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Cal Football: Updated game-by-game predictions for 2020 season

By Sonny Martinez

SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Chase Garbers #7 of the California Golden Bears looks to pass scrambles with the ball for a first down against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of the RedBox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA - DECEMBER 30: Chase Garbers #7 of the California Golden Bears looks to pass scrambles with the ball for a first down against the Illinois Fighting Illini during the second half of the RedBox Bowl at Levi's Stadium on December 30, 2019 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Makai Polk and Christopher Brown Jr., Cal football (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

It’s tough to know what to expect out of the Huskies this year. On one hand, they have a ton of talent and good depth left over. On the other, a new coach new quarterback, loss of their top rusher and top two receivers from a year ago leave plenty of questions.

New head coach Jimmy Lake is familiar to the program, having been an assistant there since 2014. He worked his way up the ladder from defensive backs coach all the way up to defensive coordinator last season.

The Huskies are going to have to heavily rely on defense with only four offensive starters back for a team that wasn’t overly impressive on offense to begin with. That defense, that returns seven starters, ranked 15th nationally in points per game allowed. The secondary was very average and they must replace both safeties.

Washington retains most of its brutal conference schedule, with trips to Oregon, Utah, Washington State and USC in addition to Cal. Don’t let the Huskies’ projected or final record distract you from the fact that this is a very good football team.

Final Score: Washigton 23, Cal 31 (3-0)

From one Apple Cup rival to the other, Cal travels to Pullman for yet another  new look team in the conference.

Out is Air Raid master Mike Leach, who will be roaming the sidelines at Mississippi State this year, and in is Nick Rolovich. Rolovich is a very good head coach having lead Hawaii to a 28-27 record as the Warriors’ Head man, including 10-5 last year. One game over .500 may not sound impressive, but Hawaii was 11-39 in the four years prior to his arrival.

Washington State’s transition from the Air Raid to the Run and Shoot style of Rolovich has potential to be silky smooth. Rolovich had Hawaii’s passing offense ranked fifth in the county last year. Washington State was one of the teams ahead, ranked first.

The Cougars must replace their quarterback as well as couple starters along the offensive line. The defense returns seven, but ranked 111th in yards per game allowed, Rolovich might want to start from scratch.

The Cougars will pose an interesting threat this year. They’re not championship contenders, but they could end up ruining someone else’s chances. Cal had better not overlook Washington State.

Final Score: Cal 37, Washington State 33 (4-0)

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