California golden bears pac-10 preview

Previewing the Pac in 10 Days – #8 California Golden Bears

Posted on 25. Aug, 2010 at 11:09 am by bbryan in Beer + Stuff

Over the last 10 work days leading up to the start of the season we will be previewing the Pac-10 in reverse predicted order of finish. Previous reviews can be found here: 10 9

Last Year: 5-4, T5th place

The Good - The Bears return 4 starting offensive lineman and a senior starting quarterback both are good signs heading into the year. They also return quarterback Kevin Riley’s favorite target in wide receiver Marvin Jones who caught 43 passes for 650 yards. Running back Shane Vereen returns after filling in for the injured Jahvid Best. With Tedford at the helm this is the perfect fuel for a high octane offense. Cal is usually in the top half of the Pac-10 in offense and this year should be no different.

The Bad - The defense. Cal has yet to put together a defense that matches their high octane offense and this years looks to be no different. This year they have brought in a new defensive coordinator, Clancy Pendergast. While a new system might help some, the true problem is Cal puts all their best athletes on the offensive side of the ball. Oregon tried this for years, it just doesn’t work because your team is only as good as your weakest link. On top of the defensive issues the offense doesn’t look to be as good as in years past. Riley has not shown he can be a consistently good QB and just relying on the “he’s a senior” approach is risky business (see Fife, Jason). While Vereen seems to be a solid back, he still averaged a yard less per carry than Best did last year. And after Jones there’s not much to like about the WR core. There is some talent, but it’s at the freshman level.

The Skinny - I think Cal will take a step backwards this year. By mid-season there will probably be a QB controversy, the offensive isn’t as good as in years past and the defense is average at best as usual. The real question is will this be Tedfords last year as coach? He’s too good of a coach to be coaching at a school that doesn’t care much for football. The facilities are poor and will not be improving anytime soon with the financial state of the athletic department. Look for Tedford to take a job at a high profile school that cares about it’s football (Michigan should be looking for a new head coach this offseason.)

Prediction: 3-6