Cal Presents Offensive Test

Cal, off to a 3-1 start, has already equaled the victory total of last year’s 3-8 season and the Bears come to the Coliseum on Saturday after a week off.

“I think that’s very significant, that they’ve been able to have a bye and heal up and do a little extra game-planning against us,” Coach Paul Hackett said.

The Bears have beaten Houston, Oklahoma and Washington State--three schools whose reputations are better than their teams right now--and lost to Nebraska, 24-3.

Cal has been doing it with defense, that’s for certain.

The offense ranks last in the Pacific 10 in scoring at 13.5 points a game and in total offense, at 255.8 yards.

That matchup bodes well for the Trojans, who lead the Pac-10 in total defense, at 320.2 yards a game.

But Hackett calls the Cal defense very strong--opponents have averaged only 15 points a game--and USC’s offense still goes in fits and starts.

“[The Bears] have got some momentum going right now, and I think they’re a very dangerous opponent for us,” Hackett said.

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Starting tailback Chad Morton remains listed as possible for Saturday’s game because of a strained and bruised back--just as he was for the Arizona State game before deciding during warmups he would be unable to play.

“Chad’s going to be a week-to-week thing. Backs are such a tricky deal,” said Hackett, who said he doubted Morton would practice today. Two weeks earlier, when Morton’s status was uncertain because of his back, he rushed for 123 yards against Oregon State.

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Kickoff for USC’s game at Washington State on Oct. 17 has been set for 7:15 to accommodate a Fox Sports West telecast.