19. CALIFORNIA

2005 record: 8-4, 4-4 (4th-tie in Pac-10)
2005 bowl: Beat BYU 35-28 in Las Vegas
2005 final AP/coaches' ranking: 25/25
Coach: Jeff Tedford (33-17, 4 years)
Offensive coordinator: Mike Dunbar (1st year)
Defensive coordinator: Bob Gregory (5th year)
Offensive scheme: Multiple
Defensive scheme: 4-3
Returning offensive starters: 6
Returning defensive starters: 7
Location: Berkeley, Calif.
Stadium: California Memorial (artificial, 67,537)
Last league title: 1975 (tie)
2006 schedule: [view]
2005 statistics: [view]

Offense:  This could get scary. The Golden Bears will integrate the spread formation with its already formidable running game. And they have just the player to keep everyone honest in junior tailback Marshawn Lynch. Finally getting his shot after the departure of J.J. Arrington, Lynch displayed withering speed and toughness, even returning from a broken finger to finish with a flourish (194 yards, three touchdowns in the Las Vegas Bowl). Cal also has superb speed at wide receiver with DeSean Jackson and Robert Jordan. The questions begin at the most important position, quarterback, where Nate Longshore is expected to start. Longshore opened last season, too, but his year ended abruptly with a broken ankle in Week One. Joe Ayoob and Steve Levy struggled through the season, but Lynch’s play obscured that weak point. The offensive line is rebuilding and replacing three starters.   

Defense: With the return of seven starters — and 13 of the team’s top 16 leading tacklers — the Bears will be better than last season’s unit, which allowed a Pac-10 low 21.2 points per game and prevented two league teams from scoring a touchdown. Stars abound, including defensive tackle Brandon Mebane and middle linebacker Desmond Bishop, who might become Cal’s best at that position since Hardy Nickerson. Defensive coordinator Bob Gregory must replace the safeties, but he’s well situated at cornerback with the return of Daymeion Hughes and Tim Mixon, a pair of seniors.

Specialists: The return game looks fine with punt returner Mixon (14.9-yard average) and kickoff returner Marcus O’Keith. The kicking game needs help. Placekicker Tom Schneider was just 9 of 16 on field-goal attempts.

Game of the year Nov. 26 at Pittsburgh The Backyard Brawl has developed into a rivalry that surpasses regional appeal. This meeting could decide the Big East title.

Coaching: Jeff Tedford’s name always comes up when there’s an attractive opening, but maybe he’s in just the right spot. Cal, no longer a fluke, is displaying some staying power in the Pac-10. Now there’s a new wrinkle of imagination. Tedford’s new offensive coordinator is Mike Dunbar, the man behind Northwestern’s spread formation.

Heisman Hopefuls: Fun facts about Lynch — He rushed for 1,246 yards and 10 touchdowns despite missing two games with injuries. He split time with Justin Forsett, who had 999 rushing yards of his own. Yes, Mr. Lynch is indeed a Heisman candidate, although you probably won’t see his name atop most of the preseason lists. That’s a pity.   

Overview: Cal, one of the nation’s top running teams, should be on the cusp of Pac-10 title contention. The early schedule is unforgiving (on the road against Tennessee, home against Minnesota). A sweep will have the Bears well-positioned headed into their first big Pac-10 test on Sept. 23 against Arizona State.