CAL NOTEBOOK
Rusty Simmons, Chronicle Staff Writer
Starting left tackle Andrew Cameron practiced Thursday for the first time since he sprained his ankle in the second half of the Minnesota game Sept. 9, but Cal coach Jeff Tedford still isn't sure if he'll play Saturday against Arizona State at Memorial Stadium. "He did a few things, and he moved around pretty well," Tedford said. "It will be a game-time decision." The senior contemplated retirement after undergoing three surgeries in a 10-month span last year. Sophomore Mike Tepper, who started at left tackle last week, will get the start if Cameron can't go. "There were times when he got beat inside, but that's part of learning and making that transition," Tedford said about Tepper. "He's a talented guy and has a lot of potential to be a very good player."
Mike Gibson, a junior-college transfer from Solano College, is expected to get his first start at right tackle for Scott Smith, who will miss about three weeks with a strained medial collateral ligament in his right knee. Tedford said starting right guard Noris Malele will go into Saturday's game as the backup at right tackle. The Bears' banged up offensive line will get a boost from the return of tight end Craig Stevens, who got a concussion in the season-opener and has played sparingly since. Tedford said Bryan Deemer (knee), who started the season-opener at right guard, is also available this week. Tedford said Cal will need to use its depth this week against Arizona State, which leads the nation with 18 sacks. "They have a nice blitz package," Tedford said. "They have guys who play very hard, and they know how to outnumber you in the blitz. They come from all over the place."
Briefly: Defensive tackle Derrick Hill (knee), a freshman from McClymonds-Oakland, will not play this week, Tedford said. ... Defensive end Philip Mbakogu (knee) still isn't ready to play. Tedford said, "He's still a few weeks away, if at all."
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