Kaufman Answers Doubts, Leading Washington Victory : Pacific 10: Questions about size, durability and fumbling put to rest when 30-carry, 208-yard day helps beat Cal, 35-16.

Napoleon Kaufman of the top-ranked Washington Huskies took his 208-yard, two-touchdown rushing day as if it was expected. The California Golden Bears didn’t.

The 5-foot-9, 170-pound sophomore from Lompoc said he wasn’t surprised by his performance that led the Huskies to a 35-16 victory over No. 24 Cal on Saturday.

“He takes what you give him, and he makes a lot out of it,” Cal running back Russell White said.

Said Cal Coach Keith Gilbertson: “Napoleon always has the opportunity to be the difference in a game. He’s such a talented player.”

Kaufman said he thought he answered any questions that have been raised about his size and susceptibility to injury. His 30 carries were the most by a Washington tailback since Greg Lewis, now with the Denver Broncos, carried 34 times against Oregon in 1989.

“I was getting sick of being criticized about my durability,” Kaufman said. “I knew I had to pick it up a level.”

Washington Coach Don James said: “The guy did a great job. He gives us a spark. He’s a guy who can run away from people.”

James said Kaufman, who made a key fumble during a 17-10 victory over USC last week, answered an important question. He didn’t fumble against the Bears.

Washington overcame a sluggish first half for its 19th consecutive victory over three seasons and its 12th in a row against Cal.

Washington, 5-0 overall and 3-0 in the Pac-10, ruined the return to Husky Stadium of Gilbertson, the team’s former offensive coordinator who is in first season as coach at Cal (3-2, 1-1).

“It’s been a tough week,” Gilbertson said. “I’m glad it’s over.”

With Washington’s top two tailbacks--Jay Barry and Beno Bryant--injured, Kaufman made the first start of his career. He scored on a 36-yard run during the first quarter and a 14-yard run during the third quarter.

He had the second-best rushing day in school history. Dennis Fitzpatrick rushed for 249 yards during a victory over Washington State in 1974.

White rushed 18 times for 82 yards and no touchdowns. He said he suffered a groin injury during practice and wasn’t 100%.

Quarterback Mark Brunell came off the bench during the third quarter in place of Billy Joe Hobert with the score 7-7 and sparked the Huskies to two touchdowns.

“It was real important in the second half to put some drives together,” Brunell said.

Brunell didn’t make any claims about taking Hobert’s starting job. Hobert has complained about sharing time with Brunell.

“Coach James mentioned before the year that the guy moving the team is going to play more,” Brunell said. “I don’t think there is any controversy.”

The big play of the Huskies’ pivotal 21-point third quarter was Russell Hairston’s recovery of Lindsey Chapman’s end zone fumble that put Washington in front, 21-7.

Hairston’s touchdown came after Brunell relieved Hobert on Washington’s third possession of the third quarter and directed the Huskies 64 yards in eight plays. Matt Jones scored on a three-yard run for a 14-7 lead.

Chapman fumbled the ensuing kickoff and Hairston recovered it in the end zone for Washington’s third touchdown.

After Doug Brien’s 35-yard field goal at 3:08 of the third quarter cut Washington’s lead to 21-10, Brunell moved the Huskies 74 yards in five plays. His 37-yard run set up Kaufman’s 14-yard touchdown run to make the score 28-10.