Early Scouting Report: California Golden Bears
Fall camp is off and running at the Carol Soffer Football Training Facility as head coach Mario Cristobal begins his 3rd fall camp at Miami. The 2024 college football season is right around the corner. We are getting ready for the season by previewing each opponent on Miami’s schedule at CT.
For the first time, I will be providing weekly scouting reports on and off for Miami’s upcoming opponent that will include an in-depth look at personnel, advanced stats, scheme background, betting information, series history, program profile, and keys to victory. That is just around the corner.
But it’s never too early to start getting some homework done. We are now pumping out some early scouting reports as we research and take a closer look at the foes on Miami’s schedule.
- Week 1: Early Scouting Report: Florida Gators
- Week 2: Early Scouting Report: FAMU
- Week 3: Early Scouting Report: Ball State
- Week 4: Early Scouting Report: USF
- Week 5: Early Scouting Report: Virginia Tech
Californa’s offense
Look at the numbers from the Golden Bears offense posted in 2023.Â
- Scoring: 30.2 (No. 47 overall in FBS)
- Yards Per Play: 5.5
- Yards Per Rush: 4.5
- Yards Per Pass: 6.5
- Red Zone TD Percentage: 88.4%
The Bears’ offense made a significant breakthrough in the sixth week of the season, following the transition to sophomore quarterback Fernando Mendoza.
This strategic move has been met with much anticipation, as the team has been averaging an impressive 41 points in Pac-12 games against notable opponents such as Oregon State, USC, Washington State, and UCLA. Mendoza has demonstrated considerable skill, achieving notable milestones including 14 touchdown passes. However, his tenure has not been without its challenges, as he also recorded 10 interceptions and four fumbles that resulted in turnovers.
Their running back could be among the finest in the ACC, particularly considering Jaydn Ott, who emerged as the leading rusher in the Pac-12, amassing 1,315 yards on the ground and achieving a total of 15 touchdowns. Kadarius Calloway, a transfer from Old Dominion, occupies a prominent position within a strong group of players, notably behind Ott.
The Bears suffered a setback as their primary target, Jeremiah Hunter, was claimed by Washington. However, the team found a silver lining with the return of Trond Grizzell, who made his debut in a surprising season. Additionally, Notre Dame transfer Tobias Merriweather joins the team as one of the three new wide receivers.
To bolster the offensive line, Cal welcomed transfer Chandler Rogers, who had an outstanding season at North Texas last year, passing for 3,382 yards and 29 touchdowns. The two players have been competing for the starting position throughout spring.
Californa’s defense
Here is a look at their defensive stats from last season
- Scoring: 32.7
- Yards Per Play: 5.7
- Yards Per Rush: 3.8
- Yards Per Pass: 7.5
- Team Sacks: 24
The second-team All-Pac-12 safety, Craig Woodson, will be complemented by the addition of Marcus Harris and Ja’ir Smith to the secondary roster. Both players have demonstrated considerable potential during the spring season.
The defensive coordinator, Peter Sirmon, harbors considerable expectations for the seasoned outside linebackers, David Reese and Xavier Carlton, as well as the promising inside linebacker, Cade Uluave, who is set to assume a pivotal role following his selection as the Pac-12 Freshman Defensive Player of the Year.
Overview
The team possesses a promising offensive talent, notably a young quarterback who is poised to make significant progress in his second year, alongside an already established leading running back. On the defensive front, should the defensive line face increased pressure, the linebackers and secondary talent are expected to demonstrate their prowess. This is perceived as Miami’s fifth most challenging game on the schedule.
Trinton is the owner of CanesToday. He writes for all sports, with a focus on football and recruiting, he is a freshman in high school and wants to graduate from the University of Miami
