Cal's linebackers pose challenge for Ringer

MSU senior running back Javon Ringer vs. California’s 3-4 defense

What happens when one team’s biggest playmaker faces its opponent’s biggest strength?

We’ll find out Saturday, when Ringer, a third-team All-American and Heisman Trophy hopeful, faces a California linebacking corps that returns three starters from 2007. Due to their depth at linebacker, the Bears have opted to switch from a conventional 4-3 defense (four down-linemen and three linebackers) to a 3-4 defense (three down-linemen, four linebackers).

Anthony Felder (101 tackles in 2007), Zack Follet (65 tackles and 5.5 sacks) and Worrell Williams (preseason All-American) headline a group of nine linebackers who could see playing time this season.

After rushing for 1,447 yards and six touchdowns last year, Ringer has a target on his back entering the season, and you can bet he’s the No. 1 priority for the Bears defense.

EDGE: Push — This is the matchup of the game and each side has too many “ifs.” If Cal struggles in the 3-4 and switches over to the 4-3 or another formation, Ringer will be facing a different scheme than the one for which he’s prepared.

In Ringer’s case, it’s not all on him. He needs his offensive line to block for him and the MSU passing game to be a legitimate threat.

MSU’s experienced secondary vs. Cal’s inexperienced wide receivers

MSU’s secondary returns nine letterwinners from a year ago, including senior strong safety Otis Wiley, who is entering his third year as a starter, and four cornerbacks with starting experience.

On the flip side, the Bears’ returning wide receivers accounted for just 13 receptions last year after they lost their top three receivers from last season. California might finally have settled on who start at quarterback, but who quarterback Kevin Riley throws to is just as big of a question.

Sophomore cornerback Chris L. Rucker and junior cornerback Ross Weaver will be the top two guys on the outside, while senior Kendell Davis-Clark will make his first career start at free safety.

EDGE: MSU — Remember that Old Spice commercial with a man in a robe rambling on about experience? “If you have it, you don’t need it. If you need it, you don’t have it.” MSU has it. Cal doesn’t.

MSU senior quarterback Brian Hoyer vs. the ghosts of the 2007 Champs Sports Bowl

Hoyer had a very successful season in his first year as a starter, throwing for 2,725 yards and 20 touchdowns in 13 games.

But the last time Hoyer stepped under the bright lights in a real game, he struggled mightily, throwing four interceptions and completing just 14 of 36 passes for 131 yards in a 24-21 loss to Boston College in the Champs Sports Bowl.

Hoyer has said repeatedly that he’s put the game behind him and he’s fine, but no one can know for sure until he drops back for his next pass.

EDGE: Hoyer — For as big of a letdown as the Champs Sports Bowl was, it’s in the past. By Saturday night the game that will be on everyone’s mind will be Hoyer’s most recent win.

Cal running back Jahvid Best vs. MSU front seven

Best, California’s 5-foot-10 sophomore running back, made a name for himself last year as a true freshman, earning first-team All-Pac-10 honors on special teams. In limited duty behind 1,000-yard rusher Justin Forsett, Best averaged 12.3 yards per touch in 2007.

A standout sprinter in high school, Best ran the 100-meter dash in 10.31 seconds and the 200-meter dash in 20.65.

Because of his breakout speed, MSU’s linemen and linebackers will have to keep Best out of the open field where he has highlight-reel potential.

EDGE: MSU — This is along the same lines as the matchup between Ringer and the Cal defense, but Best has a long way to go before getting the same respect as MSU’s No. 23.

Published on Thursday, August 28, 2008