SF Chronicle: IT'S A REAL BIG GAME

THE 108TH BIG GAME

Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer

The most important task for the Cal quarterback today -- no matter who finally gets the most playing time -- will probably be to safely get the ball into the hands of Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett.  Put the emphasis on "safely."  "I truly believe whoever wins the turnover battle wins the game," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said.  Statistically, Stanford has the edge in this department. The Cardinal have a turnover margin of plus-2, gaining the ball 18 times while losing it 16 times. The Bears have a margin of minus-8, taking the ball away 18 times and giving it up 26 times.  While those game-turning plays could well decide today's contest, the most intriguing matchup, and the one most favorable to Cal, is on the ground.

Cal has the No. 2 run offense in the Pac-10 in terms of yards per game, No. 9 in the nation. Stanford has the No. 6 run defense in the conference, and it has surrendered 19 rushing touchdowns in nine games. The Bears average 235.6 rushing yards a game, 5.9 yards a carry and have run for 22 touchdowns.  "The challenge in facing their defense is they're very physical," Tedford said, adding that the Cardinal were especially tough up front. He was particularly wary of nose tackle Babatunde Oshinowo and outside linebacker Jon Alston, tied for sixth on the team with 43 tackles each.  "They fly around and play real hard," he said. "We're going to have to try to stay balanced."  Tedford is changing starting quarterbacks, going from Joe Ayoob to Steve Levy, although he says both will play. Still, the Bears will probably not stray far from what has been the team's strength all year.  Cal's primary tailbacks, starter Lynch and backup Forsett, are each within reach of 1,000-yard seasons. Lynch needs 71 yards and Forsett 88.  The Bears have not had two players reach that landmark in the same season since Russell White and Anthony Wallace did it in 1990. USC, the conference's No. 1 rushing team, has already accomplished it with Reggie Bush and LenDale White.  Lynch ranks 11th in the nation, averaging 116.13 yards a game. Forsett is averaging 91.2 yards a game.  The matchup when the Bears are on the other side of the ball also appears to favor Cal. The Bears are No. 2 in the conference in total defense, allowing 362.4 yards a game. Stanford ranks last in the Pac-10 in total offense, at an average of 322 yards. But the Cardinal's lack of flashy numbers can be deceiving.

"Their offense is very efficient," Tedford said. "(Quarterback) Trent Edwards does a nice job of spreading the ball around. He's a tough guy who is very accurate."