SF Chronicle: Bears, used to blowouts, might face squeaker

CAL NOTEBOOK

Rusty Simmons, Chronicle Staff Writer

Current events suggest that Cal has its games clinched by halftime.  But what happens if history is right about this week's game against Oregon? What if the indications that this game will go down to the wire are true?  "I really think we're the type of team that will thrive in that situation," quarterback Nate Longshore said. "That's probably why we've been having letdowns in the second half. I'm excited to see how we will respond when it's a closer game and we have to be on top of our game the whole time."  That hasn't been necessary this season. During their four-game winning streak, the Bears have led by average of 23.3 points a game at halftime, but the last three meetings with the Ducks have been decided by a total of 12 points.  "We have always had close, hard-fought games no matter who was favored or where the venue was," Oregon coach Mike Bellotti said. "I expect the same this year."  Cal might be better prepared for that type of game than it appears. To support his quarterback's thesis, left tackle Andrew Cameron points to Cal's first drive in its last game.  "That was a good illustration of our resolve on offense," he said. "It showed a glimpse of how our offense can get past setbacks with a maturity to move on and play football."

Though there hasn't been much turmoil for the Bears' offense recently, it did show the ability to get through some tough times in the early going last week. Cal faced a 1st-and-long and two 3rd-and-long situations on its first drive against Oregon State, and, on each occasion, it converted.  Public plea I: Cal coach Jeff Tedford knows the Memorial Stadium crew has removed all four tarps from the bleachers and expects a crowd of more than 60,000, but he wants even more.

"I really hope and encourage our fans to get into the game and make it a home-field advantage," he said. "The louder we can be, the more it will benefit us. I really hope that our fans will come to the game ready to use their voices and make it difficult on them."  

Public plea II: There has been gossip that Longshore leaves two tickets each week at will-call, just in case pop-singer Jessica Simpson wants to come to a Cal game.  "That is a fact," he said. "She hasn't come yet, but there's always a chance. I have a good feeling that she's going to show up to one of them."  Rumor has it that former Cal quarterback Kyle Boller used to leave two tickets for Britney Spears.  

Briefly: Receiver Lavelle Hawkins played reporter Tuesday. During a conference call with Bellotti, Hawkins asked, "How do you prepare for (Cal's) group of wideouts? Not missing a beat, Bellotti answered, "I'm going to try to sneak a 12th or 13th man of the field, but don't tell anyone."