Friday, November 10, 2006

Tuscon Citizen: Cats Must Slow Down Bears

No. 8 California can't be accused of dawdling while on offense. The Bears have a lightning-quick attack that has put together 16 touchdown drives of less than two minutes. It will be up to UA's defense to slow down the Bears. California has the capability to go deep with the passing game or use the running skills of Pac-10 leading rusher Marshawn Lynch. The Bears have enough skilled position players to make USC envious. "They can strike at almost any position," Arizona coach Mike Stoops said. "The defense will be tested." The Bears have 12 passing scores of more than 20 yards, and quarterback Nate Longshore has three deep threats in DeSean Jackson, Robert Jordan and Lavelle Hawkins. Cal can run the ball effectively as well, averaging 171.4 yards per game with Lynch gaining 109.8 per game.

UA successfully neutralized Washington State's offense last week with pressure from the front four being the key in a 27-17 win on the road. The Bears' offensive line does not let anybody near their quarterback often, allowing only seven sacks in their past eight games. "We have to play great defense and get them off the field, try to get as many three-and-outs as possible," UA cornerback Antoine Cason said. "They have a great offense." California has outscored Arizona 66-0 in the past two games, winning 38-0 in 2004 and 28-0 last year. Nothing has worked for UA against the Bears under Stoops. "We know this game is not going to be easy," Cason said. "They have played well against us. It is time for us to beat them."

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