For the next few weeks our very own Jordan Lauterbach will be previewing the upcoming 2009 College Football season. Each day, he will be posting a new preview so be sure to check in everyday.

Last Season: 9-4, 6-3, Beat Miami in the Champs Sports Bowl

Coaches Poll: 12

For as long as many of the California Golden Bears roster, USC has sat atop the Pac-10. Tired of playing second fiddle, the door finally looks to be at least half open in the conference. In a year where USC is looking to rebuild a dominant defense and break in a new quarterback simultaneously, Cal has one of the better shots in recent years to rise above them. Now, whether they have a chance to and whether they will finally slay the beast at the top are two separate issues.

It all starts with offensive consistency, specifically at the quarterback position. Last season, quarterback Kevin Riley completed just 50% of his passes, while throwing fourteen touchdowns and six interceptions. The 2008 season for Riley wasn’t just about numbers, it was about looking over his shoulder. After accumulating solid numbers, but unspectacular numbers in the first four games of the year, Riley was yanked.

Although he played in all but one game, Riley never put up consistent numbers. With his chief competition at quarterback significantly less than in previous years, Riley figures to get the starting job. For Cal to have a realistic shot at the top of the conference, Riley will need to become a more accurate passer.

While Riley’s receiving core is plentiful, it is widely unaccomplished. Leading the crew is Nylan Boateng. Boateng caught 29 passes for 439 yards and 5 touchdowns. Marvin Jones is also worth keeping an eye on. Jones, a sophomore, impressed the coaching staff immensely during spring practice.

But a conversation about the California offense can not be had without mentioning their biggest weapon. Running back Jahvid Best is one of the better backs in the country. He is the second leading returning rusher in the country, behind Ball State’s MiQual Lewis. Last season, Best ran for over 1500 yards and found the end zone fifteen times. With an experienced offensive line and an inexperienced passing game, Best will need to have as good a season as he did in 2008 for the Golden Bears to remain a factor at the top.

With nine starters returning to action, the Bears are stout defensively. Last season, they ranked fourth in the Pac-10 in total defense, second in scoring defense, and first in takeaways. It is reasonable to assume that this trend will continue. Defensive end Cameron Jordan leads an outstanding line. Jodan, despite playing in only situation action last year, had 11 tackles in the backfield alone. Tyson Alualu is also extremely talented.

With a linebacking core as strong as the defensive line, it will be very difficult to move the ball against California.

While the defense will again be solid, I question if the passing game will gel quick enough to compete against teams that can contain the run game. While USC is the team everyone is chasing at the top, both Oregon and Oregon State are poised for strong seasons. If the offense struggles early, The Bears could be out of the Pac-10 race by Halloween

Three Games To Watch

September 26th- @ Oregon- The first big Pac-10 test for Cal comes both early and on the road. Oregon is also extremely talented. A suspect defensive line may mean a big day for Jahvid Best.

October 3rd- USC- Coming off a big game against Oregon, this USC will be the game that determines whether Cal is a pretender or contender in the Pac-10. A win here and Cal could be in the drivers seat. A loss and the Golden Bears might be looking at a long two months.

November 7th- Oregon State- Cal is no doubt benefited by having two of their three biggest games at home. If the Bears survive Oregon and USC, Oregon State will be the final hurdle towards a Pac-10 title. A rebuilding secondary may mean big things for the passing game.