2006 California Golden Bears Football Preview

Welcome to Maddux's 2006 California Golden Bears season preview. As usual we have taken the time to break down the team, while providing information about the university, and the 2006 California Golden Bears Football Schedule. If you are wagering on college football this season consider using Maddux Sports' College football picks for the added edge over the sportsbooks in 2006. In addition be sure to bookmark our free college football lines service for the upcoming season.

Coach: Jeff Tedford (5th year at California)
Team Name: Golden Bears
2005 Overall Record: 7-4
2005 Pac 10 Conference Record 4-4
Returning Starters: 15

Last year, the Golden Bears scored a lot—they were ninth in rushing and 26th overall in offense. Now they’ve added Mike Dunbar— Northwestern’s spread offense guru—to the coaching staff. Look out!

The powerful runners and elusive receivers are back. Marshawn Lynch (196 ATT, 1,246 YDS, 10 TDS) and Justin Forsett (132 ATT, 999 YDS, 6 TDS) are a terrific tandem and DeSean Jackson (38 REC, 601 YDS, 7 TDS) and Robert Jordan (34 REC, 455 YDS, 4 TDS) split opposing defenses at will.

But the team lacks a true starting quarterback. Last season, Joe Ayoob took over for starting QB Nate Longshore, who was injured in the first game. Ayoob connected only 49.2% of the time, throwing 14 INTS. Both QBs are back. The bottom line is some one needs to step forward this season.

In 2005, California had a plethora of new guys on defense who played well; this year, they’re seasoned and should excel. The secondary will miss the roving Donnie McClesky and free safety Harrison Smith, but cornerbacks Daymeion Hughes and Tim Mixon should help support that part of the defense.

Last season the Bears were 7 -4. Three of their loses were close ones. They start this season against Tennessee. If they win that one that will say a lot about this team. Then they finish at USC. A victory there could mean even more.

California Golden Bears 2006 Schedule

Date	Opponent	Home/Road
Sep 2	Tennessee	Road
Sep 9	Minnesota	Home
Sep 16	Portland State	Home
Sep 23	Arizona State	Home
Sep 30	Oregon State	Road
Oct 7	Oregon	Home
Oct 14	Washington State	Road
Oct 21	Washington	Home
Nov 4	UCLA	Home
Nov 11	Arizona	Road
Nov 18	USC	Road
Dec 2	Stanford	Home

 

For more data on the 2006 California football program, view the Golden Bears team website or scroll down below to read up on the rest of the Pac 10 competition.