The California Golden Bears have been a model of consistency over the past few years, winning eight or more games in five of the last six seasons.

While many surrounding the program may enjoy annual trips to El Paso, Las Vegas, and San Diego, Coach Tedford has bigger plans for his 2009 squad.

The 2008 Bears finished the season 9-4 and rode the legs of sophomore sensation Jahvid Best to an Emerald Bowl victory over the ACC's Miami Hurricanes.

Tedford's Bears don't lose too much on offense and again are in preseason talks as a contender for the Pac-10 Conference title.

That, of course, reliant on whether or not USC wants to repeat yet again as kings of the West.

Will the Bears be able to piece together an entire season and find the path that leads to Pasadena?

Let's explore further into the make up of the 2009 California Golden Bears offense.

Runningback: A+  Bursting on the scene in 2008, Cal's Best opened eyes and gave defensive coordinators fits with his ability to get to the outside, and once there, explode up field with tremendous "you can't catch me" speed.

The Pac-10's leading rusher with 1,580 yards and 15 TD's, is as explosive and dynamic as any back in the nation.

Best rushed for over 200 yards in three games last season and broke the century mark in eight. His shocking 698 yards in his last three games could be an indication of what's to come in 2009.

What's more intimidating, is Best is just now entering his Junior year. To have to line up against Best for another two years is enough to make any head coach lose sleep the night before.

If Best can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for this Bear's offense. I expect another 1,200+ yard season and strong consideration for a very prestigious award handed out at the New York Marriott Marquis in Times Square.

Concerned about depth if Best goes down?

Now-sophomore back-up Shane Vereen filled in more than admirably for Best at times, rushing at five yards a clip and amassing 715 yards in his freshman season. Vereen is a perfect mix of low to the ground power and quickness.

The two returning runningbacks also hauled in 27 receptions each for a combined 467 yards and two touchdowns.

The dual threat that California has in their backfield is more than deserving of the grade they received.

Quarterback: B  Kevin Riley has been ridiculed most of his career for spotty (at best) quarterback play. This year he doesn't have the shadow of Nate Longshore following him and seems to be the pick for the starting spot at first glance.

It's hard to fully gage Riley's success over the past two seasons with the quarterback carousel the Bears had going in 2007/2008. 

Riley's completion percentage was over 50 only five times on the season; four of which came in Cal Bear victories. 

When given the keys to the car that is the Bear's offense, Riley seems to excel and get the job done. Less distractions this year should equate to better numbers.

Riley never fully felt comfortable last season, yet his 14 touchdowns to only six interceptions would be welcomed by almost any head coach you'd ask.

You're currently logged into Facebook

Do you want to share your Bleacher Report activity on Facebook?