Pac-12 Football - 2021 California Golden Bears Preview
Our California Golden Bears preview 2021 notes that after playing two bowl-worthy seasons in 2018 and 2019, this team finished tied for last in the division with a 1-3 record. Last year, the Golden Bears’ offense was one of the worst in the Pac-12 and the nation, while their defense was better than average. The California D allowed 26.5 PPG (5th Pac-12, 48th Nationally). Unfortunately, the offense averaged merely 20.2 PPG (11th Pac-12, 110th Nationally). To succeed this season, this team will need a lot more from their offense, as well as more from the other side of the ball.
California Offense
Senior quarterback Chase Garbers, a dual threat, is skilled and experienced. Last season, he passed for 771 yards and ran for 151, tossing six TD passes and rushing for two more scores. Garbers completed 62.5 percent of his passes while throwing three picks. Two of the team’s top three receivers return with Kekoa Crawford leading the way. In 2020, Crawford recorded 19 catches and two touchdowns while averaging 12.2 YPC. Wideout Nikko Remigio is also on-hand. He posted 10 receptions for 90 yards while scoring twice. Tight end Jake Tonges, another threat, was good for 12 catches, 80 yards, and a TD. All three are seniors.
Senior running back Christopher Brown, who posted 21 carries for 66 yards and one score last season, saw limited action due to injury. In 2019, he had averaged 4.4 YPA on 208 carries. Brown totaled 914 rushing yards and eight TDs while also grabbing 22 passes for 166 yards and four scores. If he can get back to his former self, Brown will be a major threat. Four starters are back on the line, which should provide solid protection and open running lanes.
California Golden Bears Preview 2021 - Defense
The D-line will be without their best player, as this spring end Brett Johnson, who last season had 20 tackles, 1.5 sacks, one TFL, and one PBU, suffered a season-ending injury. Not one starter returns to the frontline. This unit is a major concern. There is better news when it comes to the linebacking unit and secondary. Kuony Deng, the team’s top tackler from last season with 31, starts at OLB. He also recorded 0.5 sacks, two TFL, and one QBH. The other OLB, Cameron Good, posted three sacks and five TFL, both team bests. He also notched two QBH and 19 tackles.
The safeties are experienced and skilled. Elijah Hicks and Daniel Scott return for their fifth and sixth seasons respectively. Combined, they’ve played in 85 games and started 44. Also at safety, FSU transfer Raymond Woodie III was impressive this spring. Senior corner Josh Drayden, who’s a sound anchor, was good for one INT and four PBU last season.
Specialists
Our California Golden Bears preview 2021 observes that mistakes on special teams last season were responsible for two of this team’s three losses. The Bears must be more disciplined in this area. Junior placekicker Dario Longhetto is back after going 9-10 on extra points and 4-5 on field goals. Also returning is senior punter Jamieson Sheahan who averaged 39.9 YPP. He placed just three of 23 within the 20-yard-line and had one blocked. Remigio will be the return man once again.
California Golden Bears Preview 2021 - Projection
Last season, the pandemic did a major number on California’s ranks. Plus, their limited schedule did not help their cause. Our California Golden Bears preview 2021 finds that this team has the potential to finish in the top three of the Pac-12 North. However, the Bears’ offense is one of the weaker ones in the conference, and their defense, which was their strength last year, sees just four starters return. A bowl berth is a longshot.
Pac-12 Football - California Golden Bears 2021 - Predictions:
Fourth Place - Pac-12 North
No Bowl Berth