BERKELEY, Calif. – In his third effort as Illinois’ starting quarterback, junior Tim Brasic showed improved maturity and confidence on the field.

Coach Ron Zook said he was happy with Brasic’s quick thinking and continuing improvement.

“He missed a few throws, but for the most part Tim continues to get better and better,” Zook said. “He was able to scramble a couple times when our receivers were covered and there wasn’t anybody to throw to.”

Brasic completed 21-of-37 passing attempts on Saturday, and rushed 18 times for 29 net yards and 1 touchdown. Brasic was named a captain for Saturday’s game.

Brasic said he was personally happy that the offense had no turnovers. Illinois allowed two interceptions in the Rutgers game, and one against San Jose State.

“You don’t want to hurt yourself,” Brasic said. “We had penalties and sacks, but turnovers really hurt you. The fact that we didn’t have any was a good sign, and we want to keep going in that direction.”

Zook said he expects Brasic’s confidence and clutch decision making to sharpen as the season progresses.

“I think every time he steps on the field, whether it’s practice or a game, he’s getting a better and better grasp of the offense,” Zook said. “I think that’s beginning to show.”

MASCOT MIX-UP

Cal’s mascot is Oski, a costumed student portraying a bear in a letterman’s sweater. He got his name 65 years ago. It was chosen based on the popularity of the “Oski-Wow-Wow” yell at Cal football games.

Oski made his debut during the 1941 football season. He was preceded by a number of live bear mascots.

At Illinois, “Oskee-Wow-Wow” is also a common athletic cheer. It appears in the lyrics of “Illinois Loyalty,” and is the title of another fight song.

Oskee is also the shortened name of a group of football players’ pet Jack Russell terrier, Oskee-Bow-Wow.

“That would be a toss up,” Kevin Mitchell, one of Oskee-Bow-Wow’s owners, said when asked who would win if the canine faced off against the bear. “Hopefully, Bow-Wow.”

FANDEMONIUM

More than a speckle of orange fell into Cal’s Memorial Stadium on Saturday, as Illini fans made a strong showing on the West coast.

A 2001 Illinois alum, who now works for the Pacific Life Holiday Bowl, which Cal lost 45-31 to Texas Tech last season, attended the game. He wore an orange t-shirt under his dress shirt to support the Illini.

Former Illini linebacker and current Oakland Raiders starter Danny Clark also came to support his former team, as did more than 1,200 of his fellow Illinois fans. They filled three sections of the stadium and dotted the rest.

“Our fans are great; it’s fun to have them travel with us,” Brasic said. “It really helps us when you hear them cheering. That kind of encouragement is awesome.”

KICKING CONFIDENCE

Illinois punter Steve Weatherford was back kicking off for Illinois, after twisting his ankle early in last week’s 40-19 victory over San Jose State. Weatherford continued to punt in the Sept. 10 game, but sophomore kicker Jason Reda picked up kick off responsibilities.

Weatherford, a preseason All-American, broke Illinois’ single-season punting record in 2004, averaging 45.4 yards-per-punt. He had seven punts in Saturday’s game, averaging 41.7 yards.

QUOTE OF THE GAME:

“I think playing a good team like Cal is a stepping stone going into the Big Ten. We’re going to play better teams in the Big Ten. I think Cal is a great team – they really came out and executed in the second half – but I think we’re a great team too, and we can play with anybody in the country.”

– Defensive back Morris Virgil on what Illinois learned from Saturday’s loss.