Cal Bears Will Be Battling For Top Spot In The Pac-10

As I watched the Bears last year come out sizzling and getting ranked as high as number 2 last year. The problems began for the Bears is when Nate Longshore went down with the foot injury. Kevin Riley came up and gave the Bears a shot at winning, but lack of experience caused him to try to run for it instead of just throwing the ball away giving the Bears their first loss of the season. I still personally feel that the shot to the legs of Nate Longshore was a cheap shot by the Oregon Duck's defender. I think the hit to Longshore's leg was avoidable, but then again you can't go back in time and change anything.

Anyways this year is going to be different. Kevin Riley showed what he could do in the Armed Forces Bowl and for the most part against Oregon State. I think that Longshore will step it up and be the starter since he has the most experience. The offensive line for the Bears will be strong and they are experienced. Jahvid Best should have an excellent year with his speed and the ability to score anytime he touches the ball. The only question mark offensively is the receivers, but I'm going to guess that we will be fine especially having Cameron Moorah as tight end will be a great safety valve for either Longshore or Riley. 

Defensively we should be fine especially if Rulon Davis can stay healthy. Our linebackers with Williams, Follett, Felder, and Mohamed are going to be the Bears strongest point because of their very athletic, make open field plays, can pressure the quarter back, and are experienced as well. The secondary should be fine with Thompson leading the charge. Chris Conte got a taste of starting as a freshman and he's a rather tall corner which could cause problems if he's defending a faster receiver, but he can make up for it with his length and he can defend the taller receivers or Tight Ends.

With Bob Gregory still being the defensive coordinator it makes me a little nervous. Last year our defense was too keen on letting teams dump the ball of for short yardage and on 3rd and long situations the Bears defense was nowhere near aggressive enough and that was the cause of a lot of concern for Bears fans last year. Gregory needs to have the Bears defensively be more aggressive especially with Worrell Williams and Zach Follett.

With the team the Bears have especially with the experience with the linebackers and offensive line. The Bears should be just fine and compete for the Pac-10 title. Especially if the Bears become more aggressive defenisvely and if their wide receivers who are inexperienced can step up the Bears should have a great season.