Bye week checklist

With this well-deserved midseason bye week, the Bears have a chance to rest, adjust, and improve. Coach Jeff Tedford said:

The bye week definitely is coming at the right time… We need to refresh, recharge our batteries.

While Cal is off to an excellent start this season, there is room for improvement at this point. Here is a bye-week checklist:

• Recuperate: 8 games in 8 weeks since September 2 has left the Bears banged up. Marshawn Lynch needs to let his two bum ankles heal to be 100% for UCLA and USC, as Justin Forsett does a good job in Lynch’s place but does not have his game-breaking power. Nu’u Tafisi (knee) and both sides of the line could use some rest as well. QB Nate Longshore was sick last week and at times seemed to still be affected during the Washington game.
• Work at quarterback: Longshore has played well overall this season, but has struggled in the last two games against WSU and Washington. While Longshore was clutch in the fourth quarter against the Huskies, many of his passes were out of reach earlier in the game. If he returns to form and establishes a confident rhythm with the receivers, the Bears should be able to dominate the future competition.
• Receiver hands: The number of dropped balls in Saturday’s game was alarming. In order to keep drives alive, the receivers need to hang on to the ball.
• Team focus: The Bears, especially on offense, seemed somewhat lifeless in the first half of Saturday’s game. The team needs to focus on playing all four quarters, regardless of the opponent.
• Build fan enthusiasm: Memorial Stadium looked and sounded equally lifeless until the game was on the line. Fans should return to Oregon-game form to help fire up the Bears and make a difference in the game.

These are only a few issues among many positives for Cal football. A 7-1, 5-0 in conference start is definitely up to expectations.