Monday, August 07, 2006

Daily Cal: Deep Impact

BY Steffi Chan

When Tyler Fredrickson's third field-goal attempt in triple overtime sailed between the goal posts of Memorial Stadium on Sept. 27, 2003, the Cal football team seemed to have accomplished the impossible.   The team that owned a 7-5 record the year before had just managed to snap the the national powerhouse Trojans' 11-game winning streak.  Daymeion Hughes, then a freshman starting at cornerback for the Bears, had taken part in something none of his older teammates had experienced in their years at Cal.  While the Bears offense pounded out an early 14-point lead, it was the Cal defense that continually pressured 2004 Heisman Trophy winner Matt Leinart and shut down then-No. 3 USC in the first half.  In the end, Leinart threw three interceptions, the Bears secured an impossible 34-31 win, the student section flooded the field and history was made.  Fast forward three years. As Cal begins its first practice of fall training camp today, the team's older and wiser defense in 2006 may have something to say about its chances at reliving its thrilling win three years ago and bringing home the Pac-10 title.

"We've always had a good shot," says Hughes. "This year is the most talented team we've ever been on both sides of the ball. Defensively, in the Pac-10, we're probably the strongest."  Cal led the conference in scoring defense and finished second in rushing defense, allowing only 119 rushing yards per game. And this season, all of key players from the 2005 defensive squad are returning.  Hughes, now a senior, has also grown older and wiser like the other veteran members of his team. He, for one, seems to think the chance for a victory over the Trojans is more possible than ever.  "That game was probably one of the most exciting games I have ever been in. Our program has changed a lot since then," says Hughes. "That game is in the shadows now. It sparked something for our program. Our opportunity to win this year will be better."  Hughes has not escaped the national spotlight, especially after the impressive statistics he put up last season, including being ranked second in interceptions in the Pac-10. Named preseason All-American by seven different publications, the Los Angeles native will be expected to produce on the field as well as fulfill the responsibilities as a veteran leader of his team.  "He brings a lot of leadership qualities-experience, confidence, composure, which is critical for a senior leader," says coach Jeff Tedford. "He's a smart player, and he was solid last year."

Adding to Cal's optimism this season is that Hughes is surrounded by veteran talent. Among those are defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and inside linebacker Desmond Bishop.  Mebane, who was a first-team All-Pac-10 athlete last year, led the Bears in sacks despite constantly being double- and triple-teamed. Now a senior, he has both the experience and talent to do some serious damage to any offensive line this season.  "My experience will help me a lot-I'm familiar with all types of games and pressure situations," says Mebane. "We've pretty much seen every type of offense. I'm not nervous at all-this is one of the most anticipated seasons."  Bishop, also a senior, is back after a notable season, when he led Cal in tackles with a total of 89, 7.4 per game. He has also been named first-team preseason All-American.  According to the senior, the strength of the Bears defense lies in the fact that there are playmakers at every position who are capable of making game-changing plays at any time.  "We have a lot of key players," says Bishop. "We've got depth. Everything is in place."  There is no offensive line in the Pac-10 that particularly worries the senior, except one:

"Our own o-line at practice," says Bishop, laughing. "We've always got to pay attention to them-they make the offense work and we have some great offensive linemen."  The defense will also be anchored by heralded defensive end Nu'u Tafisi and cornerback Tim Mixon-both seniors as well.  And with the Trojans' three key losses from the offensive backfield-Leinart, Bush and LenDale White-this may be the year that the Bears are able to relive the 2003 upset.

 

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