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Reputation:84
Level:All-Star
Since:Oct 29, 2007
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Whats up all. Sorry its been so long, but been very busy. Just trying to get a feel for what everyone thinks about upcoming season. For some reason I think this can be our year. Now that the distraction of DJ is gone (thankfuly) and it seems Longshore is hurt and haopefully Tedford sees this as a sign and will give the nod to Riley. We already have two nationally televised games and so it seems that maybe someone else sees something in this young team to. Is Tedford on the hot seat? Only time will tell.
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Reputation:96
Level:Superstar
Since:Apr 10, 2007
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Tedford on the hot seat - absolutely not, simply because of how many more fans he has put into Memorial. If anything, the school not meeting some of his demands (some a bit too much) could lead to him leaving in upcoming years.
I'm looking forward to this year - there will probably be a bunch of new names.
If Longshore gets the nod somehow is he already seeing a hypnotist and psychiatrist (or at least therapist)?
Is the redshirt Manson still in the starting QB race?
Is Best pretty healthy? Will a 2nd RB emerge so the Bears can keep up their trend of 2 decent backs getting a lot of carries?
I'm hoping that Gregory gets rid of his uneffective bend but try not to break defensive philosophy. It is nice to not give up field goals and help give your offense somewhat shorter fields (as opposed to 85+ yard ones!) to work with :) !
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Oct 29, 2006
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I do believe that Manson is getting a serious look this year.. I wish I knew how healthy Best is, but Slocum was looking good in spring, and there's still DeBoskie and Vareen. I'm not too worried about running back, but I do wonder what receivers will step up this year.
I wish I could get the link, but I believe I heard that the Bears were going to a 3-4 defense, which is, by nature, a more attacking defense.
A lot of changes, it should keep us on our toes.
Go Bears!!
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Reputation:99
Level:Superstar
Since:Aug 23, 2006
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I'm just hoping our Offensive line can be strong this year. Last season there were just way too many holes in the 2nd half of the season that killed us, and killed our QB situation. Best is going to need a healthy, and effective line if hes going to be productive, seeing as hes a speed back and from what I've seen, doesnt exactly have the ability to destroy tacklers like Marshawn or even Forsett did.
As far as the QB situation goes.. I definitely see Longshore starting off the season. Hes got a strong arm, and has good presense.. plus, he has 2 seasons on his belt, and has worked with tedford a bit more than the other QBs. Now that Tedford relieved himself of play calling duties, I definitely see Longshore and the rest of the staff getting a bit more coaching. Kevin Riley is still in the race, and if Brock Mansion impresses enough, maybe things will change.. but I at least see Nate starting against MSU to start the year... could change quick though, if he dissapoints early.
As far as our defense goes.. we really just need to recover. We took such an injury beating last season, and lost some more key players this year... but I see a good young crop coming on in, and a really speedy defense, which is always favorable for us in strawberry canyon.
GO BEARS!
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Reputation:93
Level:All-Star
Since:Feb 6, 2007
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There are two Fat questionmarks for Cal going into the 2008 season.
- Will the defense play to it's potential.
- Who will emerge as the go-to reciever.
Cal has always had plenty of talent on defense, but they've had trouble getting consistancy. Cal's defense, it seems, has under achieved compared to the skill level of the players. the LBs are obviously our strongest asset on D and the D-line may be pretty good with Rulon Davis and Tyson Alualu, but the secondary worries me. The only proven player that is in our secondary is Syd'Quan Thompson. I'm not sure if
Bernard Hicks is back this year at SS but the DBs are all pretty inexperienced this year.
The offense should be pretty solid next year with exception to the WRs. There is some good talent there. But none of the players have much experience aside from Nyan Boateng who sat out last year after transfering from Florida. There are several freshmen who could step up and have immediate impact.
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Reputation:81
Level:All-Star
Since:Jul 19, 2008
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Here are my thoughts on Cal football in 2008:
1. The 3-4 factor: more speed and depth at LB means more 3-4 looks and more unpredictability for opposing offenses. This is a good thing, and Cal's defense will find itself in the upper echelon of the Pac-10, just as long as our DBs can contain opposing WRs.
2. Offensive production: there's plenty of talent at all positions vacated after last season, but Cal needs this untested unit to take a lot of snaps together and gel. Swapping out QBs with different styles may pose a challenge, so Coach Tedford should resolve the QB controversy as soon as possible. Cal may actually have to pass to set up the run, as Jahvid Best shouldn't have as many touches as Forsett did last year if he is to remain healthy. Three and four receiver sets will force defenses to spread out, which will tire them out and allow us to run down the clock in the 4th quarter. If we're behind, then this wide open passing game will enable us to get back in the game no matter the deficit.
3. Leadership: upper class leadership matters, now more than ever. It's great to hear that Rulon Davis and Zack Follett are providing leadership and direction. I'm sure Alex Mack is doing the same with the O-line and Sy'dquan Thompson with the DBs. This is why I think we need Longshore behind center, because he's been through adversity and success. He also has the motivation of producing numbers and wins in his senior year to elevate his draft stock.
4. Non-conference schedule: this could be the X-factor for the Bears. If they can go 3-0, they will look a lot better than other teams playing D-II cupcakes. Also, that will require a mere 3-6 conference record to go bowling, and a 5-4 record to earn a ranking. If they can go 6-3 or even 7-2, they'll be highly ranked and find themselves in a high-profile bowl game and back in the top 25 in recruiting.
Bottom line: plenty of questions, but this can be a great season if Longshore plays consistently, the defense pressures the opposing QB, and effective leadership keeps everyone focused and motivated.
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