Cal's secondary on the spot

Bears must contain Washington's passing attack in Pac-10 opener

By Dave Newhouse, STAFF WRITER 

SEATTLE — Shutouts are fine for pitchers, but not quarterbacks. Thus today's focus will be on Cal's Joe Ayoob and his ability to complete throws. The focus, though, should be on Cal's pass defense, not its pass offense.

Ayoob won't be 0-for-10 again. Cal coach Jeff Tedford is counting on 50 percent completions from Ayoob, making his first start for the Golden Bears, who face Washington in the Pac-10 opener for both schools.  The focus should be directed instead at Cal's pass coverage, which revealed its vulnerability last year at Husky Stadium when Washington threw for 328 yards, thereby starting a steamrolling effect against the Bears.  Cal gave up 300 or more passing yards in three of its last four games — to Washington, Southern Mississippi and Texas Tech. The Red Raiders really lit up the Bears with 520 passing yards in the Holiday Bowl.  Cal's secondary and linebackers have a new look. Ryan Foltz is the only incumbent starter at linebacker. Harrison Smith and Daymeion

Hughes were last year's cornerbacks. Smith now is a free safety; Tim Mixon replaces him at corner, pairing with Hughes. A healthy Donnie McCleskey returns at rover back.  This will be Cal's first test against the pass. Washington's Isaiah Stanback completed 19 of 27 for 242 yards last week against Air Force. His backup, Casey Paus, was 20-for-44 for 328 yards against Cal a year ago.  The Bears don't feel they have a weakness defending the pass.  "If I remember correctly, in last year's game (at Seattle), those (numbers) were all the result of a couple of big plays,"