BearTalk

Here is a sampling of what has been said the past few days here in San Diego:

COACH JEFF TEDFORD

On defending Utah’s spread option

I think anytime you spread the field, it’s challenging. They know what they’re doing. They do a great job. But the key is how we stop the run. That’s going to be first and foremost.

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Cal just held its usual day-before walkthrough today. Earlier, the entire team and staff joined Utah’s team aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier for a special Poinsettia Bowl luncheon. The event was also attended by fans and other local dignitaries and featured several heartfelt moments, including an emotional speech by a teenage cancer survivor inspired by the Make-A-Wish foundation.

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• Cal offensive coordinator Andy Ludwig will get a chance to silence his former critics.
• Ted Miller’s Poinsettia Bowl breakdown on ESPN.com.
• Cal’s recent recruiting flurry continued with a commitment from a safety and a tight end.
• The Utes say Cal has an advantage because of Ludwig’s familiarity with Utah’s defense.
• Utah will try to run it first against the strength of Cal’s defense.
• Another look at the Ludwig angle.
• A look at Utah after its final practice of the season.

Busy day today as I visited both Utah and Cal’s practices. The biggest development is that there seems to be a real possibility that cornerback Syd’Quan Thompson won’t play Wednesday. Thompson missed another practice today — the last of the season for the Bears — and afterward defensive coordinator Bob Gregory said “I don’t know” when asked if Thompson will play.

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• Nyan Boateng wishes he would have done more at Cal.
• Despite an injury, Utah’s running game hasn’t suffered.

I’ll have a more thorough report a little later but wanted to provide a quick update that starting left guard Matt Summers-Gavin has been ruled out of Wednesday’s Poinsettia Bowl. Coach Jeff Tedford disclosed the news at the end of practice at the University of San Diego just a short while ago. This will be the fifth game Summers-Gavin has missed this season because of injury. He missed the first three with a shoulder problem and the final two because of a concussion.

Just arrived here in San Diego. I’ll be heading out to practice at the University of San Diego in a bit. First, here are some links:

• It’s been an unpredictable season for the Bears.
• Utah has a lot at stake against a BCS-conference team.
• Utah plays its best in bowl games.
• The Utes had a sunny welcome to San Diego on Saturday.
• Utah’s practices in San Diego got off to a good start.

• A Utah notebook from the Salt Lake Tribune.
•  Bowl games can be a hard sell for some fans.
• Utah’s seniors are savoring these moments.

The Bears held their last practice of the season at Memorial Stadium this afternoon. As is tradition, players carried the seniors off the field. They will do the same again Monday when they have their final overall practice of 2009.

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• Columnist Gary Peterson says Jahvid Best should turn pro.
• Cal is part of a Pac-10/Mountain West bowl rivalry.
• Cal coach Jeff Tedford is obviously a believer in the Utes.
• Another look at the feel-good story of Utah safety Robert Johnson.
• Cal will have to contend with an impressive left tackle from Utah.