Excerpt:
Here’s a look ahead:
CAL
The Bears were 5-0 and poised to assume the No. 1 ranking in the nation when the team inexplicably fell apart. Victims of injuries and poor run defense, they lost six of their last seven before rallying to beat Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl to finish 7-6.
QB SITUATION: Nate Longshore ranks second all-time among Cal quarterbacks with 18 victories. But Tedford recently announced that redshirt sophomore Kevin Riley will start against Michigan State. Don’t consider the matter settled, though. Tedford said Longshore also will play in the opener, and will continue to push Riley for the job.
WHAT’S NEW: Well, to start with, the Bears aren’t ranked in the major preseason polls for the first time since 2003. On the field, the defense will switch to a 3-4 scheme, and Tedford is giving up offensive play-calling duties to Frank Cignetti, who spent last fall coaching Alex Smith and the rest of the 49ers’ quarterbacks. Cignetti will have to compensate for the seven offensive players from 2007 now vying for NFL roster spots.
PLAYERS TO WATCH: The reason Cal is moving to a 3-4 is to maximize its deepest position – linebacker. The group is led by two-time All-Pac-10 selection Zack Follett and preseason All-American Worrell Williams. Meanwhile, super-swift Jahvid Best of Vallejo takes over for Justin Forsett at halfback and attempts to extend Cal’s streak of 1,000-yard rushers to seven straight years. Center Alex Mack may be the best offensive lineman in the conference.
CIRCLE THE DATE: Oct. 4 vs. Arizona State. Dennis Erickson’s highly rated team could provide the first big test for the Bears.
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