CHRIS CODUTO/Arizona Daily Wildcat Arizona freshman defensive tackle Clifton Stanford tackles UCLA tailback Maurice Drew during the Bruins 24-21 win over the Wildcats at Arizona Stadium on Oct. 11.

Coming off its first week off in close to seven weeks, the Arizona football team gets set to head north to take on Pacific-10 Conference foe California with hopes of building on its on-field efforts of the past month.

The Wildcats were one of two Pac-10 teams idle last weekend, along with struggling Oregon, who took the week off after three consecutive strong performances against TCU and UCLA at home and Washington State on the road.

"It was a good break both mentally and physically, so we should come back much more enthusiastic this week," Hankwitz said. "We got a lot accomplished."

Wildcats shooting for a few firsts this week

With the Golden Bears next on the schedule, the Wildcats hope to pick up a few "firsts" on their trip to Berkeley Saturday:

· The team's first win since defeating Texas-El Paso on Aug. 30 to open the season at Arizona Stadium.

· Arizona's first road win of the season.

· The Wildcats' first Pac-10 win of the year.

A win would also mark the UA's first conference victory in 11 months, since the Wildcats defeated the same Golden Bear squad in Berkeley Nov. 16, 2002. Arizona has beaten Cal in its last four trips to Berkeley, including last year's emotional 51-42 victory just days after UA players revolted against then-head coach John Mackovic. After nearly 40 players organized a meeting with President Peter Likins to discuss their discontent, Mackovic gave a public apology for his actions.

Cats plus California equals close matchups

Of the 22 total matchups between Cal and the UA, 13 of those games have been decided by a touchdown or less.

"From what I know about the history of the series, in the last 14 games, 12 of them have been decided by seven points or less, so it is going to be a dogfight," Hankwitz said.

Arizona won last year's matchup by nine points, behind an offense that saw former UA quarterback Jason Johnson throw for four touchdowns and a school-record 492 yards.

This will be the fourth straight season in a row in which the Wildcats have traveled to Berkeley.

Arizona has won the last four contests overall.

Week off gives team time to rest, heal minor injuries

According to Hankwitz, the time off gave a lot of players extra time to heal nagging injuries.

"We have had numerous guys playing each week with nagging things," Hankwitz said. "We also gave the players an extended break at the end of the week to give them a chance to get healed up."

Cats will try to cut down on costly miscues vs. Cal

Prior to the off week, the Wildcats played arguably their best game of the season against the visiting Bruins of UCLA. Arizona led UCLA 21-10 at halftime, but ended up falling 24-21. Arizona had several miscues that cost it its first home Pac-10 win in more than two years.

"It was agonizing because I was so proud of the effort and the intensity with which our players played," Hankwitz said. "You like to see that rewarded, but you don't get rewarded just for effort. I hope that only intensifies our hunger to get a win and show that we are continuing to make the climb."

Game will not be televised for third consecutive trip

For the third straight road game, the Wildcats will not be televised. The only way to catch the game at California is on the radio, on KNST 790 AM.