2008 California Bears Football Predictions

Expectations are lower than they have been in several years for the Bears, following the 2007 meltdown which saw them lose six of their last seven regular season games. We won't be mentioning Cal in the same sentence with Pac-10 title, but we do feel that eight wins and a sixth straight bowl trip are within reach. Jimmy Boyd's 2008 California Golden Bears predictions and season preview will sort things out for you. The betting line on Cal to win the 2009 BCS Championship Game is 100-1 at Sportsbook.com.
 

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Offense

QB Kevin Riley was the star of the Armed Forces Bowl which saw Cal defeat Air Force in a thrilling 42-36 game. Two-year starter Nate Longshore may end up taking a back seat to Riley after pulling a pectoral muscle in the spring if it sets his progress back. These two will battle it out again this fall and whoever wins the starting job will give Cal a great chance to win. The departure of Justin Forsett, the transfer of James Montgomery, and the hip injury of Jahvid Best has left the running game in a predicament. Head coach Jeff Tedford gave all indications that Best would be healthy for the upcoming season. He had just 29 carries last year, but the kid has blazing speed which Cal would love to tap. If the running back position is in a bit of a predicament than the receiving unit is really hurting. The departures of DeSean Jackson, Robert Jordan, and Lavelle Hawkins, who combined for 184 catches last season, have left the Bears with an unproven unit. But there is talent and size remaining with Florida transfer Nyan Boateng, freshman Michael Calvin, and LaReylle Cunningham. A solid line, led by All-league center Alex Mack and three more returning starters will allow the offense to retain its balance.

Defense

Cal is switching to a 3-4 defense to get the best use out of its personnel. It makes perfect sense since Cal is stocked with linebackers, but a little thin with capable defensive lineman. Anthony Felder, Worrell Williams, and Zack Follett are all proven linebackers. Follett is an all-conference playmaker who will be unleashed as a pass rusher in the new 3-4. Defensive end Rulon Davis is the most talented of the defensive lineman. He had three sacks in just six games a season ago. His health is imperative to the success of this defense. Moving Follert up to team with Davis seems to be the right recipe for success. An experienced secondary, led by junior corner Syd'Quan Thompson and senior safety Bernard Hicks, will allow the Bears to cover the best receivers in the conference again. One major problem that must be addressed with this unit is its tackling. Cal d-backs gave up too many yards after the catch in 2007.

Special Teams

Kicker Jordan Kay has to do better than making just 65 percent of his field goal attempts. Losing punter Andrew Larson and kick returners Lavelle Hawkins and DeSean Jackson will no doubt hurt. Jahvid Best could fill the return spot, but it is uncertain if Tedford will use his starting tailback in this capacity.

Prediction – 4th Pac-10

It's hard to believe that the Bears will finish higher in the Pac than they did in 2007, but that appears to be the case. With Oregon State having to rebuild its defense and with UCLA adapting to a new head coach, the Bears should be in the driver's seat for a fourth place finish (behind USC, Arizona State, and Oregon) and another bowl game. Cal is listed at 8-1 odds to win the Pac-10 Conference at BodogLife.com sportsbook.

Jimmy Boyd's NCAA football picks make beating the college football odds a cinch. Let 10 consecutive winning seasons and Jimmy's renowned "big play' ability build your bankroll all year long.

July 10th, 2008