We are less than two days away from the Fresno State versus California at Candlestick Park.

This will be the first game between Fresno State and California since 2000 when the ‘Dogs came out with the vicotory 17-3.

Nicolas Franz is a blogger for the Golden Bears and he talked to the Collegian about a couple things that could affect the ‘Dogs during the game.

Q: What has coach Tedford’s impact been on this program?

A: Immeasurable. When Tedford arrived Cal suffered through 40 years of consistently awful football, with only occasional, brief glimmers of hope. Worse than that, he inherited what must be the worst team in those 40-odd years — a team with one year, NCAA sanctions, and a wretched academic situation. The Bears were failing on the field and in the classroom, and cheating to boot.

Since then he’s won the second most games in Cal history with a sterling academic record and nary a secondary NCAA violation. Plus, his success created the momentum to build badly needed training facilities including the seismic retrofit of Memorial Stadium. His tenure has been transformative for Cal football.

Q: What can Fresno State expect from Cal’s offense?

A: A classic, pro-style offense that strives for an even mix of run and pass plays. That said, there have been occasional spread offense plays (zone read, designed QB runs) mixed in, and Zach Maynard’s mobility might encourage Tedford to do that more often. If he has the running back and offensive line to do so, Tedford has no qualms about establishing the run and pounding an opponent into submission. But unless the line improves from last year, that likely isn’t something Cal can do right now.

Tedford doesn’t seem to run as many trick plays as he did earlier in his tenure, but he’s still fond of misdirection plays like reverses and end arounds, and he’ll mix in the wildcat formation as well. Expect him to try to get the ball to Keenan Allen any way possible.

Q: What kind of quarterback is Zach Maynard?

A: Perhaps the most mobile quarterback Tedford has ever had. Reports from his time at Buffalo and Cal practice indicate that he might be a better thrower while on the run. It’s not clear yet if he can make all of the passes you want a college quarterback to make — he threw a few too many interceptions while at Buffalo. On the other hand, he was playing as a freshman then, and he’s almost two years older now.

Q: What can Fresno State expect from Cal’s defense?

A: A stiff front seven and lots of pressure, but the potential for missed assignments if the Bulldogs can put their playmakers in the right places. Cal is young and aggressive at various places on defense, and that means the potential for big plays in both directions. Last year when the defense played well and produced big plays it led to blowouts against Colorado, Arizona State. and UCLA. But teams like Nevada and USC executed perfectly and took advantage of that aggressiveness, routing the Bears in the process.

Q: What are some thoughts on Mychal Kendricks?

A: He was a revelation last year, easily our most explosive linebacker. He has a knack for sniffing out a play and made some truly impressive tackles last season. He (like most of the defense) took a poor performance against Nevada’s pistol and learned from it, and was generally very good the rest of the season. His challenge this year will be adapting to his new position at inside linebacker. I would expect him to lead the team in tackles.

Q: Which players are difference makers in the secondary and on the defensive line?

A: On the defensive line it’s tough to pick out just one player, in part because the strength in Cal’s line is depth rather than one or two standout individuals. Trevor Guyton is likely the name you’ll hear the most on Saturday—the senior is likely Cal’s best pass-rusher on the line.
Other than the previously mentioned Steve Williams, safety Sean Cattouse is the most important player in the secondary. He’s shown the ability to deliver some hard hits and is the most likely man to produce a big play over the middle.

Q: What will it take for Cal to beat Fresno State on Saturday?

A: On offense I think the key matchup will be Logan Harrell against Cal’s interior linemen. Cal’s offensive line wasn’t great last year, and you don’t face defensive tackles with 10 sacks all that often. If they can keep him from blowing up plays at the line of scrimmage, Cal’s offense should be able to move the ball with reasonable success.

On defense, the key will be Fresno State’s revamped offensive line vs. Cal’s blitzing front seven. A young offensive line and a relatively green quarterback sound like a recipe for disaster against an aggressive, talented front seven. But if that line can pick up those blitzes I don’t doubt that Carr has the talent to make the Bears pay.