In football, offenses naturally evolve as the season progresses,
as coaches grasp the strengths and weaknesses of their system. It
has become apparent that offensive coordinator Tom Cable has begun
to grasp what he has in tailback Maurice Drew. The
sophomore’s workload has increased markedly from the first
game against Oklahoma State. Drew has emerged as the team’s
star, even reaching national recognition ““ he leads the
nation in all-purpose yards per game with 229.5. Long touchdown
runs have almost become expected when he takes the handoff. Still,
Cable prepares his offense the same as always, giving Drew more
carries, but never assuming the big one is coming. “At the
end of the day, if you win and you use two plays, or if you win and
you use 80, it wouldn’t really matter,” he said.
“As long as you win.” Against San Diego State, the
passing game appeared to open up a bit, feeding off the running
game, as junior quarterback Drew Olson took a number of shots
downfield. “We go in there with the same amount (of plays)
every game,” Olson said. “I feel like we called quite a
bit more last game. Cable also called the first trick play of the
year. On third down and four in the fourth quarter with the
game’s outcome already decided, he called a successful
halfback pass with Drew hitting freshman fullback Michael Pitre for
a 47-yard gain. “If you’re smart coaches, smart
football players, you do whatever it takes to win,” Cable
said.
AWARD CEREMONY: Junior linebacker Spencer
Havner and sophomore kicker Justin Medlock were named Pac-10
defensive and special teams players of the week. Against San Diego
State, Havner had a game-high 14 tackles, including one for a loss,
and a 52-yard interception return for a touchdown, the third
touchdown of his career. Medlock scored 15 of the Bruins’ 33
points, hitting all four field goal attempts from 22, 40, 43 and 44
yards and all three extra points. Cal senior wideout Chase Lyman
was named the offensive player of the week for his three touchdown,
176-yard performance in the Golden Bears’ win over Oregon
State. Maurice Drew was among those nominated.
FRESHMEN ACTION: Defensive tackle Chris Johnson
was the 12th true freshman to see game time this season when he
subbed in during the third quarter.