AP feature: Lynch taking vocal lead

The Associated Press has a great feature article about Marshawn Lynch becoming a vocal leader in addition to a leader on the field for Cal football.

That’s because Lynch normally dislikes attention even more than sprained ankles, opposing linebackers and formal dress codes.

His reserve has made it difficult for Cal to promote him as a Heisman Trophy candidate, and even many of his teammates say they didn’t know much about him beyond his bare-bones biography: An Oakland native who survived childhood in his hard-scrabble part of town to become the biggest star yet in the Bears’ five-season resurgence under coach Jeff Tedford.

But in what might be Lynch’s last few weeks in college before jumping to the NFL, his teammates are seeing dimensions to his character that only his closest friends knew.

“He’s more vocal, more outgoing now,” Tedford said. “He still doesn’t like to be front-and-center, though.”

Take a look here.

SI: Lynch is #1 RB in the nation

Sports Illustrated, after naming Nate Longshore the #7 QB in the nation last week, has similarly honored Marshawn Lynch with the #1 spot for running backs. They write:

Lynch — who has rushed for 907 yards and eight touchdowns and averaged nearly seven yards per carry — packs excellent, all-around talent into his 5-foot-11, 223-pound frame. The junior uses his 4.4 speed to easily get around the edge, but he’s no stranger to mixing it up between the tackles, regularly delivering crushing blows to brave defenders. With three receiving TDs, he’s a dangerous target out of the backfield, too.

Lynch has taken the top spot over Heisman candidates and well-respected backs like Steve Slaton (WVA), Ray Rice (Rutgers), Mike Hart (Michigan) and more. However, Adrian Peterson (Oklahoma) and Michael Bush (Louisville) are ineligible in this ranking due to their season-ending injures.

AOL: Jackson #1, Lynch #3 playmakers in college football

AOL Sports has a special feature naming the 13 best playmakers in all of college football. WR/PR DeSean Jackson takes the #1 spot, while RB Marshawn Lynch is in the #3 spot. It is very impressive that Cal has taken not only the top spot but two of the top three spots in this breakdown.

3. Marshawn Lynch, Cal — How dangerous is Marshawn Lynch? He can churn out 150 yards including the game-winning touchdown on two sprained ankles. Speedy, elusive and powerful, Lynch is the best running back in the country. His 6.87 yards per carry is second best among BCS conference runners. And, after he takes you down for a 30-yard touchdown run, he’ll do a couple donuts around the spot he burned you.

1. DeSean Jackson, Cal — In the offensive talent buffet that is Cal football, DeSean Jackson is the one player that keeps you coming back for more. He’s not the statistical monster that Marshawn Lynch is nor the team lynchpin like Nate Longshore, but he is the West Coast brand for excitement and the best playmaker in America. Trying to tackle Jackson is like trying to bring down a cheetah while wearing stilletos… on ice.

The rest of the list: 13 Marcus Thigpen (Indiana), 12 Lamar Woodley (Michigan), 11 Jason Hill (Wazzu), 10 Ray Rice (Rutgers), 9 Aaron Ross (Texas), 8 Calvin Johnson (GA Tech), 7 Brian Cushing (USC), 6 Troy Smith (OSU), 5 Mario Manningham (Michigan), 4 C.J. Spiller (Clemson), 3 Marshawn Lynch, 2 Steve Slaton (WVA), 1 DeSean Jackson.

Lynch named Pac-10 offensive POTW

Marshawn Lynch has been honored as the Pac-10 player of the week on offense. Cal is really racking up the honors in this category.

Lynch, a junior from Oakland, Calif., was a pivotal performer in California’s 31-24 overtime win against Washington. Lynch rushed 21 times for 150 yards (7.1-yard average) and two touchdowns, including a 22-yard touchdown run in overtime to give Cal the win. He added four receptions for 53 yards to give him 203 all-purpose yards. The California offense put up 486 yards in total offense (195 rushing, 291 passing) and had no turnovers. It marks the fourth time in eight weeks that a California player has garnered Pac-10 offensive player of the week honors.

Teammates Desmond Bishop and Tom Schneider were also nominated for defense and special teams play, respectively.

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.

