Sports Illustrated Cal Bears News, Analysis and More

Cal's 2022 football team has more questions surrounding it than any previous Bears team under Justin Wilcox.

The third in a series of stories previewing the 2022 Cal Golden Bears.

There are reports that Washington, Oregon, Stanford and Cal might be headed to the Big Ten. The uncertainty of Cal's conference affiliation and the financial issues involved will hang over Cal’s 2022 football season.

Cal's offense has been poor in Justin Wilcox's years as the Bears head coach. Bill Musgrave was hired as Cal's offensive coordinator prior to the 2020 season. Cal was eighth in the Pac-12 last season in total offense and eighth for scoring offense. The biggest variable in Cal’s bid to score more points is quarterback Jack Plummer.

Chase Garbers is no longer the Cal Bears' starting quarterback. Jack Plummer was the Purdue's starting QB last season. It remains to be seen whether he will be an upgrade.

Cal has a lot of transfers this season. Jack Plummer is the starting quarterback. Jackson Sirmon is a starting inside linebacker. Odua Isibor is starting outside linebacker and Spencer Lovell is an offensive lineman. Xavier Carlton is backup outside outside linebackers.

Brett Johnson was injured in preseason camp and is out for the season. Cal has a solid inside linebacker position with Jackson Sirmon and Femi Oladejo. The development of the outside linebackers will be a key factor for Cal's defense.

Cal's starting defensive backs are Daniel Scott, Craig Woodson, Isaiah Young, Lu-Magia Hearns, Collin Gamble and Isaiah Younes. Cal's secondary is as good as the one it has had in recent years.

Cal's offensive line is key to the team's success. In the past, injuries have hurt the Bears' productivity.

Cal's top three receivers in terms of receptions last year are gone. Jeremiah Hunter has the look of a potential star at the wide receiver spot. J.Michael Sturdivant and Mavin Anderson are two of the several wide receivers who have not played much in the past but seem to have the talent to emerge as stars.

Jaydn Ott is a freshman running back who is expected to get significant playing time this season. Damien Moore is Cal’s starting runningback, but Ott offers star potential.

Cal has had a losing conference record in each of the past 12 seasons. The Bears were 0-5 in games decided by seven points or fewer last season.

Sports Illustrated Cal Bears News, Analysis and More.

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