UC - Davis
N/A0-0
California
8th PAC-125-7
UC - Davis @ California preview
FTX Field at California Memorial Stadium
No lofty expectations, no problem for the California Golden Bears.
Unranked in preseason polls for just the second time in seven seasons and picked to finish in the bottom half of the Pac-10, the Bears may have the most talented and experienced group in head coach Jeff Tedford’s tenure. The season gets under way Saturday when Cal hosts FCS member UC Davis in the first-ever meeting between the schools.
Disappointing recent seasons have kept the prognosticators away from Cal, but there is plenty to be optimistic about. Quarterback Kevin Riley will be the opening-game starter for the third straight season, and he has a strong grasp of Tedford’s sophisticated offensive schemes. His inconsistent play, however, has kept the Bears from greater heights.
Following in the footsteps of Jahvid Best, Marshawn Lynch and J.J. Arrington, Shane Vereen is the next great Cal tailback. Vereen actually ran for more yards than Best last season. A big and experienced offensive line will provide protection for Riley and open holes for Vereen.
Offense wasn’t a problem for the Bears last season. Pass defense was. The Bears ranked 111th out of 120 FBS teams as opponents threw for nearly 3,500 yards. Cal made that a point of emphasis in the offseason.
With future conference rival Colorado looming next week, the Bears better not overlook UC Davis. The Aggies aren’t afraid to play FBS schools. They had a decent showing in a loss at Boise State last year, and won’t be intimidated by the environment.
Redshirt freshman Randy Wright will start at quarterback for UC Davis after beating out two others in camp. Coach Bob Biggs has a history of strong quarterback play during his time at UC Davis, and Wright should benefit from his tutelage.
If the Aggies need any inspiration for this game, they just need to remember 2005 when they made the short trip to the Bay Area and stunned Stanford, 20-17. This is UC Davis’ first game against a Pac-10 team since that upset.
Of course, the Bears have superior talent and depth. Expect a lot of fireworks from Riley and Vereen.
Unranked in preseason polls for just the second time in seven seasons and picked to finish in the bottom half of the Pac-10, the Bears may have the most talented and experienced group in head coach Jeff Tedford’s tenure. The season gets under way Saturday when Cal hosts FCS member UC Davis in the first-ever meeting between the schools.
Disappointing recent seasons have kept the prognosticators away from Cal, but there is plenty to be optimistic about. Quarterback Kevin Riley will be the opening-game starter for the third straight season, and he has a strong grasp of Tedford’s sophisticated offensive schemes. His inconsistent play, however, has kept the Bears from greater heights.
Following in the footsteps of Jahvid Best, Marshawn Lynch and J.J. Arrington, Shane Vereen is the next great Cal tailback. Vereen actually ran for more yards than Best last season. A big and experienced offensive line will provide protection for Riley and open holes for Vereen.
Offense wasn’t a problem for the Bears last season. Pass defense was. The Bears ranked 111th out of 120 FBS teams as opponents threw for nearly 3,500 yards. Cal made that a point of emphasis in the offseason.
With future conference rival Colorado looming next week, the Bears better not overlook UC Davis. The Aggies aren’t afraid to play FBS schools. They had a decent showing in a loss at Boise State last year, and won’t be intimidated by the environment.
Redshirt freshman Randy Wright will start at quarterback for UC Davis after beating out two others in camp. Coach Bob Biggs has a history of strong quarterback play during his time at UC Davis, and Wright should benefit from his tutelage.
If the Aggies need any inspiration for this game, they just need to remember 2005 when they made the short trip to the Bay Area and stunned Stanford, 20-17. This is UC Davis’ first game against a Pac-10 team since that upset.
Of course, the Bears have superior talent and depth. Expect a lot of fireworks from Riley and Vereen.