Junior quarterback Kevin Riley played in nine games last year, but had a mediocre season. He had only 1,360 passing yards and 14 touchdowns. The quarterback dealt with injuries and had Nate Longshore looking over his shoulder. But Longshore is gone, and Riley is healthy, so this could be a breakout season for the experienced quarterback. Cal's strongest area remains at running back. Not only do they have Best in the backfield, but the Bears can also rely on sophomore Shane Vereen. He is a productive runner who gained 700 yards last season. Not bad for a backup, most teams would settle for one breakaway running back, but lucky Cal has two.
So what is California's biggest problem? The anemic passing game has to improve if the Bears want to stay competitive in the Pac-10. They averaged fewer than 200 yards per game in 2008. The problem isn't just Riley's inconsistency; the Bears' receivers must step up their game in order to get their offence down the field and on the score board. Nyan Boateng, their leading receiver a year ago, managed just 29 catches. He needs to be more productive, especially since tight end Cameron Morrah left for the NFL.
California uses a three-man front and four linebackers in its base defense. The Bears posted 35 sacks and ranked among the nation's top 30 in total defense last season. Cornerback Syd'Quan Thompson has emerged as one of the best corners in the nation. Last year, he had four interceptions, which he returned for 128 yards. Thompson is also a threat on punt returns. Meanwhile, defensive end Tyson Alualu is coming of an outstanding season. He accumulated 62 tackles, which was the most for a Cal lineman in more than ten years.
The Bears have high expectations for sophomore linebacker Mychal Kendricks. Although he posted just 15 tackles in a backup role last year, his coaches think he will develop into Cal's best linebacker ever. The defense looks to be in tip-top-shape. A year ago, California recorded 24 interceptions. Only two teams in the nation had more picks. The Bears' entire secondary returns intact and should rank among the best in the country. Darian Hagan, the other cornerback, is expected to play professional football, while Marcus Ezeff and Brett Johnson are solid starters at safety.
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