2009 California Golden Bears College Football Predictions

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

2009 California Golden Bears Predictions
2008 Record: (9-4, 6-3)
Coach: Jeff Tedford, eighth year, (59-30 overall)
Off. Coordinator: Andy Ludwig (first year)
Def. Coordinator: Bob Gregory (eighth year)
Returning Starters: 17 (seven offense, eight defense, punter, kicker)
Ret. Starting Quarterback: Yes (Kevin Riley)

Need winning college football predictions each week? Visit ATS Consultants and sign-up for the free sports picks newsletter for college football betting information and free college football picks

Offense

Junior Kevin Riley (6'2", 221) finally has the starting job without looking over his shoulder now that Nate Longshore is gone. He has seven career starters and 277 career passes, but needs to improve his accuracy. If he doesn’t improve over the summer, Ted Tedford can turn to sophomore Brock Mansion (6'5", 237) or redshirt freshman Beau Sweeney.

At running back, the Golden Bears have one of the nation’s best in junior Jahvid Best (5'10", 195). Best ran for 1,580 yards despite missing a game due to a concussion and with an insufficient passing game, he still averaged 8.1 yards per carry.

There is a hole at tight end after junior Cameron Morrah (eight TDs) left for the NFL early.

The receivers lack a proven playmaker, though senior Nyan Boateng (6'2", 211), who had just 439 yards receiving last season, is ready to break out.

Sophomore Marvin Jones (6'2", 190) is also coming off a great spring. On the offensive line, the Golden Bears return three starters, but they have to replace All-American center Alex Mack (first-round pick).

They’ll move junior Chris Guarnero (6'2", 275) from guard to center and they also get senior LT Mike Tepper (6'7", 319) back from a torn pec muscle that cost him last season.

Defense

The defense returns eight starters from a unit that allowed 19.9ppg (23rd in the nation) and 315.2 yards per game (26th). Up front, they return all three starters in the 3-4 scheme.

They were a big reason that Cal ranked 14th in the nation in sacks last year. Senior DE Tyson Alualu (6'3", 295) recorded six sacks last year, while junior end Cameron Jordan (6'4", 287) added 11 tackles for loss, despite playing part-time.

At linebacker, they return junior Mike Mohammed (6'3", 237), who had 87 tackles despite not starting last season. The secondary is loaded with talent, especially at corner, where senior Syd’Quan Thompson is back (four picks). This could be the top defense in the Pac-10.

Outlook

The Bears face Maryland and Eastern Washington at home to start the season, and also take on Minnesota on the road. There’s no reason why they should go undefeated in non-conference play before facing USC, though an Oregon road game will be very tough right before they face the Trojans.

If Riley can step up this year at quarterback, the Bears have a chance to go a long way based on a terrific defense and a strong running game.

You're currently logged into Facebook

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