Contra Costa Times: Defense Carries Ball for Cal

By Jonathan Okanes

Cal's offense is still trying to find itself. It's a good thing its defense is providing a lot of opportunities to practice.  The Bears defense keeps giving the ball back to the offense. Cal's 15 interceptions rank second in the nation, and the Bears are tied for third in turnover margin per game (1.43). Those numbers have helped Cal rank third in the Pac-10 in total defense (301.4 yards per game) and scoring defense (21.7 points per game).  "We really focused on turnovers during the whole offseason," said Cal linebacker Mike Mohamed, who was named the Pac-10 Player of the Week for defense on Monday after registering nine tackles and a 19-yard interception return for touchdown against UCLA on Saturday. "That's big. If we can get more turnovers than them, it gives our team a better chance to win."

It's clear just from watching the Bears play this season that there has been a renewed focus on winning the turnover battle. But it was even clearer earlier. Since the first day of training camp, Cal has spent the first few periods of practice going through a turnover circuit, with players moving from station to station across the field to participate in turnover-minded drills. Coach Jeff Tedford placed a greater emphasis on winning the turnover war this season after hashing over the stats. During his first six years at Cal, the Bears were 28-2 when they win the battle, 10-18 when they lose it and 12-6 when it's even.

Defensive coordinator Bob Gregory said there are a few reasons the Bears have had so much success with turnovers this season, especially interceptions. One is Cal's switch to the 3-4 base defense.  "We have some good players," Gregory said. "The 3-4 has helped us a little bit. Certainly, pressure on the quarterback out of the 3-4 has helped." Cal is on pace to break the school record of 23 interceptions in a season, set in 1953.

Extra points

Right tackles Chet Teofilo (ankle) and Matt Laird (shoulder) appear doubtful for Saturday's game against Oregon. Donovan Edwards, who switched over from left tackle to finish the game against UCLA, should get the reps there this week in practice. ... … Oregon has the fifth-best rushing attack in the country, averaging 278.8 yards per game. Cal ranks 12th nationally in rushing defense (95.7 ypg).