Cal defeats Washington 31-24 in OT thriller

Photo: Jason Snell, Idiots Write About Sports

In Cal’s most exciting game of the season so far, the Bears emerged victorious from Memorial Stadium with an overtime win over a resilient Huskies squad. Despite struggles on offense for both teams and a lackluster first half, they fought hard to the end. Marshawn Lynch and Cal’s defense carried the Bears to the win necessary to stay undefeated in the Pac-10 (5-0). This was a crucial win at the end of a long stretch, and the Bears now have a bye week to recuperate before hosting UCLA in November.

Yes, our predictions were way off. Kudos to Washington for taking advantage of Cal’s slow start and showing up to make a close game despite starting a backup quarterback.

As always, here are thoughts from around the nation:

Contra Costa Times: “Cal survives Washington’s big strike”

In danger of seeing their dreams of an undefeated run through the Pac-10 go up in a cloud of purple smoke on Saturday at Memorial Stadium, the Cal Bears turned to two of their premier players to save the day against Washington.

SportsTicker: “Lynch, Bishop help California overcome ‘Hail Mary'”

Marshawn Lynch and Desmond Bishop ignored a potentially devastating play. Lynch ran for the go-ahead score in overtime and Bishop ended the game with an interception as No. 11 California overcame a successful “Hail Mary” at the end of regulation to defeat Washington, 31-24, in a Pac-10 Conference thriller.

Sacramento Bee: “Cal survives Husky heave”

Bishop and fellow defensive back Robert Peele had the best chances to break up the [Hail Mary] pass but ended up knocking the ball directly down into [Marlon Wood]’s hands. The Huskies’ primary punt returner had only one reception entering the game but took the carom and fell into the end zone to silence the announced Memorial Stadium crowd of 58,534.

Tedford said he was proud of the way his team handled adversity. This was the first game since the season-opening loss at Tennessee his offense didn’t score in the first quarter. In fact, the Bears didn’t score until Tom Schneider made a 21-yard field-goal with two seconds left in the first half. By then, Bonnell had hit wide receiver Anthony Russo with a 49-yard touchdown pass to give Washington a 10-0 lead.

Associated Press: “Cal wins in overtime after miraculous Washington TD”

Marshawn Lynch played on two sprained ankles, and No. 11 California was on its heels all day — particularly after Washington scored the tying touchdown on the most improbable deflected pass either team had ever seen.

Yet Lynch finally got Cal into the driver’s seat with a 22-yard scoring run in overtime. A few seconds later, he was in another driver’s seat — careening around the field at the wheel of a stadium cart to celebrate the Golden Bears’ 31-24 victory Saturday.

Contra Costa Times: “Lynch does it all in carrying Bears to victory”

Truth be told, after warm-ups, Lynch probably would have played if he had a broken leg. By then, according to Tedford, Lynch was in a “frenzy” over what he considered to be an affront by the Huskies to Cal’s team honor.

The Huskies, apparently, decided to warm up near midfield, directly on Cal’s logo at the 50-yard-line.

“They’re out there saying this is their house and they’re going to win,” Cal linebacker Zack Follett said. “We usually do our jumping jacks at the 30. Marshawn grabbed the whole team and we did our jumping jacks at the 50.”

ESPN’s College Gameday recap (video):

Chris Folwer: Most impressive individual player Lee, what do you think?
Lee Corso: Marshawn Lynch from California. Obviously I like California but he made a great run in overtime to win it… over 150 yards rushing. Marshawn Lynch brought California back to a big win.
Kirk Herbstreit: That was big. Then he got the scooter and just took off running…

Seattle Times: “Bonnell’s good fails to outshine bad and ugly”

When it was over, when the wildest game of his injury-burdened college career ended with a 31-24 overtime loss, Washington quarterback Carl Bonnell fell at the 50-yard line. He just rested there, on his back, the last of five interceptions finally pinning him.

For all the good he did — 284 passing yards, 64 rushing yards, three touchdowns, a Hail Mary — the game’s recurring theme tortured him. Bonnell couldn’t stop throwing the ball to California defenders. It seemed like his spirals came with GPS systems.

Seattle Times: “Ecstasy and agony”

Instead, the Huskies were again left with nothing but the dreaded moral victory to assuage the pain of a 31-24 overtime loss to the Bears, who came in as 23-point favorites and played for much of the day like a team that wasn’t expecting much of a fight.

Once pushed against the ropes, however, the Bears didn’t flinch, scoring on the second play of overtime to take the lead.

“I will remember this game for the rest of my life,” Cal defensive tackle Brandon Mebane said.

U-Dub Dish blog (Washington): “The morning after”

But then Cal let everyone know who’s the boss and Marshawn Lynch, grill intact, took it to the house for the game-winning score.

