But No. 8 Cal's QB says team's focused
John Moredich
TUCSON - The University of Arizona football team might be catching No. 8 California at the right time, if there is such a thing. The Golden Bears, a popular pick to win the Pac-10, are coming off a big win over UCLA and have a showdown against No. 7 Southern California on Nov. 18. Considering California has outscored the Wildcats a combined 66-0 over the past two years, the Bears would be justified to overlook Arizona. But they say they will be focused for the 1:30 p.m. game Saturday in Tucson, which will be televised regionally on ABC. "Tucson. Tucson. That's all we're thinking about," California quarterback Nate Longshore told the Associated Press. The Wildcats (4-5, 2-4) might have caught California's attention with a 27-17 victory over previously 25th-ranked Washington State last weekend. California (8-1, 6-0) can't afford a letdown, and Arizona is still looking for wins to earn a bowl berth. The Golden Bears are the last team UA should want to see. They have dominated the Wildcats recently, and the figures aren't pretty. California beat UA, under coach Mike Stoops, 38-0 in 2004 and 28-0 in 2005.
"We have not been very productive in the red zone and with our scoring opportunities when we have played them," Stoops said. "We need to turn that around in this game." That might be easier said than done, with the Bears showing up with possibly their best team. California was ranked No. 7 when they faced the Wildcats at Arizona Stadium in 2004, and 12th last season in Berkeley, Calif. This year's version has possibly six of the top players in the Pac-10 at their positions. Longshore has the top passing efficiency rating, throwing for 20 touchdowns and 2,143 yards. Tailback Marshawn Lynch is leading the conference in rushing with just under 110 yards per game. Receiver and punt returner DeSean Jackson is one of the more explosive players in the nation, having caught 39 passes for 680 yards and eight touchdowns and has scored three touchdowns on punt returns. Defensively, the Bears aren't bad either. Cornerback Daymeion Hughes has eight interceptions, middle linebacker Desmond Bishop has 11.5 tackles for losses and defensive tackle Brandon Mebane is a force in the middle of the defensive front. "They have quality players across the board," Stoops said. "They are probably the most balanced team we have played offensively, defensively and on special teams. "They have so many weapons. They can strike at almost any position on the field. And defensively they have some big play guys."
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