NCAA football odds list the California Golden Bears as +5000 favorites to win the BCS. It's a fair number, as the Bears aren't totally out of the running but still need a lot to go right to have any real shot.
Ultimately, Cal has a better shot at winning the Heisman Trophy for one of its players in 2009 than the BCS. Starting running back Jahvid Best is small, listed at 5'10" and 195 pounds, but good things sometimes come in small packages. He ran for 1,580 yards and scored 16 times last season while averaging an outstanding 8.1 yards per carry. With his big-play ability, he's a threat to score every time he touches the ball. The Cal running attack should power the overall offense again.
Cal lost some key defensive personnel in the offseason -- namely, Zack Follett, who went to the NFL -- but I'm betting the "D" will be a strength again this season. The Bears ranked 14th in the nation in sacks last season and the pass rush should be strong again, led by tackle Tyson Alualu. The secondary is loaded with upperclassmen and Syd?Quan Thompson is a standout. I'm betting management also feels they have someone special in linebacker Mike Mohamed, who is expected to fill a void in the interior.
The Achilles Heel for Cal this season may be the passing game. Kevin Riley didn't show much in half a season's worth of snaps last year. He threw 14 touchdown passes but completed only 50.7 per cent of his passes. His receiving corps is inconsistent and somewhat inexperienced, so that doesn't bode well for his chances of improving. The Golden Bears' O-line also took a big hit when center Alex Mack left. If the passing game can't be effective, defenses will stack the line against Best.
The Bears' season ultimately depends on the passing game. If it doesn't improve, Cali won't improve overall and could even regress. Keep an eye on Riley's progress as you make your football predictions this season.
--BetOnline.com
Ultimately, Cal has a better shot at winning the Heisman Trophy for one of its players in 2009 than the BCS. Starting running back Jahvid Best is small, listed at 5'10" and 195 pounds, but good things sometimes come in small packages. He ran for 1,580 yards and scored 16 times last season while averaging an outstanding 8.1 yards per carry. With his big-play ability, he's a threat to score every time he touches the ball. The Cal running attack should power the overall offense again.
Cal lost some key defensive personnel in the offseason -- namely, Zack Follett, who went to the NFL -- but I'm betting the "D" will be a strength again this season. The Bears ranked 14th in the nation in sacks last season and the pass rush should be strong again, led by tackle Tyson Alualu. The secondary is loaded with upperclassmen and Syd?Quan Thompson is a standout. I'm betting management also feels they have someone special in linebacker Mike Mohamed, who is expected to fill a void in the interior.
The Achilles Heel for Cal this season may be the passing game. Kevin Riley didn't show much in half a season's worth of snaps last year. He threw 14 touchdown passes but completed only 50.7 per cent of his passes. His receiving corps is inconsistent and somewhat inexperienced, so that doesn't bode well for his chances of improving. The Golden Bears' O-line also took a big hit when center Alex Mack left. If the passing game can't be effective, defenses will stack the line against Best.
The Bears' season ultimately depends on the passing game. If it doesn't improve, Cali won't improve overall and could even regress. Keep an eye on Riley's progress as you make your football predictions this season.
--BetOnline.com
