More praise, hopes for Cal from around the nation

Coming off Oregon and heading into Washington State, Cal is a hot topic for pundits around the nation. Many are already looking forward to the showdown on November 18 at USC’s Coliseum. Here are a few tidbits:

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit:

I think Nate Longshore is playing with as much confidence as any QB out there. And you knew it was a matter of time with his ability and with Jeff Tedford’s offensive scheme. And DeSean Jackson is one of my favorite players in the country. Not only does he have freakish skills, but he has a rage and desire to take the ball to the house everytime he touches the ball that I love. For those of you not on the west coast, do yourself a favor and check out No. 1 on the Cal Bears. The guy is as an explosive player as there is in the country. And whatever you do, never talk trash to the guy and try to bully him. See Oregon for an example.
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My top 5 right now [for the Heisman] are Troy Smith, Brady Quinn, DeSean Jackson, Adrian Peterson and Calvin Johnson.

ESPN’s Bruce Feldman: “Midseason Hot 100 list”

16. Daymeion Hughes, California, CB: Tall corner has 5 picks and a Pac-10 high 9 PBUs.
22. Marshawn Lynch, California, RB: The Pac-10’s leader in all-purpose yards at 142 per game.
32. Nate Longshore, California, QB: The Bears’ big gun has thrown 17 TDs and just 5 INTs while completing 65 percent.
37. DeSean Jackson, California, WR-KR: Double threat, he is averaging 127 total yards per game.

Sports Network: “Look out America, here comes California”

With USC struggling to win games each week, California has overtaken the Trojans as the most talented team in the Pac 10.

SI‘s “Top 10 Remaining Games” (#3):

The Golden Bears kicked off the year in embarrassing fashion, suffering a 35-18 shellacking at the hands of Tennessee. But since then Cal has looked fabulous in five straight blowout wins. While the Trojans are undefeated, they have looked far from dominant. Can Cal knock off USC and end the Trojans’ four-year streak of Pac-10 titles?

ESPN: “Bears looking to challenge the Trojans”

Well, the Bears still may be a new national power. After five consecutive dominant victories, they’ve re-entered the nation’s top 10 and appear poised to challenge USC for the Pac-10 title.
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What’s next: Perhaps a Rose Bowl? The Bears can win every remaining game on their schedule, including a Nov. 18 visit to USC.

ESPN’s Beano Cook:

The Golden Bears could win the Pac-10…all they have to do is beat USC! They probably regret playing the Tennessee game. That defeat may keep them out of the championship game.