Washington Post: Golden Bears Loaded for Battle

California Could Challenge USC for the Pac-10 Title

By Marc Carig

Washington Post Staff Writer

Their credentials sound as impressive as those of a No. 1 contender being introduced before a heavyweight title fight: Heisman Trophy candidate at running back, defense loaded with talent, last team to beat the defending conference champions.  After enduring an 8-4 "rebuilding" season, the California Golden Bears look primed to battle Southern California for Pac-10 supremacy this season.   

Cal junior running back Marshawn Lynch packs the most punch. The hype around Lynch is growing -- the school has launched a promotional Web site -- but Lynch prefers to lie low. "He's uncomfortable with the personal attention," Cal Coach Jeff Tedford said. "He would rather focus on the other guys around him. He doesn't like being put on a pedestal." Lynch, a bruising runner with breakaway speed, rushed for 1,246 yards despite missing two games because of hand and finger injuries. He ranked seventh in the nation with 124.6 rushing yards per game. He could be in for an even bigger year as Tedford, known as one of college football's most creative offensive minds, hired ex-Northwestern offensive coordinator Mike Dunbar to implement elements of the spread option. The added space on the field could give Lynch more room to work, a dangerous proposition for opposing defenses.

"He's an all-around great player," Tedford said. "He can run inside; he can run outside. He's a great receiver; he can throw the ball; he can block."

Nevertheless, Lynch prefers to turn the discussion toward his teammates. And this year, there's plenty to talk about, which is one of the reasons Cal could play in its first Rose Bowl since 1959 and win its first conference crown since sharing it with UCLA in 1975. Backup running back Justin Forsett gives the Golden Bears one of the best backfield combos in the country. As Lynch's backup last season, Forsett rushed for 999 yards. Forsett's speed and elusiveness complement Lynch's physical running style. "That's my favorite running back in the country," Lynch said of Forsett.  In the offense-friendly Pac-10, Cal boasts a defense that features a deep and talented defensive line led by Brandon Mebane, a linebacking corps that welcomes back its top tackler in Desmond Bishop and a pair of lockdown cornerbacks in Tim Mixon and Daymeion Hughes. "I feel confident in our team," Lynch said. "We're going to be a young team with a lot of veterans."

Sophomore Nate Longshore entered camp as the favorite to start at quarterback after missing nearly all of last season because of an injury. Longshore's replacement, Joe Ayoob, threw 14 interceptions. Steve Levy replaced Ayoob and led Cal to wins in its last two games. "They don't have to win the game on their own," Tedford said about his quarterbacks. "It's going to be important to manage the game." The offensive line returns just one starter in guard Erik Robertson, and kicker Tom Schneider needs to improve after missing 7 of 16 field goal attempts. But if the Golden Bears improve in those areas, their Nov. 18 game at USC could have the gravity of a title fight. The Golden Bears have fared decently against the Trojans during their brilliant run -- scoring a triple-overtime win in 2003 before losing a close 23-17 decision in 2004. The Trojans won, 35-10, last year.

"We've been focused, but we've got to get a bit more focused," Lynch said. "That's where we've fallen short a little bit. We all know what we're up against."