Game over. Hit your head against a table. Tear out your hair. Scream so the neighbors get worried.

Sturdy Golden Blog: “Great Circle (Cal 31, Washington 24)”

Saturday’s Cal-Washington was memorable. But a bit too damned memorable, if you ask me.

TedfordIsGod blog: “First Five Thoughts on Near-Upset Saturday”

When all is said and done, the image that everyone will remember is of Marshawn driving the injury cart in circles around the Momentum turf. It was exciting, hilarious, pointless, dangerous and unlike anything I’d ever seen — kinda like Marshawn’s running style. He may not ever win the Heisman, but 20 years from now, that will still be funny and a somehow appropriate end to a bizarre game. And no, you weren’t the only one who thought that Marshawn was going to ghost ride an injury cart.

SI: Longshore #7 Top College QB

Sports Illustrated has honored Nate Longshore with the nod for the #7 spot in their list of the Top 15 College Quarterbacks. They write:

The beginning of Longshore’s career was far from easy. First, he broke his leg in Cal’s 2005 opener, ending his season. Then he managed just 85 yards passing with an interception before being pulled from Cal’s 2006 opener, a blowout loss to Tennessee. But since the embarrassment in Knoxville, Longshore has compiled 1,501 yards and 17 touchdowns in six straight Cal wins.

They all still have to bring up Tennessee over and over again, sadly. Nevertheless, this is great recognition for Nate.

Next up on Saturday: Washington

vs.

On Saturday the Bears host Washington (4-3, 2-2 in conference), a team much-improved over their last season as the undisputed bottom-feeders of the Pac-10. The Huskies have already posted wins over UCLA and Arizona and have given USC a scare. However, their star quarterback Isaiah Stanback is gone with a season-ended injury sustained in their last week’s loss at Oregon State.

If Washington still had Stanback leading their offense, I would say we’d have a real game on Saturday. With backup QB Carl Bonnell most likely taking over (who went 2-of-6 passes for 10 yards in the fourth quarter at OSU), this matchup may end up reminiscent of other home games this season. The Huskies also have a highly-touted freshman quarterback Jake Locker, but Washington coaches probably don’t want to burn his redshirt (and confidence) against the Bears’ defense in a hostile environment.

USA Today: “Weekend Preview”

No. 11 California, still the league’s hottest team despite last week’s scoreless second half at Washington State, returns to Berkeley to host Washington. The Huskies’ promising season took a disastrous turn when QB Isaiah Stanback (foot) was lost for the duration. His replacement probably will likely be Carl Bonnell as the coaching staff tries to preserve touted freshman Jake Locker’s redshirt year. RB Kenny James must aid the transition. Golden Bears QB Nate Longshore will look for a quick start to shake off his first cool spell since opening week. The explosive potential of RB Marshawn Lynch should help.

Rivals.com: “Sekou Picks the Pac-10, Week 7”

California looks to stay hot when it hosts the Washington Huskies. UW limps into Berkeley with out the service of its all everything quarterback Isaiah Stanback. Obviously Coach Willingham will hope his run game will be able to carry the offense. Expect backs Kenny James and Louis Rankin to get extra carries to make up for their missing dual threat. Cal should be well prepared for this course of action. The Bears defense should force turnovers and have one of its most dominating performance of the year; possibly even more so than last week. On offense, the Bears will look to get back in its 40+ rhythm against a defense that will be deflated by lack of offensive production. Expect the Huskies to limit some of Marshawn Lynch’s carries, but eventually Lynch and back-up Justin Forsett will find the creases to have big runs; similar to the type of game Oklahoma back Adrian Peterson had against UW earlier in the year. Quaterback Nate Longshore is efficient, the defense and special teams score, and the Bears blow this game open and win it 40-7.

ESPN’s Ted Miller: “Cal looks to keep streak rolling vs. Huskies”

Not long ago, Cal playing Washington meant one thing: A Huskies’ victory. But after losing 19 in a row in the series, the Bears have now won four straight, and the average score of the last three has been 51-12. Last year, they won 56-17, setting a school record for most points scored on the road.
…

Carl Bonnell… with his first assignment as the new starter being a visit to California, perhaps the hottest team in the nation. The Bears have whipped the Huskies four consecutive games, the last three by a margin of 152-36.

