We have a team that’s gone through some hard times. Certainly our start at Cal was very difficult. We made tremendous progress last year. – Cal coach Sonny Dykes
Fourth in a 12-part series previewing the Pac-12 football season.
BURBANK, Calif. — Things may be looking up at California. These Bears may no longer be bad news.
After seasons of 1-11 and 5-7 under head coach Sonny Dykes, there’s optimism in Berkeley with 16 returning starters.
“We have a team that’s gone through some hard times. Certainly our start at Cal was very difficult,” Dykes said. “We made tremendous progress last year. We were a little disappointed in the way the season ended. But we certainly felt like we improved our program in a lot of different ways.”
Dykes added that the team’s academic issues have been resolved. Now, he thinks success on the field will follow.
The Bears made strides in 2014. They lost four games by eight points or less. Three of the setbacks, though, came during a season-ending stretch in which they lost six of their final seven games. It nullified a 4-1 start and kept the program from becoming bowl eligible.
“It’s important for us to keep improving,” Dykes said. “That’s what this year’s all about — about improving and taking that next step and becoming a consistent program that competes for championships.”
Jared Goff, junior quarterback
OFFENSE: Junior quarterback Jared Goff, who threw for 3,973 yards and 35 touchdowns last season, headlines an experienced crew that includes senior running back Daniel Lasco (1,115 yards rushing) and receivers Kenny Lawler (54 catches), Bryce Treggs (52 catches) and Stephen Anderson (46 catches). Treggs and Anderson are seniors, while Lawler is a junior. Four-year starter Jordan Rigsbee anchors an offensive line returning three starters. The Bears averaged 495.2 yards of total offense in 2014.
Mustafa Jalil, senior defensive tackle
DEFENSE: The Bears were one-dimensional a year ago, giving up 367.2 yards passing per game and 144.6 yards on the ground. Those charged with improving the numbers include junior linebackers Michael Barton and Hardy Nickerson Jr.. Senior tackle Mustafa Jalil and end Todd Barr are forces to be reckoned with on the defensive line. Senior safety Stefan McClure is the top returnee in the secondary. Dykes anticipates continued improvement as depth issues are addressed.
EXTRA POINTS: Senior punter Cole Leininger has played in all 36 games since arriving on campus . . .Cal has a difficult schedule, with a stretch that features four road dates over five games. The Bears host Washington State after playing at Texas and Washington and before visiting Utah and UCLA . . . Nickerson’s father of the same name played 16 seasons in the NFL.
Email: dirk@desnews.com
Twitter: @DirkFacer