College Football Predictions – California Golden Bears 2017 NCAA Football Preview
2016 Recap
2016 Record – 5-7
2016 ATS – 5-6-1
California finished up with a record of 5-7, and while a losing season always stings, they did manage to beat Utah, UCLA and Oregon. They also beat the Longhorns. Not a spectacular resume but better than you might think. In any event, the Golden Bears move on to 2017, and they do so with new HC Justin Wilcox (former DC Wisconsin). Onward and upward.
2017 MEGALOCKS Opening Power Rating
PAC 12 – TBD
North Division – TBD
OFFENSE
The Golden Bears have a wide-open QB competition happening as we go to press. MEGALOCKS PAC 12 INSIDERS have advised that the leader in the clubhouse is sophomore Ross Bowers but things are far from decided. Regardless of the outcome, Cal has a question mark at QB for the first time in a long while, but thankfully new OC Beau Baldwin has some excellent offensive pedigree (Eastern Washington). Two of the top three WRs are back this season but they do lose the uncoverable Chad Hansen to the NFL.
The Golden Bears bring back two of the top three RBs from last season’s squad (Tre Watson, Vic Enwere) who combined for over 1,000 yards and 6 TDs on the ground at over 5 yards a pop. The offensive line only returns a pair of starters but does have some nice size. Overall the offense feels like a work in progress.
DEFENSE
California’s defense was horrific last season as they yielded 42 points per game and 273 yards per contest on the ground (6.2 per carry). PENETRATION was also an issue as they only bagged 18 sacks in 12 games. New DC Tim DeRuyter has 8 returning starters to work with including four of their five leading tacklers from last year’s team. They need to make big strides defensively but at least you can say they have a fresh set of eyes on things to go along with several seniors.
SPECIAL TEAMS
The kicking game looks to be in great shape as PK Matt Anderson was CASH MONEY connecting on 22/26 attempts last year. The Golden Bears were 3rd in the PAC 12 in punting average thanks to P Dylan Klumph. The return units could use some additional spice.
Potential ATS Trouble Spot
Nothing stands out. They only have four road games before their final two contests at Stanford and UCLA.
MEGAmazing Tidbits
Cal’s last Rose Bowl victory came back in 1937 when they beat……….ROLL TIDE. Amaze your PAROLE OFFICER with that tasty trivia.
MEGALOCKS ATS Value Rating (10) 3.0
MEGALOCKS says:
Overall, we give the GOLDEN BEARS a 3.0 ATS Value Rating (Poor) this season.
There is no doubt that this is a rebuilding season for the Golden Bears. New coaching staff. New QB. Tough division. Oh, and the schedule ? Brutal. From a betting perspective it seems like a good idea to stay clear unless these guys show signs of being a lot better than people think. Be safe, peeps.
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