From the wacky to outright unbelievable, each team in college football has a unique story to tell. California is no exception. Here’s some interesting information regarding California’s rocky season from a year ago, its rivalry against MSU, and the Pac-10’s success against the Big Ten as a whole.
1) The last time MSU met California was in 2002, when the Bears upset the 15th-ranked Spartans 46-22 at MSU Spartan Stadium. Cal quarterback Kyle Boller, who now plays for the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens, threw two touchdowns, ran for a touchdown and even caught a touchdown in the victory. Receiver Charles Rogers was the only bright spot for MSU, catching nine passes for 166 yards and a touchdown.
2) Since 2002, Big Ten teams have a combined 13-16 record against Pac-10 teams. With wins against Illinois in 2003 and 2005, Minnesota in 2006, and MSU in 2002, California is 4-0 over that stretch. MSU hasn’t played a Pac-10 opponent since the California game.
3) California was ranked as highly as second in the country last season, but after reaching that plateau the sixth week of the season, the Bears lost six of their last eight games. They had to rally from a 21-point deficit against Air Force in the Armed Forces Bowl to avoid their first losing season since 2001.
4) The Bears will begin 2008 without their three leading receivers and leading rusher from last season. Excluding yardage gained on special teams, the four graduates — Lavelle Hawkins, DeSean Jackson, Robert Jordan and Justin Forsett — accounted for 4,267 total yards. California hopes to replace that production with senior receivers Sean Young and LaReylle Cunningham and sophomore running back Jahvid Best, who combined for just 369 total yards last season.
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