BearTalk

I meant to post this earlier. It is a Cal season-preview by Blue Ribbon Yearbook and ESPN.com. It originally appeared on ESPN’s website about 10 days ago.

There’s really no breaking news here or a new take on things, but just another observation by a national outlet. A couple of things I would point out: I disagree that running back is Cal’s No. 1 question. I think it’s wide receiver. Between Jahvid Best, Tracy Slocum and Shane Vereen, the Bears have to feel pretty comfortable with their situation at tailback. But the Bears have less talent and less experience at wide receiver, and they almost for sure will be depending on of their incoming receivers to make an immediate contribution.

I also would be surprised if Devin Bishop, D.J. Holt or anyone else gets the fourth linebacker spot instead of Michael Mohamed. Mohamed has the movement to be a perfect complement to Zack Follett on the other side of the field. Let’s not forget he registered 46 tackles last season despite playing only on a limited basis. I think you’ll see Anthony Felder move inside alongside Worrell Williams, with Follett and Mohamed on the outside. That being said, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see Holt get some playing time somewhere.

The other thing to consider, when it comes to special teams, is whether or not Cal will continue to use Best as a gunner. Best was All-Pac-10 first team as a special teams player and was simply unstoppable as a gunner. But if he is going to carry the load at tailback, and possibly return some kicks too, then Cal may not want to risk overdoing it with him, especially since he is coming off the hip injury.

It’s also interesting that Blue Ribbon gives the Bears four grades: A, A+, B and A-, but still says they will go just 7-5. Those grades seem like they would have a much better record.