Cal Bears Football: 3 Bold Predictions for Next Season
Many Cal fans have been disappointed of late from the lack of productivity from the Golden Bears football team, but that disappointment will end now. With a new coaching staff and motivated players, Cal is ready to win. Here are three bold predictions for the 2013-2014 season:
Nov 24, 2012; San Jose, CA, USA; Louisiana Tech Bulldogs head coach Sonny Dykes on the sidelines during the first half against the San Jose Spartans at Spartan Stadium. The San Jose Spartans won 52-43. Mandatory Credit: Bob Stanton-USA TODAY Sports
1. Sonny Dykes will have a winning record in his first season as Head Coach.
Sonny Dykes improved Louisiana Tech’s record in his first year as head coach. He will bring his philosophy to UC Berkeley and turn this proud program around.
In 2012, the Golden Bears ended their season with a disappointing 3-9 record. In this upcoming season, I predict the Bears will win at least seven games. This is a bold prediction, especially looking at the schedule Cal has, but Coach Dykes will bring new life to this football team.
There is enough talent on the roster for Coach Dykes to excel; it’s just a matter of execution and timing now.
2. True Freshman Jared Goff will be named starting quarterback.
Jared Goff will be named starting quarterback under one condition: he bulks up and gain weight so his body can withstand the hits of college athletes. He is listed as 6’4 185, which is much skinner than the other competing quarterbacks (Austin Hinder, who is 6’4 and weighs 200 pounds, and Zach Kline, who is 6’2 and weighs 210).
There is currently a three way battle between Goff, Hinder and Kline. Though Hinder and Kline have the most experience now, Goff posses the raw ability to give Cal a consistent quarterback for many years.
During spring ball at Memorial Stadium, no one quarterback really distinguished themselves from the pack. Goff, Hinder and Kline all had their bright spots as well as their problems. However, once Goff gains enough weight in summer, his natural ability, accuracy and quick release will set him apart from the rest of the quarterbacks.
There hasn’t been a consistent quarterback since Aaron Rodgers in 2005, and it is time for the Golden Bears to shape a new quarterback that can lead them to victory.
3. Cal’s run game will be a key factor in their success
December 28, 2011, San Diego, CA: California Bears California Bears running back Brendan Bigelow (5) carries the ball on a kick off return against the Texas Longhorns in the Holiday Bowl at Qualcomm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jody Gomez-USA TODAY Sports
A consistent part of the Golden Bears offense has been their run game. In the past years, Cal has produced many 1000-yard running backs (Marshawn Lynch, 2006, Jahvid Best, 2008 and Isi Sofele, 2011 to name a few).
Why should that stop now?
Brendan Bigelow is the next man for this football team. He is currently recovering from a meniscus injury, but that won’t plague his ability to be an effective running back when fall comes around. With motivation and hard work, Bigelow will be ready to play when the season starts.
Even though Bigelow played behind Isi Sofele and C.J. Anderson, he still managed to rush for 431 yards in just 44 carries (with 160 yards against Ohio state). Bigelow is definitely one of the brighter spots in Cal’s offense this upcoming season.