By Rusty Simmons
Coach Jeff Tedford rarely talks about the past, but on Tuesday, he didn't even attempt to avoid questions about Cal's 2006 loss in Tucson that eventually cost the Bears a spot in the Rose Bowl. "It's absolutely something that's on our minds," Tedford said. "This is a new team so it's different, but I think the experience was pretty devastating. It's hard to get that kind of thing of out your mind, and this is the first time we're going back there." Cal was No. 8 in the nation at the time and led Arizona 17-3 at halftime. The Bears had a touchdown called back on a questionable blocking penalty, another called back by the replay booth and gave up a score after losing two interceptions to penalties.
"A bunch of shenanigans," senior quarterback Nate Longshore said. "Everything that could have gone wrong did go wrong. The way they celebrated is burned in my mind." Tedford has promised his players a video reminder of the 24-20 loss before Saturday's rematch. He easily could add highlights from other upsets in Tucson. Arizona has a home win over a Top 25 team in each of coach Mike Stoops' four previous seasons. Three of the four wins have come against teams in the top eight, including last year's win over then-No. 2 Oregon.
"They get fired up and play well at home," Tedford said. "It's a hostile environment. The crowd really gets going, but it's not just the crowd. They play well there, and if you go in there and make mistakes, you're not going to be successful."
Challenge received: Arizona wideout Mike Thomas leads the Pac-10 in both catches (6.2 a game) and receiving yards (79.0), statistics that Cal cornerback Darian Hagan hopes to spoil. "I'm always ready for anybody at any time, so I'll be ready for this one," said Hagan, who participated fully in practice Tuesday for the first time in about a week after hurting his knee. "I'm accepting the challenge, and I hope (Thomas) brings his 'A' game, because I know I'm going to bring mine." Hagan leads the Bears' secondary with 27 tackles, including 20 solos. He also has five pass break-ups, an interception, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.
Breath easier: Junior tight end Cameron Morrah, who is asthmatic, said he'll use his inhaler more often this week and bring oxygen to Arizona. Morrah leads the team in receptions (15) and receiving touchdowns (four), but he struggled to breathe at Maryland, which was humid and has a grass field. Arizona has a grass field, but the forecast says the 92-degree day should drop into the 60s by the 7 p.m. kickoff.
Briefly: Tailback Jahvid Best was a full participant in practice, and Tedford expects to decide the sophomore's game-day availability in the next two days. ... Longshore and sophomore Kevin Riley continued to split first- and second-team repetitions, with both looking sharp. ... Freshman placekicker David Seawright limped off the field midway through practice and didn't return. Tedford doesn't address the media on Tuesday nights, so the injury report will come today.
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