BERKELEY, Calif. - Cal coach Jeff Tedford said Saturday night's 45-31 victory over Tennessee was important if for no other reason than it answered questions about his program.

"I'd heard a lot of comments that the SEC is a more physical conference,'' Tedford said. "I hope that (game) answered some of those questions.

"It was a big win; we've been carrying this for a year.''

The Golden Bears, who lost 35-18 to Tennessee last year at Neyland Stadium, rolled up 471 total yards on the Vols before the crowd of 72,516 at Memorial Stadium.

California's offense came by ground as well as air, as the Golden Bears out-rushed UT 230-111.

Tedford said his familiarity with Tennessee's defense helped him with his play-calling, as Cal converted on six of 13 third-down opportunities.

"Last year they had some wrinkles, and it was the first time we'd seen it,'' said Tedford, who didn't call Cal's plays last season. "After playing them once, it was easier.''

Tedford said he was impressed with the Vols' offense.

"It kind of looked like Peyton Manning's offense,'' Tedford said, referring to the NFL star with the Indianapolis Colts and former UT quarterback. "I bet Peyton spent a few days there installing the no-huddle. They did a nice job offensively.''

California linebacker Worrell Williams said UT quarterback Erik Ainge showed a lot of talent and poise.

"We had a couple of words on the field," Williams said, "but he's a good dude, and he's smart.

"He made some good checks at the line, and the pressure didn't seem to bother him too much. Maybe this wasn't a big enough stage for him.''

Tedford praised his quarterback's poise as well. Cal quarterback Nate Longshore was 19-of-28 passing for 241 touchdowns and no interceptions.

"Tonight, Nate couldn't wait to get on the field,'' Tedford said. "The game has slowed down in his eyes, and he's done a phenomenal job as a leader.''

For Kicks: When Cal senior kicker Tom Schneider pulled a quad muscle during warm ups it put junior kicker Jordan Kay in a tough position.

But Kay, who had never kicked in a game, handled it, making all six of his extra-point attempts and a 27-yard field goal.

One To Watch: Receiver DeSean Jackson began his Heisman Trophy campaign with a 77-yard punt return for a TD, four catches for 45 yards and a run for 21 yards.

Jackson returned four punts for touchdowns last season and averaged 18.2 per return, both school records.

The California Athletic Department and website partner CSTV launched a promotional site to follow Jackson’s season. The site is www.The1ToWatch.com.

Jackson said he was glad UT punted to him on at least one occasion.

“I wasn’t surprised they kicked to me, but I knew I was fortunate to get that opportunity,’’ Jackson said. “I saw a lot of white jerseys, but I made a couple of moves to get to my wall and hit the seam.’’

Raging Bull: Junior tailback Justin Forsett showed he's ready to fill Marshawn Lynch's shoes with a 26-carry, 156-yard performance.

"I knew after that first carry we were going to be able to do some things,'' Forsett said. "Our offensive line had done some things in fall camp, so I kind of knew.''

Forsett said bulletin board material provided by UT's Jonathan Hefney gave Cal added incentive.

"We were already motivated, but that was the icing on the cake,'' Forsett said. "We had to show them we could be physical.

"I heard (Hefney) out there a couple of times. I just smiled and left. Talking back would take too much energy.''