California love

Cal’s rout of Oregon has suddenly thrust the team back into the national spotlight, and the media is finally again giving the Bears some well-deserved recognition. DeSean Jackson covers SI.com’s college football home page with a link to this quick blurb:

Pete Carroll should be looking over his shoulder, because a rejuvenated Cal appears set to end USC’s Pac-10 domination. The Bears looked like top-10 imposters while being ripped by Tennessee in the season opener, but have rebounded by scoring 40-plus in five straight games, including a win over Oregon. This isn’t just Jeff Tedford‘s latest scoring machine; Cal can play D, holding Ducks RB Jonathan Stewart to 25 yards. Watch out Nov. 18, USC.

ESPN’s Mark Schlabach (who attended the game in Berkeley) had only great things to say about Cal:

Q: Hey Mark, tell what you think of Cal football. Did you enjoy the atmosphere and the scenery?
A: I did very much. My first trip to [Berkeley] was well worth it. Stadium is old, but like the classic feel. Loved the hills overlooking the stadium. Traffic wasn’t too bad. People were nice. Crowd was louder than expected. Cal really surprised me with how well they’re playing, especially after I saw them play against Tennessee. Longshore playing very well. DeSean Jackson is very good. Defense better than expected.

Q: Mark, did you see DJax’ (Desean Jackson’s) punt return against [Oregon]? Wasn’t that amazing? Is he the fastest and most exciting player in CFB? If not, then who else and what do you think of Cal’s Rose Bowl/Natl title hopes?
A: he’s very, very fast. amazing cut back across the entire field. looked good on td catch, too.

Q: Cal has not won at Wash State since 1979, given how WSU played USC so tough at home two weeks ago, what are the chances for WSU over Cal this Sat?
A: Cal is playing very well right now. Was surprised how much Cougars struggled at Oregon State on Saturday night. Both teams play decent defense. Cal’s very, very good on offense right now. Would have to go with Bears.

Q: Why is DeSean Jackson’s name not being mentioned more when it comes to Heisman contention? He has scored more touchdowns than the other wide receivers that are being mentioned, and might be the most explosive player in the nation right now.
A: I’d say he’ll be a favorite next year if he keeps doing what he’s doing. Receivers have to return kicks to win the Heisman and he does it as well as anyone.

Marshawn Lynch and Nate Longshore also made Schlabach’s Top 5 lists at their respective positions.

Even ESPN’s Bruce Feldman is warming back up to the Bears after ripping them on September 3.

Cal lights up Oregon, rushing for 235 yards despite losing star TB Marshawn Lynch to injury…

Thinking about the Pac-10-SEC friction: I’ll buy that Arkansas clearly is a much better team with a healthy Darren McFadden than the one that got blasted by USC on opening night, but I think in the same spirit Cal is, too, now that QB Nate Longshore has settled into the offense…