Cal Football: Jaydn Ott Ready to Go, but Starting QB Uncertain
Running back Jaydn Ott looks like he'll be ready for Cal's Pac-12 opener at Washington on Saturday night, but there is uncertainty about who will be the Golden Bears' starting quarterback.
Sam Jackson V, who started Saturday's win over Idaho, and Ben Finley, who started the September 9 loss to Auburn, are both listed atop the Cal depth chart at quarterback with the "or" designation between them, meaning either could be the starter.
"Both those guys have a chance to play," Wilcox said Tuesday. "Both different styles of quarterback. We feel like we've got to get better that position -- just like all positions -- but we've got to get better that that position. We've got to be more efficient at that position. We'll evaluate that every day throughout the week."
Asked whether either could be the starter on Saturday and whether both could play against the Huskies, Wilcox said, "I guess all that could be true."
So it appears either Finley or Jackson could be the starter Saturday, and it's possible both could play against Washington.
Finley is a traditional drop-back quarterback and has been the more accurate passer, while Jackson provides a running threat and the ability to avoid a pass rush.
Through three games, Finley has completed 68.1% of his passes with one touchdown and one interception, while rushing for 4 yards. Jackson has completed 53.7% of his passes with three touchdowns and two interceptions. He had rushed 65 net yards, which includes 96 positive yards and 31 yards of sacks.
Jackson played virtually the entire game in the 31-17 win over Idaho, missing just four plays after being sidelined briefly when he took a hard hit.
Meanwhile, the Bears expect to have Ott back after he missed Saturday's game against Idaho with an undisclosed injury.
"We anticipate Jaydn being ready to go," Wilcox said. "He was out there [at practice] today."
Ott has run for 266 yards in his two games and averaged 6.7 yards per carry. He was injured in the third quarter of the game against Auburn when he was upended on a run and landed on his back and head.
Cal will need all its offensive weapons against Washington, which is 3-0, ranked No. 8 and averaging 46.7 points. Huskies quarterback Michael Penix Jr. leads the nation in passing yards per game.
In other personnel news:
--Wilcox said Michael Luckhurst will continue to be Cal's place-kicker. Luckhurst was 1-for-2 on field goals against Idaho, making a 39-yarder and missing a 42-yarder. He is 3-for-9 on field goals for season.
--Starting defensive lineman Ethan Saunders is considered week-to-week, so he is unlikely to play Saturday. He was injured during the game against Idaho
--Starting nickel back Matthew Littlejohn is expected to play Saturday after being sidelined with an undisclosed injury during the game against Idaho.
--Running back Justin Williams-Thomas, a transfer from Tennessee, has yet to play this season because of a leg injury. Wilcox characterized his status as week-to-week. He is doubtful for this week.
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