A Few Pre-Arizona Notes

A few notes as we approach the final days before Cal’s game against Arizona.

A quick injury update from Jonathan Okanes:

So Bears fans, brace yourselves. We’ve got bad news and good news.

The good news is that all signs are looking like Jahvid Best will be ready to go on Saturday. While it appears somewhat unlikely that Best will return kickoffs this game, he should be healthy enough to play and provide the lightning and lightning punch the Bears will need to run the ball against the Wildcats.

So now for the bad news. Looks like we won’t have WR Michael Calvin or kicker David Seawright for the trip on Saturday.

Reports indicate that Calvin, who had already been battling a sprained toe, blew out his knee running a route and MRI test results will be available later today, but it’s not looking good.

Seawright pulled his groin during practice on Tuesday and remains doubtful for Saturday. Walkon kicker Giorgio Tavecchio and last year’s starter Jordan Kay have split reps on field goals, and both will probably make the trip for Saturday.

Take your pick as to which is worse.


If the game on Saturday ends up being a close one, not having a reliable kicker could be huge. Red Zone efficiency will be a big factor for the Bears.

On the other hand, Michael Calvin, who has been slowed by injury all season, had been counted on as being one of the best receiving weapons for the Bears, so the idea that he might be done for the season is certainly disheartening news for a team whose receiving corp. has enough questions as it is. The current rotation of starters will most likely remain: LaReylle Cunningham, Sean Young, Nyan Boateng, with Verran Tucker, Jeremy Ross, and hopefully Marvin Jones getting some reps as well.

Oh, and Tyson Alualu was also seen on a crutch on Wednesday, but Coach Tedford explained that it was due to a leg infection, and Alualu should be ready to go on Saturday. Hopefully Alualu, Cal’s most consistent defensive lineman this year, will have full strength and capacity restored to his leg by then.

Other Notes

• Cal is a 2.5 favorite against the Wildcats. It could be a high vote of confidence in Arizona this year, or a sign of doubt for the Bears. Or it could be a little bit of both, or quite frankly, neither at all.

• “I actually like tackling now since I’ve been doing it so often.”-Darian Hagan. CB Hagan is currently third on the team in tackles with 27, and leads the team in solo tackles at 20. The improved corner also has 5 pass breakups, an interception, a forced fumble and fumble recovery on his stat sheet for this season.

• Coach Tedford hasn’t announced the QB starter for the game, as he most likely won’t until pre-game, but whoever it is, should be ready to face the nation’s top pass defense. The Wildcats only allow 55.3 percent of passes to be completed, and average only 124.3 passing yards a game.