SF Chronicle: Cameron's absence could give offensive line big test

CAL NOTEBOOK

Rusty Simmons, Chronicle Staff Writer

Senior left tackle Andrew Cameron, who sprained his ankle and was carted off the field during the fourth quarter of Saturday's win over Minnesota, was downgraded from day-to-day to doubtful for this week's game against Portland State, coach Jeff Tedford said Wednesday.  Throughout training camp, Tedford praised his offensive line's depth, and that could be tested this week since guard Bryan Deemer (knee) joined Cameron on the sideline at Wednesday's practice. Along with Cal's injuries, its offensive line already knew it's in for a test with Portland State's defensive line.  "They've really assembled a very good unit there," Tedford said. "I would never venture to call them a lowly Division I-AA team, because they look like a very good Division I-A team to me."  Sophomore Mike Tepper is expected to start in Cameron's place, and as a precaution, right tackle Scott Smith took about half of his repetitions Wednesday on the left side. If Smith were forced to move to the left side, Mike Gibson would play right tackle.  Cameron used only one crutch while watching Wednesday's practice, and he put a lot more weight on the ankle than he had at the previous practice. He considered retirement during the offseason after undergoing three surgeries in a 10-month span in 2005.

Schedule update: Cal's Sept. 23 conference opener against Arizona State has been scheduled for 12:30 p.m. at Memorial Stadium and will be carried on Fox Sports Net.  There are still time and television arrangements to be made for the Bears' games against Oregon State, Washington State and Arizona. Details for those games are expected a week or two in advance, so the Sept. 30 game against the Beavers could be announced Monday.  

Waiting game: Those who have been waiting for Monte Vista-Danville standout Sam DeSa to have a similar impact at Cal may not have to wait much longer.  Tedford said the junior receiver, who has battled injuries throughout his collegiate career, is finally healthy and back in the receiver rotation.  "Looking at him at practice today, you can tell he's been here for a few years now because of the way he works and runs routes," he said. "I have confidence that Sam is going to make some plays."  He had only five catches in 15 games during his first two seasons, but he showed signs of his high school success with a one-handed catch for nine yards against Minnesota.

Deep help: Safety Thomas DeCoud, who has 19 tackles, hasn't needed much help over the top this year, but he knows fellow safety Brandon Hampton will be there in a pinch. When DeCoud slipped during one-on-one passing drills Wednesday, Hampton came off the sideline to tackle receiver Drew Glover, who appeared to have a free path to the end zone.

Briefly: Starting tight end Craig Stevens (concussion) was still labeled as "day-to-day" by Tedford. ... Senior cornerback Tim Mixon, who was lost for the season with a torn anterior cruciate ligament, is scheduled for surgery today. ... Four youth tickets can be bought for a penny each with the purchase of an adult general admission ticket ($25) for the Portland State game.