California Golden Bears Midseason Review: Defensive Report Card

(Photo by Jed Jacobsohn/Getty Images)

The Cal defense, which returned all but three starters from a unit that recorded 35 sacks and ranked among the nation's best in forcing turnovers, figured to be a strength this season.

There were even talks of Berkeley having the best defense in the Pac-10 this side of Troy. 

So much for that. While the defense hasn't suffered a meltdown like it did in 2007, things have not come up all roses for the Bears.

On one hand, Cal has had only one truly terrible performance—the 42-3 Oregon loss; and since that debacle in Autzen, they have not allowed a passing touchdown. Overall, starting with the second half against USC, the defense has tightened up in the red zone.

That said, Cal's defense has had trouble getting after the quarterback this year; much of it has to do with the absence of a bona-fide pass rusher, a role that was filled in 2008 by the departed Zack Follett.

Another reason is opponents' strategy, which has spread out the Bears and relied on many short, quick passes—see Oregon, USC, and the first drive against Eastern Washington. Cal has also given up some big chunks on the ground in conference play.

That was a quick overview; now let's hand out the marks, unit by unit.

Defensive line

Don't be fooled by the stats; Cal has 18 sacks, which putting it on pace to surpass last year's mark, but six of those came in the opener against Maryland.

The three-man defensive line has not gotten its own consistent pass-rush outside of senior stud Tyson Alualu, who has notched four and a half sacks, 26 tackles, and three passes defended.

Cameron Jordan has been inconsistent, while back-up Ernest Owusu has not had a single quarterback drop since getting a couple in the Maryland opener.

The defensive front, which made look UCLA's suspect offensive line look like word-beaters, has also been partly responsible for Cal's porous rushing defense in Pac-10 play—the Bears have allowed 236, 174, and 137 yards on the ground against the Ducks, Trojans, and Bruins.

Grade: C

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