No. 16 California

Coach: Jeff Tedford
Record: 59-30, 7 years
Last season: 9-4, 6-3 Pac-10
Bowl game: Beat Miami 24-17 in the Emerald Bowl
Overview: Jeff Tedford is considered one of the best offensive coaches in the country. Last season, however, California played good defense, too. The Golden Bears held nine opponents to 20 or fewer points. They also boast one of the best running backs in the country.
Key returnees: QB Kevin Riley, Jr.; TB Jahvid Best, Jr.; DE Tyson Alualu, Sr; CB Syd’Quan Thompson, Sr.; S Marcus Ezeff, Sr.; P Bryan Anger, Soph.
Why California is dangerous: Jahvid Best had a sensational sophomore season, rushing for 1,580 yards and averaging 8.1 yards per carry. Best, who had foot surgery in the off-season, probably will take a back seat to several quarterbacks in the Heisman Trophy race. But if he sticks around for his senior season, Best could be a serious candidate. Quarterback Kevin Riley, who also started as a sophomore, passed for 1,360 yards. The defense lost three of its four linebackers, but returns everyone else.
Why California is vulnerable: Although Riley passed for more than 1,300 yards, he was hampered by an inconsistent receiving corps. That must improve this season to help take the pressure off Best.
Prediction: California has an excellent chance for double-digit wins this season. The Golden Bears have tough back-to-back games — at Oregon on Sept. 26 and a home game against Southern Cal the following week. The remainder of the schedule looks friendly.