Projected Postseason Top 25: #8 California

Maybe its because the game’s in Berkeley, maybe its because I am an all out mark for Desean Jackson. Maybe its because USC running the table and going beginning to finish ranked #1 isn’t too exciting for us bloggers but I am calling Cal over USC on November 10. It feels right Cal has beaten USC at home in the past and this offense will be the most fun to watch. It would be fun to see them stomp over Troy in November.

Projected Record and Bowl Result: 11-2 Lose to #5 in Rose Bowl

Who they’ll beat: Tennessee (Home), Colorado State (Road), Louisiana Tech (Home), Arizona (Home), Oregon (Road), Oregon State (Home), Arizona State (Road), Washington State (Home), USC (Home), Washington (Road), Stanford (Road)
Who’ll beat them: UCLA (Road), #5 (Pasadena, CA)

When they Pass: Quarterback Nate Longshore and receivers Desean Jackson, Lavelle Hawkins and Robert Jordan give Cal the best chance of anybody to beat USC when they play in Berkeley November 10. Longshore isn’t mobile and Jackson’s height keeps him from being a surefire top 10 draft pick but these guys are the fastest receivers in the country and could make Trojan DB’s chase.

When they Run: Marshawn Lynch in a Buffalo Bills uniform may make pundits think Cal has a hole here. They don’t Justin Forsett carried the ball almost as much as Lynch last year. He’s small so there’s concern if he can carry a full season’s load but he’s experienced and talented enough to allow Jeff Tedford to run the ball at anytime.

When their Opponents Run: Defensive Rulon Davis returns after missing all of 2006 with a leg injury. Zack Follett leads a talented if not experienced linebacker corps.

When their Opponents Pass: Syd’Quan Thompson and Darian Hagan attempt to replace now Indianapolis Colt Daymeion Hughes. This unit was among the nation’s worst statistically against the pass.

When they Kick: Tom Schneider is a four year starter and made two field goals over 50 yards last season.

When they call Timeout: Tedford is known for his passing offense and this year’s Golden Bears should exemplify this. Cal has been consistently at the top of the Pac 10 for the past few years and Tedford and his offense are the first reason why.