Cal Football: Golden Bears could have mixed results again in 2018

Offense

California was ranked 10th in the Pac-12 last season in scoring, averaging two fewer touchdowns per game than league leader Arizona. In a high-scoring league, putting up less than 30 points per game is likely to be a recipe for disaster.

The biggest issue with the Golden Bears in 2017 was an anemic running game that posted only 125 yards per game. Despite the presence of redshirt junior Patrick Laird in the backfield, Cal struggled to move the chains with their ground game. In the spring game, though, Beau Baldwin’s offense demonstrated far better balance. Look out especially for redshirt sophomore Derrick Clark, who showcased strong skills running the ball.

The receiving corps should also be improved in 2018. Jeremiah Hawkins seized the opportunity presented with most of the first-team returnees from 2017 sitting out the spring game. Hawkins could see increased playing time, especially on passing downs when Wilcox and Baldwin go to four-receiver sets. Whether he can push Kanawai Noa for starting reps at the flex receiver spot remains to be seen.

Focusing on Ross Bowers

What the emergence of Hawkins means, more than anything, is that Ross Bowers will have far more targets to work with in his second full season as a starter. Entering his redshirt junior season, Bowers is back for his second season as the starter in Berkeley.

Redshirt senior Chase Forrest looked good in the spring. So too did redshirt freshman Chase Garbers. But it is highly unlikely that either will unseat the quarterback from Bothell, Washington as the starter. Bowers is pretty much certain to open the year as the starter for the Golden Bears.

California needs him to take another leap as a player. Last year, Bowers averaged an interception per game against only 1.5 touchdowns. Bowers could also stand to improve his completion percentage, as he connected just 59 percent of the time in 2017.

A fortified running game should provide the sort of balance that will allow Bowers to lead a more dynamic offense all around. But will the offensive line keep him upright? The Golden Bears allowed nearly three sacks per game last season. They will need to improve on that number for California to emerge as a legitimate dark-horse in the Pac-12 North.