Ones To Watch: California

Welcome to this week’s edition of Ones to Watch. I will show you the statistical leaders on the team, talk to you about some things I observed on film, & whatever else catches my eye. I will not be stepping on JK’s toes for his EYNTK piece (much), but giving you a little to be on the lookout for. FYI, if you haven’t checked out EYNTK, I suggest you do. It’s fantastic. Here we go…

The 5-4 Bears are on a 2 game losing streak after getting back on track after a blowout loss to San Jose State. Cal has barely beat lowly BC & UNC & falling to Virginia on Saturday. Cal is averaging 24.56 ppg while giving up 25.11. Not a good sign for them. We score 24 consistently. Lead the nation with 22 consecutive games scoring 24 or more.

They have rushed for a total of 968 yards, good for 78.6 yards per game. Through the air they have passed for 2285 yards, good for 253.89 yds per game. They have a abysmal overall rushing attack. Raphael is nice though. They have committed 12 turnovers. They have only forced 11. They have fumbled the ball 12 times while losing only 2.

Offensively they are averaging 332 yards per game. Their starting QB, Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, has the following stat line so far. He has completed 194-317 passes (61%), thrown 9 interceptions, 2195 yards, 11 TD’s with a long of 51. He is averaging 243.89 yards through the air per game this season. He has been sacked 22 times this season.

Receiving wise, Jacob Dejesus (57 for 541 & 3 TD), Trond Grizzell (34 for 528 & 1 TD), & Mason Mini (34 for 382 & 4 TD) are leading the way this season.

On the ground, Kendrick Raphael (148 rushes for 636 yds & 10 TD) & RB LJ Johnson Jr. (34 for 121 yds & 2 TD) make up for 757 out of the teams 968 yards. They have lost 261 yards for a net of 707.

Their defense has only forced 11 turnovers this season. They have sacked the opposing QB 15 times this season. California has given up 28 TD’s this season. Their leading tacklers are LB Kade Uluave (81 tckls, 10 TFL, 3 sacks) LB Luke Ferelli (65 tckls, 4 TFL & 1 sack) & DB Dru Pollidore Jr (40 tckl & 2 TFL). They allow over 355 yards per game in total Offense. Opponents have got into the red zone 28 times & scored 23 of them.

Special teams: 

Their punter avg: 42.5 ypp

Field Goals: 8-10

XP: 27-27

With the Cards as 17 point favorites for the match-up Saturday at 7pm on ESPN2

Hope you have enjoyed Ones to Watch!

For full team & player stats go to https://calbears.com/sports/football/stats