By Jonathan Okanes
Syd'Quan Thompson and Darian Hagan have emerged as one of the top cornerback tandems in the Pac-10.
That's a good thing for Saturday's game at Arizona, because the Wildcats feature arguably the top group of pass catchers in the conference. One of the games within the game will be how Thompson and Hagan match up with Arizona's Mike Thomas, Terrell Turner and Delashaun Dean. Thomas, an All-Pac-10 first team pick last year, leads the conference in receptions per game (6.2) and receiving yards per game (79.0). Turner and Dean are part of a three-way tie for eighth in receptions per game (4.7), and Turner ranks eighth in average receiving yards (60.3). Turner is coming off career highs of 10 catches for 175 yards during last weekend's loss at Stanford. "I love challenges. I'm always ready for anybody at any time," Hagan said. "I'll be ready for this one. I can't wait. I'm accepting (Thomas') challenge. I hope he brings his 'A' game, and I'll bring mine."
Quarterback Willie Tuitama distributes the ball nicely in the Wildcats' spread offense, but Thomas clearly is the biggest threat. Arizona also features productive tight end Rob Gronkowski, who has seen five of his 10 catches go for touchdowns. Hagan, a redshirt sophomore who won a starting spot in training camp, has emerged as a top-level counterpart to Thompson on the other side of the field. Hagan co-led the Bears with eight tackles in the last game against Arizona State and has been excellent in pass coverage. Hagan said he was inspired to improve his run defense after allowing a long touchdown run during a loss to Maryland on Sept. 13.
"I told my teammates that they can count on me to get the job done, and I wasn't going to let things happen that happened in Maryland," Hagan said. "Since then, I've just been focusing on making more tackles. I actually like tackling now since I've been doing it so often."
Calvin hurt
Wide receiver Michael Calvin suffered what appears to be a potentially serious knee injury during practice Wednesday. Calvin was running a route when he planted his foot and his knee gave out. He crumbled to the turf and had to be helped off the field. Calvin will get an MRI, but coach Jeff Tedford didn't sound encouraged by the prognosis. "The initial report doesn't look favorable," Tedford said. Calvin, who also has been slowed by a sprained toe, has eight catches for 103 yards on the season.
Best ready
Tedford said he believes tailback Jahvid Best will play Saturday. Best missed one game with a dislocated left elbow but has practiced all week and appears to be ready. "We put him through a lot of drills to test it," Tedford said. "I think he's feeling better and more comfortable." Tedford said Best won't be limited but won't start the game as the kick returner. Best leads the country in all-purpose yards (215.5 ypg) and is the Pac-10's second-leading rusher (105.2 ypg).
Extra points
Defensive end Tyson Alualu contracted a leg infection and didn't practice Wednesday, but Tedford said Alualu will play Saturday. He had a fever Tuesday, his leg had some swelling, and he has been put on antibiotics. ... Kicker David Seawright is doubtful for Saturday's game because of a strained groin. Giorgio Tavecchio and Jordan Kay are both in the mix to replace him.
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