ASU Football Week 5 Preview: California Golden Bears

One word can be used to define California Golden Bears football in 2012: Uncertainty. Cal has displayed flashes of brilliance in recent seasons under head coach Jeff Tedford, but just as often, it has underperformed in big games — leaving fans scratching their heads and wondering where the program is headed.

For the first time since 2006, Tedford’s squad actually improved last fall. With some exciting skill position players on offense and a number of star recruits on defense, can they do it again in the highly competitive Pac-12 North? In 2012, Cal features a standout receiver, an experienced backfield, and a young, exciting defense loaded with rising stars.

The Golden Bears may have signed the best class of freshman receivers in the country this season. The group includes Bryce Treggs, Cedric Dozier, Kenny Lawler and Darius Powe. The recruits join junior Keenan Allen, who posted 97 catches and 1,336 yards in 2011. The Golden Bears did lose a number of key players in its receiving corps, including Marvin Jones, Michael Calvin and tight end Anthony Miller.

The Cal running game looks solid. Seniors Isi Sofele and C.J. Anderson provide an effective combination of speed and power, averaging 5.2 yards per carry over 25 carries per game. Tailbacks Brendan Bigelow and Daniel Lasco also play an important role in the attack.

The Golden Bears defense may present the biggest question mark. Last year, cornerbacks Steve Williams and Marc Anthony joined for six tackles for loss, three interceptions and 23 passes broken up. However, crucial departures include starting safeties Sean Cattouse and D.J. Campbell, as well as linebackers Mychal Kendricks and D.J. Holt, and defensive ends Trevor Guyton and Ernest Owusu. Cal also does not return linemen Aaron Tipoti and Deandre Coleman.

After a second consecutive road loss against a Top 25 opponent, Tedford may be feeling uneasy about his team’s 2012 bowl prospects. The Golden Bears lost to Ohio State 35-28, and then fell to USC 27-9 in their Pac-12 Conference opener. They must win five of their final eight games to become bowl eligible.

This week, Cal return home to Berkeley to face up-and-coming Arizona State. Quarterback Zach Maynard underscored the importance of the game. “We’re going to come out with our hair on fire,” he said. “We’ve got to get a win and make a statement.” But after a sharp performance against the Buckeyes, followed by a disappointing loss to the Trojans, one can only wonder how Cal will fair against a hungry ASU squad.

DevilsInDetail.com Prediction: Arizona State: 34, Cal: 24