Daily Cal: Turnover Margin Keys Bears' Success

Cal Leads Pac-10 With 23 Total Turnovers Forced, Including Seven Interceptions by Hughes

BY Brian Bainum

• There are a number of factors that could be attributed to the No. 10 Cal football team’s rise to first place in the Pac-10 with four games to play. The Bears have boasted a potent rushing attack led by junior Marshawn Lynch, a group of talented receivers and solid play from quarterback Nate Longshore. However, arguably as important has been Cal’s ability to create turnovers. The Bears (7-1, 5-0 in the Pac-10) have grabbed 18 interceptions and forced five fumbles. Their turnover margin of plus-10 places them fifth in the country. “It plays a huge role in field position,” Cal coach Jeff Tedford said. “It is definitely one of the reasons we are having some success.” Senior cornerback Daymeion Hughes leads the team in takeaways. His seven interceptions rank second nationally.

• The bye week provided welcome rest for Lynch, who has been playing on two sprained ankles.  However, it is unlikely that Lynch will ever be back to 100 percent this season. “Marshawn ran well Sunday, but I am not sure he’ll ever be completely healthy this year,” Tedford said. “The ankle sprains have lingered a little bit. He still has a minor limp, but when he turns it on he can go.”

Read the entire article here.