CALIFORNIA: Led by rookie Head Coach Jeff Tedford (Pac 10 COY) and QB Kyle Boller, California made one of the biggest turnarounds in the country, going from 1-10 in ?01 to 7-5 last year. Unfortunately, the school wasn?t eligible for a bowl game. The Bears started fast, winning their first three games SU & ATS and scoring 50.0 ppg in the process. They went on to finish 8-4 ATS, their best mark in nearly a decade. For 2003, the team loses a bunch of talent, including Boller, and returns a total of just seven starters. Five of those come on the offensive end, where they ranked second in the Pac 10. Hence, only two return on defense. With all that experience missing, and a schedule which features eight returning bowl teams, it would be a stretch to project California matching the success of 2002.
Because of this important information, no power rating or computer score edges are posted for this game.
KANSAS ST: A BCS playoff system would have suited Kansas State just fine last year, as the Wildcats were playing as good or better than any other team at the close of the 2002 season. Heading into their Holiday Bowl win over Arizona St, they had won five games in a row SU & ATS, and outscored those opponents by 44.6 ppg! In the bowl game, they stumbled a bit, but likely due to the lack of motivation that comes from being a 17 point favorite. For 2003, things in Manhattan look just as promising as Heisman Trophy candidate Ell Roberson returns for his senior season along with 11 other starters. Five of those come from a defensive unit which was the nation?s best last year in both points and yards allowed. A difficult set of Big 12 road games awaits but double digit win seasons are now the norm at KSU.
Because of this important information, no power rating or computer score edges are posted for this game.
KANSAS ST: A BCS playoff system would have suited Kansas State just fine last year, as the Wildcats were playing as good or better than any other team at the close of the 2002 season. Heading into their Holiday Bowl win over Arizona St, they had won five games in a row SU & ATS, and outscored those opponents by 44.6 ppg! In the bowl game, they stumbled a bit, but likely due to the lack of motivation that comes from being a 17 point favorite. For 2003, things in Manhattan look just as promising as Heisman Trophy candidate Ell Roberson returns for his senior season along with 11 other starters. Five of those come from a defensive unit which was the nation?s best last year in both points and yards allowed. A difficult set of Big 12 road games awaits but double digit win seasons are now the norm at KSU.
