California's Strengths and Weaknesses Heading Into The 2009 Season

The 2009 college football season for the California Golden Bears will be an interesting one. They have the talent to compete for the Pac-10 title if the team can stay healthy.

First off let's go over the weaknesses of the team. One weakness that the Bears have is at the quarterback position. Kevin Riley is the starter but apparently there's a battle brewing between Riley and Brock Mansion.

Riley should be able to win the starting battle because he has the game experience, but if he struggles like he did last year Mansion will get the call.

Another possible weakness for the Bears will be at center. The Bears will be looking into replacing All-American Alex Mack, the best center in the country last year.

Wide receivers were the most inconsistent position for the Bears last year. With Nyan Boateng, Michael Calvin, Jeremy Ross, and Verran Tucker the receivers should perform better now that they have experience in the Bears system.

Onto the strengths of the Bears. The first strength is their secondary. Syd'Quan Thompson is the best corner in the Pac-10 and is one of the best in the country. Chris Coste has plenty of experience along with Darian Hagan and Marcus Ezeff the secondary should be a major strength for the Bears.

The defensive line with Tyson Alualu and Derrick Hill leading the way should help put pressure on the quarterback.

Going futher the second best strength for the Bears are their linebackers. With Eddie Young, Mike Mohamed, DJ Holt, and Devin Bishop leading the way the linebackers should be just as solid as they were last year even with the losses of Zach Follett, Anthony Felder, and Worrell Williams.

But, the biggest strength for the Bears is their running backs. Jahvid Best is among the elite running backs in the country and is by far the best running back in the Pac-10. His backup Shane Vareen is a very solid back as well. The bears could have two running backs to rush over 1,000 yards this season.