SF Chronicle: Cal's O-Line Gets Another Chance To Shine

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Rusty Simmons, Chronicle Staff Writer

Washington State leads the nation in sacks, but even its coach believes the Cal offensive line will be up for the challenge today in Pullman.  "They're big, physical kids," Washington State coach Bill Doba said. "Plus, they're well-coached. (Cal offensive line coach Jim Michalczik) used to be a Coug, so obviously he's a smart individual."  He proved to be smart enough the last time this story line unfolded.  Heading into the Arizona State game in Week 4, the Cal camp praised the Sun Devils' defense, which at the time was leading the nation in sacks. Playing without both of its starting tackles, the Bears allowed only one sack and scored 49 points.  How soon they forget. Despite the return of left tackle Andrew Cameron and the expected return of right tackle Scott Smith, the most popular topic once again this week was the Cougars' defense, which has piled up 27 sacks.

"They can really pass rush, and it all starts with the passion and the intensity that they play with," Cal coach Jeff Tedford said. "Our offensive line has been playing very well in the passing game and has been very physical for the run, but we're in for a big challenge this week."   The bigger challenge, if there is one for a Cal team that has won its last five games by an average margin of 25.6 points, might be the site of the game. The Bears have lost 10 consecutive road games to WSU (nine in Pullman, one in Spokane). The Bears have been outscored 340-158 during the streak and they haven't won in the Palouse since 1979.

"I haven't been there in awhile, but I do know it's a hostile environment," Tedford said. "I've already warned our kids that there are a lot of things that will be said to them that aren't very nice. We need to make sure not to get into a sparring match with them."  If the Bears keep their concentration on the field, their talent and speed should overpower Washington State. The Cougars have had only one player, right tackle Charles Harris, start each week in the same position along their depleted offensive line.  Cal's skill players on offense are unrivaled by most teams in the nation, although Washington State has a pair, quarterback Alex Brink and receiver Jason Hill (a Sacred Heart Cathedral grad), who helped the Cougars post 600 yards of total offense against the Bears last season (Brink threw for 422 yards, Hill had six catches for 240).

Of course, the duo won't make a difference if Cal, which has 11 sacks in the last three weeks, takes advantage of the weak WSU line.  Although no one would speak specifically to the game plan, fans should expect to see Cal's Daymeion Hughes following Hill from to side to side. The cornerback shadowed Oregon's Jaison Williams, who entered last week's game fifth in the nation with 115.5 receiving yards a game, and he caught only two balls for 18 yards in the first half. He did catch a 29-yard touchdown pass after the Bears took a 38-10 lead.  If Hughes shuts down Hill the way he did Williams, Cal could have a lopsided lead at halftime, which is becoming its custom.