The scoreboard registered a 35-20 defeat for the Illini after going to the West Coast and playing Jeff Tedford's explosive California team, but head coach Ron Zook did not necessarily feel as if his team had failed in its assignment.

After starting the season with consecutive wins over Rutgers and San Jose State, Illinois was a decided underdog against the Bears. Most expected a blowout and based on the team's performance in past years against legitimate bowl teams, that result seemed likely.

But after giving up a TD on Cal's first possession, the Illini played solid football for three quarters. They led 17-7 at the half on TD runs by Pierre Thomas and QB Tim Brasic and were not the least bit intimidated by playing on the road against a powerful offensive opponent.

It all went awry in the fourth quarter, but Zook remains optimistic about the team's chances in the Big Ten this year. "There's no reason we can't play the way we did in the first 2 1/2 quarters," Zook said. "We had them on the ropes.

"In the second half, I thought we played not to lose. We didn't let it all hang out like we did in the first half. I think we really got hurt when we got behind the chains. You get 1st-and-15 and 3rd-and-long, it becomes very difficult."

Illinois was dogged by a familiar problem on the defensive side in the second half -- poor tackling. That issue was consistently cited by former head coach Ron Turner and it was an issue in the second half against Cal. "The defense was in position to make plays," lamented Zook. "But we just didn't get them on the ground."

Big Ten play begins this week at home against explosive Michigan State. If Zook can't fix the tackling issue quickly, the Illini could have much more difficulty during conference play.

GAME BALL GOES TO: QB Tim Brasic -- Somebody has to get the award and Brasic had a decent day by completing 21-of-37 passes for 228 yards. He did not throw a TD pass or an interception, but he did run for one score.

KEEP AN EYE ON: WR Kendrick Jones -- He is probably the best receiver on the team and caught six passes for 56 yards against the Bears. He could not shake loose for any big plays, however.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "Take away two or three plays in the second half and we win the game." -- QB Tim Brasic on the 35-20 loss to California.

LOOKING GOOD: Unlike the season opener vs. Rutgers, when the Illini needed a miracle comeback to get back in the game and ultimately win, Illinois played well from the start. They surrendered the opening TD before building a 17-7 lead. ... Illinois was 4-of-4 in scoring opportunities in the red zone and is perfect in 16 such opportunities this season. Illinois has scored nine TDs and had seven field goals in those chances.

-- LB Remond Willis -- The redshirt freshman continues to stand out on defense. He led the team with six tackles against the Bears.

-- RB Pierre Thomas -- The veteran running back played well on the road. He had 12 carries for 57 yards and a TD and also caught two passes for 59 yards. Thomas also made a special-teams contribution with four kickoff returns for 92 yards.

STILL NEEDS SOME WORK: Ron Zook admitted his team was not playing to win in the second half and just trying to avoid mistakes. That sapped the team's momentum and gave it to Cal. Zook's admission was admirable for its honesty -- but it puts the burden clearly on the coach. It is Zook's responsibility to see that his team plays with a killer instinct for 60 minutes.

-- RB E.B. Halsey has to be a consistent contributor and he was nearly invisible against Cal with seven carries for six yards.

-- TE Melvin Bryant was shaky and did not put his imprint on the game. He only caught one pass and was not the third-down factor he needs to be.

ROSTER REPORT: WR Derrick McPhearson caught one pass for two yards, but his appearance in the game was significant because it marked his return from a broken leg. Once McPhearson gets used to contact again, Zook believes he will become a go-to receiver. ... Quarterbacks Sheriff Abdullah (suspension) and Kisan Flakes (suspension) are sidelined indefinitely.