Scout.com: “Week 8: UW (4-3) at California (6-1)”

Washington comes off of their worst performance of the season, a 27-17 shellacking at the hands of Oregon State, while California enters this contest on the heels of a 21-3 road win at Washington State. Cal has won six in a row while Washington has dropped their last two.

Sports Network: “Red-hot Bears host Huskies in Berkeley”

The Golden Bears are steam-rolling the competition in-conference and a Washington team on the road without its starting QB is just the next victim on the docket.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: California 34, Washington 13

ESPN’s Bruce Feldman: “Picks”

No. 11 Cal 38, Washington 7: The Huskies being without Isaiah Stanback, their play-making QB, is going to really hurt. More importantly, U-Dub and its worst pass defense in the Pac-10 looks mighty vulnerable against QB Nate Longshore and all of the Bears skill talent. Thing that has me sold: Washington’s terrible pass defense.

Eric’s prediction: 52-17, Cal.

Steve’s prediction: 48-10 Cal.

Today, Washington State

Our predictions for today:

Eric’s prediction: 49-21, Cal.
Steve’s prediction: 38-14, Cal.

And, if you can’t make it up to Memorial Stadium, here are your listening options:

Radio:

• KALX Radio (90.7 FM, Berkeley)
• KGO Radio (810 AM, San Francisco)
• KKGO Radio (1260 AM, Los Angeles)
• KKGO Radio (540 AM, San Diego)
• KESP Radio (970 AM, Modesto)
• KNRO Radio (1670AM, Redding)

Online:

• Online KGO stream
• Online KALX stream

Saturday’s matchup at Washington State

The Bears head up to Pullman, WA to face the Cougars tomorrow. Here are some thoughts about the matchup:

ESPN’s Bruce Feldman: “Picks”

No. 10 Cal 38, WSU 34: The Bears are the hottest team in the Pac-10, but my hunch is that the Cougars’ potent passing game will give Cal some problems. The Bears have struggled against the pass quite a bit this season (ninth in the Pac-10 in pass D), although I think some of that is a reflection of them being so far ahead of some of their teams. Thing that has me sold: Wazzu’s passing attack keeps it close.

Scout.com‘s “Mike and Jay’s College Picks”

California has climbed back into the top ten after demolishing Oregon last week (as well as crushing one of my upset picks), and looks to continue airing it out against the Cougars. On paper, this doesn’t look too intriguing, but we’re all aware of how WSU can surprise people, and it certainly helps that Cal hasn’t won in Pullman since 1979. Also, if you ignore the 40-14 loss to Auburn (yeah, I know, can you really ignore a 26 point loss?), the Cougars have made a pretty good showing this year, mostly thanks to their defense. They sure gave USC a scare a couple of weeks ago. I think California gets a scare, here, but ultimately pulls out the victory. Look for the Golden Bears to trail early on, and maybe even at halftime, but ultimately win this one by 10.

SportsTicker: “California looks to keep rolling at Washington State”

However, Cal has lost 10 straight meetings in Pullman, including a 51-20 setback in the last one, in 2001.

Washington State (4-2, 2-1) rebounded from a tough, 28-22 loss to Southern California with a 13-6 triumph at Oregon State last weekend. The only touchdown came on a 29-yard pass from Alex Brink to Jason Hill in the third quarter.

ESPN‘s “Lies, damn lies and statistics”:

40: Wazzu will be challenged to keep that run alive against a Cal offense that’s clicking on all cylinders. The Bears’ 45-24 romp over Oregon marked their fifth straight game scoring more than 40 points. That’s a school record.

27: In order to slow down the Golden Bears, the Cougars will need to figure out a way to stop DeSean Jackson. Jackson has scored a TD from at least 27 yards out in all six of Cal’s games this year. That includes a 36-yard TD reception and a 65-yard punt return last week against the Ducks.

Scout.com‘s “Mr. Pac 10’s Week 7 Picks”:

This could be the best game of the week, especially given how well the Cougars have played of late. Ever since their week one blowout loss at Auburn, Wazzu has really turned it around and played at a much higher level, especially in their close loss to the Trojans two weeks ago. If they can replicate that performance, they definitely have a shot.
On the Other Hand:
Even in (arguably) Wazzu’s best game of the year, they still lost by six points. And truth be told, in the last couple of weeks Cal has played appreciably better than USC, which isn’t at all a good sign for the home team.
Bottom Line:
Maybe this game will be close, but it’s much more likely that it’ll be a relatively easy win for the Bears.
Cal 34, @ Washington State 14