- or it could be a line with as many as two backups.  Junior left tackle Scott Smith, who became a starter after junior Andrew Cameron missed two games with a concussion then was lost for the year with a knee injury, left last Saturday's 35-10 loss to USC with a knee injury. He returned to play briefly but his status is still unclear.  The same applies to junior left guard Erik Robertson, who left the game with an ankle injury, also returning to play briefly.  It will probably come down to a game day decision on both.  It's nothing out of the ordinary this year for Michalczik, who at various times has also been without senior right tackle Ryan O'Callaghan (concussion), senior right guard Aaron Merz, (concussion) and Philip (ankle).  The line, heralded as one of the best in the Pac-10 going into the year, has often appeared to be pieced together game-to-game.  The Bears have endured. In fact, based on the team's success in the running game -- a primary measure of the quality of an offense line, they've thrived. Cal has the No. 2 ranked rushing offense in the Pac-10, averaging 235.6 yards a game. Tailbacks Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett are each within less than 100 yards of achieving 1,000-yard seasons.  Reserves have had to take over critical roles -- and, at the same time, they've gained critical experience, some of them for next year. Junior Bryan Deemer has made three starts at left guard; senior Jonathan Murphy has started at right tackle. And two redshirt freshmen have gained considerable experience, Alex Mack at center and Noris Malele at guard.

Smith, who came into the year backing up Cameron, has already made seven starts.  "Sometimes I forget Andrew was here," Merz said.  Michalczik doesn't acknowledge the benefits accrued to his younger players.  "I'm just worried about Saturday," he said. "We'll worry about next year after the season."  Some of the regulars have had to change positions. When Smith left the USC game, Merz was moved from his regular spot at guard.  "I'm not a left tackle," Merz said. "I'm a guy that can get it done at left tackle."  Many of the linemen are playing through injuries. O'Callaghan has been going with a broken wrist much of the year. After a mid-week practice, he also had an ankle taped and was bleeding from his elbow. Merz still has a black eye from the USC game.  Michalczik acknowledges that this has been a rare year. Last year guard Jonathan Giesel was the only major loss to injury and the year before center Nolan Bluntzer was the lone starter with a serious injury.  But it's all part of the game. "If (fullback) Chris Manderino can't go, Byron Storer should be able to go," Michalczik said. "You've got to be ready."  Michalczik says he's had to make numerous adjustments this year. "We tailor our attack to the strengths of our players," he said. "It's really no different than game planning. You're always adjusting your strength and you're adjusting the matchups."  "It's not the best scenario," Merz said. "But we all have spent the same amount of time together and we all have the same style of play. We just plug in another guy."