The following information will help you learn more about the 2004 Cal Bears football team. This article will give you all the information you need about the team and its future. The Bears won’t be able to repeat their mediocre 2003 season, but you’ll have a better understanding of what to expect. Below are some of the team’s strengths and weaknesses. They are the only factors that will determine their fate.
Offense: As mentioned, the Bears lost three starters from 2003, including starting quarterback Aaron Rodgers. The positional rotation at Berkeley is a bit uncertain, but there are rumors that Johnathan Giesel and Aaron Merz will move from their natural positions of LG and RT. However, there is no reason to panic, as incoming freshman Marshawn Lynch and Marcus O’Keith are expected to excel at punt and kick returns.
Offense: In 2004, the Bears won 10-1 in offense. The only loss came to No. No. 1 USC lost to Oklahoma in the BCS national championship match. Cal was outgained by USC 424 yards to 205 yards in that match, but Cal had a first down at the nine-yard line in the final seconds. Defense: Cal finished the season sixth in both offense- and defense.
Postseason: Despite a good season, Cal’s postseason struggles dominated the media and college football. The Bears ended the regular season at 10-1. They were ranked fourth in the AP poll as well as the BCS standings. This meant that they were almost assured of a Rose Bowl bid. They were unable to beat Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl. This was an embarrassing loss. Cal was not done.
Defensively, the Bears are solid but need a breakout player. The defense has a young, inexperienced secondary, and the defensive line will be a major factor in the team’s success. The secondary needs to step up and be ready for the rigors of Pac-10 play. This team’s defense is strong and has a young core. There is no doubt that Oregon State volleyball will improve after a great season in 2003.
In 2004, Cal was in the position to be the best team in the Pac-10. They finished second in conference, outscoring their opponents by 441 compared to 192. They missed the BCS postseason because of academic sanctions imposed by Holmoe’s era. This was their first win since 1993. This joyride ended a seven year losing streak to Stanford and a 19 game skid against Washington. They lost the Holiday Bowl game to Texas Tech, which ended in a blowout.
USC took the lead in the second half. The Trojans held a 17-0 lead and were on their way to winning the 2004 Cal Bears football season. Aaron Rodgers led a late drive for Cal and connected with McArthur for a 17-yard touchdown. USC responded with a field goal to make the Bears lead 16-10. Cal was forced to punt on fourth by the Trojans’ defense, which was led by a veteran defense.