Friday, August 25, 2006

The Online Wire: Overview of Cal Bears & Oregon Ducks

CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS O:7 D:8

Cal's offense returns seven from last year's unit that averaged 33 PPG, and that was without a confident QB. HC Tedford has plenty candidates for this year, and there's no doubt one will step to the forefront to lead this powerful attack as Tedford's always been able to mold excellent collegiate QB talent. Junior RB Marshawn Lynch is back after rushing for 1200+ last season with a lingering finger injury, and his backup, Justin Forsett, is also back looking to top the 1000-yard mark himself (999 last year).

 

The O-Line needs to be retooled, but only average play from the new group will see this unit flourish as it's loaded at the skill positions. The Bears look tremendous on defense. The unit returns 13 of its top 16 tacklers that led the conference in scoring defense (21.2 PPG) in '05. The D-Line and LB corps return virtually intact and both starting CB's return. This should help ease the transition of the new safeties. Cal might have the best defense in the Tedford era. Kicking is a question mark on special teams, but the return game looks great as Cal's roster is littered with speed. Big things look to be on the horizon in Berkeley this season.

Here is the link.

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