Cal Football: Oregon State Coach Jonathan Smith Talks About Facing the Bears

Bears defense and Evan Weaver cause concerns for Beavers' head coach, but Oregon State RB Jermar Jefferson might play

Oregon State is coming off a 52-7 loss to Utah, and on Monday Beavers head coach Jonathan Smith reviewed that game and talked about the problems Cal will present in Berkeley on Saturday.

Perhaps the biggest news coming out of his press conference is the fact that running Jermar Jefferson might play against Cal after missing Saturday's game against Utah with an injury.

"We'll make a call later in the week on that," Smith said Monday. "If he's close to 100 percent we'd like him to go this week."

Jefferson rushed for 1,380 yards last season as a freshman, but he was limited in last year's game against Cal because of health concerns. He had just two carries for 34 yards in the Bears' 49-7 victory over Oregon State last season.

Here is a video of his Monday press conference:

Smith tossed some kudos Cal's way, particularly regarding the Bears' defense.

"This is a good opponent," Smith said. "We're going to have to play well to move the ball and score, but we're capable of doing it."

Smith was effusive in his praise of Cal linebacker Evan Weaver. He noted Weaver's instinct, his physical approach, his good hands and his ability to read the quarterback.

"He's a guy that presents some real problems," Smith said.

Smith acknowledged that Cal's offense has been hurt by injuries, especially on the offensive line, but he has respect for the Bears' coaches.

"[Cal offensive coordinator] Beau Baldwin, he knows how to coach an offense," Smith said.

Cal (4-2) is coming off a bye and will host the Beavers (2-4) in an 11;30 a.m. game on Saturday.

.