4. California Golden Bears
Just what is it with the Bears? Every year they come in as a preseason top 25 team, and every year they manage to lose a game they shouldn't at the worst possible time, usually in bundles. So close, yet so far. Last year they beat Tennessee and Oregon, but lost to Washington, Oregon State and Stanford, after being highly ranked. This year, they are not in the top 25 in some preseason magazines, and that's what makes them so dangerous- no one expects a lot from them this year.
Offense.
The quarterback issue isn't really an issue, or is it? Senior Nate Longshore, after having a terrific year before suffering a chipped bone in his foot, might not start due to sophomore Kevin Riley winning the fans' hearts. Whoever wins the starting job, the hope is that he improves even with their four WRs leaving.
The second problem for the Bears is the running back situation. They lost Marshawn Lynch prematurely to the NFL, and Justin Forsett, who ran over 1,500 yards, is also gone. Add Justin Montgomery transferring to Washington State and you have a depleted backfield. The Bears' best hopes rest on sophomore Jahvid Best, a 10.3 speedster in the hundred meter dash.
The receiving corps is the third issue for the Bears. DeSean Jackson bolted for the NFL, and they lost Robert Jordan, Lavelle Hawkins, TEs Craig Stevens and Julian Arthur. The best returning receivers, Nyan Boateng, has only four receptions, while LaReyelle Cunningham has ten. It's time to re-build.
The O-line is a bright spot on the offense. While they lose their LT Mike Gibson, LG Brian De La Puente is back and this unit has averaged only twelve sacks a year for the last two years. They should give excellent pass rush protection. Their All-American center Alex Mack is back as well.
Defense.
There's good news here. The linebacking unit is just stacked with talent and depth. The Bears could go to a 3-4 to compensate for the depth issues on the line. The talent is there on the line, with six of eight returning. They lost Matthew Malele, but have Rulon Davis, Derrick Hill, Tyson Alualu and Cam Jordan returning.
The linebacking unit could be one of the best in the Pac-10. All-Pac-10 Zack Follett is back, as well as Anthony Felder and Worrell Williams. This is a strong unit and should back-up the DL until things start to jell there.
The secondary also looks good, with only FS Thomas DeCoud and Rover Brandon Hampton as the notable departures. Both corners- Syd'Quan Thompson and Chris Conte have started games- and Bernard Hicks taking over the FS spot should be an easy transition for the Bears' secondary.
Outlook.
Thank goodness for small favors. The Bears schedule only calls for five road games; Washington State, Maryland, Arizona, USC and Oregon State. Their date with Maryland could be a sign of how well this team gets into Tedford's game plan. While their season won't end in Pasadena, they should have at least six or seven wins and a bowl bid. Considering all the losses on the offense, that's not a bad place to be.
5. Arizona Wildcats
We're going to send you the most entertaining Stanford Football articles, videos, and podcasts from around the web.
53 Comments
Loading more comments...
This comment and all replies have been deleted This comment has been deleted Undo delete