SF Chronicle: Cal receivers have something to prove

Bruce Adams, Chronicle Staff Writer

Las Vegas -- Judging by the swaggers, cocky smiles and intricate handshakes, Cal wide receivers Robert Jordan and DeSean Jackson don't lack for confidence. That spirit might be just what the Bears need in their struggling passing game going into Thursday's matchup against BYU in the Las Vegas Bowl. Cal finished the regular season ranked 10th in the Pac-10 in passing offense, largely a result of the team's struggles at quarterback. Jordan, a sophomore, and Jackson, a freshman, go into a game that carries distinct challenges for each of them. Jordan would like to leave behind once and for all his costly error in last year's loss to Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl. Jackson, who didn't practice with the team in Las Vegas until Tuesday because of final exams, will have just a minimum of preparation. Yet there they both were after Tuesday's practice at UNLV, exuding all the confidence in the world.

Are they ready?

"Hell, yeah," Jordan said. Jackson, who chose Cal out of Long Beach Poly High after a spirited recruiting competition with USC, leads the team in receiving with 32 catches for 471 yards and five touchdowns. Jordan, who was rushed into the starting lineup last year as a true freshman because of injuries in the wide-receiving corps, ranks second with 31 catches for 440 yards and four touchdowns. Jordan is eager to erase the memory of a bobbled pass in the second quarter of last year's bowl game. The Bears were leading 14-10 when Jordan was unable to handle a throw from Aaron Rodgers. Texas Tech intercepted, and scored on the ensuing possession. It was the turning point, with the Red Raiders not trailing again in their 45-31 win. "This is my chance to get back," Jordan said, adding he still feels haunted by the error. "This is my best shot." He said he was so focused on doing better this year that after dropping a pass in Tuesday's practice, he couldn't shake the bad feeling until he caught the next ball thrown his way. For Jackson, the bowl game is a challenge of his ability to balance the requirements of academics and athletics. "It was a shock," he said of first learning he had to remain in Berkeley to take a final while some players were allowed to test with proctors in the team hotel. Jackson arrived in Las Vegas late Monday night, too late for practice but in time to join the players in some free time roaming the casino floor at the Hard Rock. He was in a group that included Jordan and tailback Marshawn Lynch. None of them is old enough to gamble, so they simply watched. "I had time for a little fun," Jackson said, "but basically I'm here to play a game." What hasn't been fun is Cal's uncertainty at quarterback. Nate Longshore began the season as the starter and was hurt in the first game. Joe Ayoob took over the job but struggled with consistency. He was replaced in the Big Game by Steve Levy, who will be making only his second collegiate start Thursday. "It's kind of weird," Jackson said. "Steve was saying all year that he'd never get a chance to play. Now he's in there and he's actually making some great throws." Both Jackson and Jordan say it hasn't actually been a problem adjusting to the different quarterback. "We feel comfortable," Jordan said. "What we practice is what we do."