Fox Sports: Pac-10 Spring Preview

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California Golden Bears

Spring Game: April 19
The early spring buzz ... Has Cal peaked under Jeff Tedford? It's a question the Bears will try to dismiss this spring, while attempting to eliminate the stench of last year's putrid 2-6 finish to the season. Cal is in the awkward position of fending off allegations it's an underachiever, an odd assertion about a program that was 1-10 earlier this decade. It's also facing a rare dearth of experience at the skill positions following the departures of RB Justin Forsett; WRs DeSean Jackson, Lavelle Hawkins and Robert Jordan; and TE Craig Stevens. Considering how well Tedford has recruited at these spots in recent years, any drop-off in production will be short-lived.
The big spring question is ... Is Cal about to get embroiled in an old-fashioned quarterback controversy? It might be unavoidable considering the inconsistent play of incumbent Nate Longshore and how well sophomore Kevin Riley played in the Armed Forces Bowl. The job remains Longshore's to lose, but if the more mobile Riley continues to mature, it'll be hard for Tedford and new offensive coordinator Frank Cignetti to keep him out of the lineup this fall.
The most important position to watch is ... The left side of the offensive line. The backs and receivers are going to be green no matter what, but it may not be noticeable if the Bears can adequately replace LT Mike Gibson and LG Brian De La Puente. Cal is set on the right side and with All-American Alex Mack at center, meaning the rest of the offense will benefit dramatically if the left side of the front wall can be rebuilt on the fly.
Spring attitude... This spring will be Cal's first chance to recapture the swagger it had after starting 5-0 last October and coming within a hair of rising to No. 1 in the country. Most of the program's equity and goodwill have been squandered, making the road back to national respect a long one. For a change, the defense, led by a terrific trio of linebackers, might have to carry the Bears until the offense finds its rhythm.