The Cal Golden Bears have been a project ever since Jeff Tedford was removed in 2012. Tedford was a staple for a decade, but the team slid downhill in his final few seasons and in the first couple that Sonny Dykes took over.
Not a lot was expected of them this season either other than another solid season from quarterback Jared Goff but it looks like they have a whole lot more than just him. Through two games so far, they have been fairly impressive. A 73-14 win over Grambling State was expected but nobody saw a 35-7 blowout of San Diego State coming. They opened as a touchdown favorite in that contest, which gives you an idea of what was expected.
So does that mean Cal is on the rise in the Pac-12? Don’t be surprised if they’re a bit of a contender this season. Here’s why:
Stud Quarterback Play
The Pac-12 has produced some impressive quarterbacks over the years, including most recently, last year’s Heisman trophy winner Marcus Mariota. Now the Golden Bears look like they have an absolute gem at the position in Jared Goff. The junior quarterback has opened the season by completing 41-of-56 passes for 630 yards and six touchdowns and there is every reason to buy in to his stock as a legitimate stud.
Goff has an undeniable chemistry with his receivers but he also does an outstanding job of spreading the ball around and finding the open option when things break down around him. Cal was a run-oriented team under Tedford that produced plenty of quality running backs (Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett) but we knew that Dykes and his air show would emphasize quarterback play. He not only attracted a recruit like Goff but he’s developed him into one of the best quarterbacks in the country.
Goff is smart, poised and confident, and he has a live arm that allows him to make all of the throws. That’s why Mel Kiper Jr. has him No. 7 on his big board as the top quarterback in the country. His strong play early on is among the biggest reasons why Cal looks like it can be a contender in the Pac-12.
A Deep Wide Receiver Stable
Senior wide receiver Bryce Treggs might have slightly overstated how good the Golden Bears’ receiving core is when he called them the “best in the country” but they are an impressive group that has really helped Goff take his game to the next level.
Treggs, Trevor Davis and Kenny Lawler have combined for 19 catches for 390 yards and four touchdowns early on and they have some impressive options beyond that trio as well. Bug Rivera and Maurice Harris can play too. California’s quarterback will be talked about a lot over the next couple of weeks but unlike last season, it’s not just the Jared Goff show. A strong receiver core will help maximize his potential – especially when the Golden Bears get in to the meat of their schedule against Pac-12 opponents.
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The Defense Is Improved
It’s no surprise that a team that has scored 73 and 35 points respectively in its first couple of games is being talked about mainly for its offense but it’s worth noting that the Bears defense has been excellent as well. Dykes said that his defense has improved dramatically from a year ago and credited his defensive staff for the improved consistency dating back to spring practices. It’s been better than expected through two weeks – especially holding the Aztecs to just seven points – but we’ll know more once they start facing teams like USC, Oregon and Arizona State.
With the defense finally “playing the way you’re supposed to play” in Dykes’ third season, it seems as though all of the pieces are coming together. Suddenly Cal looks like it can be a legitimate contender in the Pac-12 this season or at least a player that shapes the race.
