The California Golden Bears open their season against Nevada on Saturday, and SB Nation's Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes has a detailed preview of the game. One of the things they highlight is the youth and inexperience that may have an impact on Cal's game:
The Bears lose two of their four linebackers, including Pac-12 Defensive Player of the Year Mychal Kendricks. They lose some valuable pieces on offense including offensive tackle Mitchell Schwartz and wide receiver Marvin Jones, and one of the best punters in the country in Bryan Anger is also out. There is going to be a lot of youth on this Bears squad with at least six new starters on defense and five new starters on offense, including three on the line.
That type of inexperience could be tested against a scheme that has given them trouble before in the Nevada Pistol. Nevada is a really underrated opponent, particularly considered they devastated Cal two years ago for 316 rushing yards and 497 yards overall for an incredible 7.77 yards per play average. Now, that Nevada team had Colin Kaepernick, but Cody Fajardo is no slouch, and he has shown he can handle the Pistol fairly well.
Pacific Takes has a lot more on the game, so head over to check it out.
Stick to this StoryStream for more coverage of Cal vs. Nevada. For all things Cal, head over to California Golden Blogsor the Pac-12 blog Pacific Takes. And don't miss Cal in SB Nation Studios' 5 college football dark horses: