Oakland Tribune: Longshore the man for Cal

Tedford picks starting quarterback for Tennessee

By Dave Newhouse

BERKELEY — With Cal's quarterbacking situation a potential story theme for "Mystery Theater," coach Jeff Tedford ended months of suspense Tuesday evening by naming Nate Longshore as his starter. Longshore's beating out Joe Ayoob means the last piece is in place for this season of the highest expectations for the Golden Bears. "They've both had great camps," Tedford said, "but Nate will take the first snap. It's very possible both will play, but we'll see about the flow of the game."   Longshore started the 2005 season, but broke his ankle in the opener. Ayoob and Steve Levy both started in his absence, but Longshore regained the No. 1 spot in the spring, and held onto it in fall camp.

Tedford delayed the decision on who would start in Tennessee until he knew for sure that Longshore, who had an inflamed nerve in his back, was healthy enough. He threw accurately in practice Tuesday.  "Nate's been real consistent with how he's run the team," Tedford said. "He's worked real hard to get that (leg injury) back 100 percent, and he's worked hard on his footwork. He's ready to go. This is his opportunity." Longshore, the tall sophomore, believes he's back to full health, and feels he and Ayoob will play in Knoxville.

"I need to be focused, understand the game plan, and enjoy the experience," Longshore said of Saturday's intersectional. "I'm excited. We're jelling (on offense). It's coming together at the perfect time."[ep] Ayoob, a senior who was 5-4 as a starter last year, was crestfallen at not being named No. 1. And he isn't convinced he will play Saturday. "If Nate comes out and goes 10-for-10, I don't expect (Tedford) to put me in," he said. "It's my understanding that I'm supposed to get some playing time, so we'll see what happens."[ep] Though Cal has BCS aspirations, the Bears don't feel one player will make a difference, even at the important quarterback position.

"No matter who's back there, we'll do well," said senior cornerback Randy Bundy. "It's not about the quarterback. We have a great offensive line, a great tailback, and great receivers. Our defense is great. We can pick up the slack for one man." It remains to be seen if the Bears are as great as they think they are, but this is a team with talent, plenty of depth, and a deep thirst for success.   "We're competing for a national championship," said Bundy, "and a Pac-10 title, which we haven't done yet. We've always been close, second or third or one game off." The first two weeks of the season will have a telling effect on the Bears, for after Tennessee they come home to face Minnesota.

"We're where we need to be," said Tedford. "We've had a good camp, and the players' legs are back."  The coach announced the rest of his offensive starters Tuesday: tailback Marshawn Lynch, fullback Byron Storer, tight end Craig Stevens, wide receivers DeSean Jackson and Robert Jordan, tackles Andrew Cameron and Scott Smith, guards Erik Robertson and Bryan Deemer or Noris Malele, and center Alex Mack.

Defensively, the front four will be Abu Ma'afala and Nu'u Tafisi at end, Brandon Mebane and Matt Malele at tackle. The linebackers will be Desmond Bishop in the middle, and Worrell Williams and either Justin Moye or Mickey Pimentel on the outside. Daymeion Hughes and either Syd'Quan Thompson or Bundy will be the corners, and Thomas DeCoud and Brandon Hampton the safeties.

Tom Schneider is the placekicker, Andrew Larson the punter, Nick Sundberg the long-snapper, and Ayoob the holder. Lynch and Marcus O'Keith will return kickoffs, while Jackson will run back punts. Lynch and Jackson are Cal's two game-breakers, either on offense or on special teams.