California
Key player: Switching to a 3-4 base defense gives linebacker Zack Follett the opportunity to make plays, an area in which he has excelled. The 6-foot-1, 238-pound senior is a two-time All-Pac-10 performer, and a preseason candidate for the Bronko Nagurski Award, given to the nation's top defensive player. Follett has recorded 13 careers sacks and 28 tackles for loss during his career. He also has forced eight fumbles.
What's to like: Nate Longshore and Kevin Riley give Cal two decent options at quarterback. Longshore is a two-year starter, but Riley was the MVP in last season's Armed Forces Bowl and coach Jeff Tedford's pick as starter. The winner will be well protected, as Cal returns three starters on the offensive line, including All-Pac-10 selection Alex Mack.
What's not to like: Cal has to be one the harder teams to figure out in college football. The Bears were title contenders last season but crumbled after a tough home loss to Oregon State. They lost five of their next six, including consecutive losses to Washington and Stanford. Expectations aren't high this season, which might be for the best after the Bears wilted in the spotlight.
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