Northwestern @ Cal Preview: Getting to Know Cal

Cal Last Year

Last year Cal finished a very disappointing 3-9 (2-7). They got a big upset win against UCLA, but, otherwise, they did not look good, including a 62-14 loss to Oregon St. 

Coaches

Cal has a new head coach this year, which they no doubt hope will turn around their fortunes. Former Louisiana Tech coach Sonny Dykes steps in to replace Jeff Tedford. It is safe to call Dykes an offense-minded coach. Last year, his pass-heavy Louisiana Tech finished first in the country in both scoring offense and yardage. Coming in with Dykes is former LA Tech offensive coordinator Tony Franklin, so their offense, now dubbed the "Bear Raid," should be in full force. Dykes is less impressive, to say the least, as a defensive coach. LA Tech's 526.1 yards allowed per game was dead last in the country. Former linebackers coach of Wisconsin Andy Buh will be taking over as Cal's defensive coordinator and will no doubt try to improve on Dykes's defensive history. 

Cal Pass Offense vs. NU Pass Defense

As previously noted, the Bear Raid is an impressive, pass-heavy offense. Last year, Cal finished a mediocre 89th in pass offense. Last year's numbers have very little bearing on Cal's new look however, and LA Tech's numbers (second best pass offense nationally) may be more relevant. The good news for Northwestern is that Cal is relying on true freshman Jared Goff to run his offense. Also, Goff does not have a solid line to protect him. An inexperienced line steps up to replace last year's, which allowed a terrible 40 sacks last year. In terms of wide receiver, Cal has a young, but very talented unit. Overall, I'm not sure the Northwestern secondary marches up well against these receivers. Daniel Jones in particular will be tested. On the other hand, I like Northwestern's ability to get to Goff and get him rattled, probably forcing him into some mistakes. Still, I have to give this matchup to the Bears.

Cal Rush Offense vs. NU Rush Defense

While the Bear Raid is pass-focused, it does not ignore the run. Cal had a decent 183 rush yards per game last year, but LA Tech was more impressive with 227 rush yards per game. Most of the running duties this year will go to junior Brendan Bigelow, who is, without a doubt, impressive. That being said, he has to run behind an inexperienced line against a very solid Northwestern linebacking crew. Northwestern wins this matchup. 

Cal Pass Defense vs. NU Pass Offense 

Cal's Pass defense was unimpressive last year, allowing  272 yards per game, but LA Tech's was even worse, allowing a stunning NCAA-worst 340 per game last year. Cal breaks out a new, inexperienced secondary however, and time will only tell if that's good or bad. Still, I do not expect much out of this pass defense. I would not be surprised to see Northwestern use Siemian a lot to take advantage of this today. Although I think even Colter could be successful passing against this defense. Advantage easily goes to Northwestern. 

Cal Rush Defense vs NU Rush Defense

Cal allowed a pretty average 169 rush yards per game last year, while Lousiana Tech allowed a slightly worse 186. The Cal linebacking crew is also inexperienced, and it is shifting from a 3-4 look to a 4-3. It is difficult to predict what this means for their rush defense. Advantage still, without a doubt, goes to Colter, Mark, and the rest of the Northwestern offense. 

Cal Special Teams vs NU Special Teams

Senior Vince D'Amato returns as Cal's kicker. He made only 16 of 23 field goals and 30 of 33 extra point, last year. He is clearly outmatched by Budzien. Cole Leninger returns as Cal's punter. He performed comparably to Brandon Williams. Chris Harper gets his first go as Cal's punt returner while Bryce Treggs takes over at kick returner. While I am unsure at how either will perform, it's safe to say neither will be Venric-caliber. Overall special teams advantage is Northwestern by a large margin. 

Overall Outlook

Cal has a few things going for them. A new coach has revitalized fans' hopes for this program, and there is no doubt he utilizes an impressive offense. The west coast, Pacific Time aspect could also be an x-factor for Cal. However, Northwestern simply outmatches them. We bring in an impressive rush offense that Cal simply should be unable to contain. I expect this to be a high-scoring game, but NU wins by double digits.