By Jonathan Okanes
BERKELEY — Cal got the extra game it wanted, but no matter what happens Dec. 31 when the Bears play Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl, coach Jeff Tedford said there is going to be some serious evaluation of the program. "A bowl win would give a little bit of momentum going into the offseason," Tedford said. "Either way, there's going to be a really strong evaluation of everything we do in the program. We'll take a strong look at it. Obviously, you feel better if you win and send the seniors out the right way." Immediately after Cal lost to Stanford on Saturday, the Bears didn't know if they were going to be playing in a bowl game at all. The Arizona-Arizona State game was still going, and Cal needed ASU to win.
Cal's players and coaches obviously were rooting for the Sun Devils, to give them yet one more chance to break their second-half slide that has reached six losses in the past seven games. "It's a great opportunity to go play another game, and I've heard great things about the Armed Forces Bowl," Tedford said. "We're excited about the opportunity."
CHIPPING AWAY: Tedford said quarterback Nate Longshore has a chip in the back of his right ankle, which he sprained midway through the season. Longshore has been battling the injury all season but has missed just one game. Tedford admitted the ailment has affected Longshore's mobility but said the intangibles the quarterback brings as a result of his experience makes up for it. "When you talk about the education of a quarterback, it's much more than X's and O's," Tedford said. "It has to do with leadership and handling media and criticism because the position is such a focal point. There's no question there has been some adversity there, and I've been impressed with how he's been able to handle it. It hasn't been easy for him, but he comes out every week and tries to practice harder and prepare himself in the meeting rooms."
GREGORY CONTACTED: Cal defensive coordinator Bob Gregory has been contacted by Washington State about its head coach vacancy, according to a source. He has not been interviewed. Gregory is a former Washington State linebacker and defensive back and hails from nearby Spokane. Many believe Gregory is a leading candidate to replace Bill Doba, fired last week.
FULL CIRCLE: Air Force quarterback Shaun Carney played his first college game against Cal. Now, he's going to play Cal in his last. Carney was a true freshman for the Falcons when they opened the 2004 season by getting blown out by the Bears, 56-14. Carney had respectable numbers that day, rushing for 75 yards on 18 carries and completing 9-for-15 passes for 89 yards. Carney and the Falcons have improved a lot since then. Their 9-3 record this season is their first winning year since 2003. "You always remember your first game," Carney said. "I'm a little different mentally and physically, and we have a much stronger team. It'll be good to have another chance at them. It puts a little more meaning behind the game."
EXTRA POINTS: Tedford and Barbour will appear at a "Team Announcement Party" for the Armed Forces Bowl on Thursday in Fort Worth. They will be joined by Air Force coach Troy Calhoun and athletic director Dr. Hans Mueh, as well as representatives from the bowl and each school's respective conference. ... Along with running back Justin Forsett, center Alex Mack and special teamer Jahvid Best's first team recognition, Cal had nine other players earn some type of All-Pac-10 honor. Wide receivers Lavelle Hawkins and DeSean Jackson and linebacker Zack Follett were second-team picks, while free safety Thomas DeCoud, guard Brian De La Puente, linebacker Anthony Felder, left tackle Mike Gibson, wide receiver Robert Jordan and tight end Craig Stevens earned honorable mention. ... At the team's annual year-end banquet, Forsett was named the offensive most valuable player, and DeCoud was tabbed as the MVP on defense.
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