Pre-Snap Read

Three Things

Who, What, When: California

By Paul Myerberg   //   Jul 30, 2010

Want a California player to watch? A theme key to this team’s success? One game to circle in red ink? Let’s take a look.

Who: defensive end Cameron Jordan

With Tyson Alualu gone for the N.F.L., the onus will be on Cameron Jordan to play at an all-conference level. He’s done so in each of the last two years, earning honorable mention all-conference accolades in each season. Yet without Alualu, Jordan is sure to receive the majority of attention from opposing offensive lines. The key for Jordan will be to increase his production — helping to offset losing Alualu as a pass-rusher — without a top-notch teammate up front drawing similar attention.

What: quarterback play

We’ve all heard this before: Kevin Riley’s performance will decide Cal’s fate on offense. There’s a reason people keep saying this. The Bears are set at running back, with junior Shane Vereen the program’s next 1,000-yard back. They have a capable receiver corps. The offensive line returns four starters. For Riley, now a senior, it’s a matter of putting everything together. He should be able to do so, especially in his final season. Other Jeff Tedford-coached quarterbacks have certainly fared better, but it’s not as if Riley has been terrible. Asking for a 3,000-yard, 20-touchdown season, with 10 or fewer interceptions, is not too much to ask.

When: Nov. 20 vs. Stanford

The Big Game. This annual affair means even more in 2010, with both Stanford and Cal fighting it out for third place in the conference. A win in this game would grant Cal the all-important tiebreaker, as well potentially keep alive its Rose Bowl hopes. Yes, it’s a long shot, but Cal — with a few road victories — could enter its three-game home stand in November with a conference title on the line. Stanford has those same hopes, increasing the importance of this already fevered rivalry.

Tags: California, Cameron Jordan, Kevin Riley

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