Preview: California vs. Arizona

Date: 9/20/14

Time: 10:00 PM ET

Television: Pac-12 Network

Spread: Arizona -8

Players to Watch

Jared Goff, Quarterback (Cal)

Goff is a high-volume passer who is leaned on heavily in coach Mike McIntyre’s offensive scheme. Last season, Goff threw the ball 529 times, and has already thrown 56 passes threw two games this season. He has shown signs of improved accuracy, completing 67 percent of his passes, up from the 60 percent last season, and has improved his touchdown-to-interception ratio.

Chris Harper, Wide Receiver (Cal)

Harper is a favorite target of Goffs, catching 69 passes last season, and is second in receptions early in this season. He’s a smaller receiver (5’11”, 175), but makes plays. So far this season, Harper is averaging over 10 yards per reception.

Anu Solomon, Quarterback (Arizona)

Despite being a true freshman, Solomon has excelled early in Rich Rodriguez’s system. A dual-threat quarterback with a strong arm, he is a dangerous threat for opposing defenses to handle.

Austin Hill, Wide Receiver (Arizona)

Hill is the top playmaker for the Wildcats, though he is still recovering from his torn ACL, as his numbers still haven’t exploded yet. Hill is a vertical threat with strong hands, so it’s only a matter of time until he gets comfortable with his post-injury game.

Cal’s Offense vs Arizona’s Defense

Though it’s early, Arizona is currently 94th in the country in pass defense, so with Goff, Harper, and other dangerous receivers like Kenny Lawler and Bryce Treggs, Cal is primed to have a big offensive day. Add in that the Golden Bears are averaging 43 points per game this far, and Arizona’s defense will be in for a long game.

Arizona’s Offense vs Cal’s Defense

Cal has not seen a rushing attack yet like Arizona’s, led by Solomon and freshman running back Nick Wilson, who is currently averaging six yards per carry, and almost 150 yards per game.

Add in that Solomon is a passing threat, especially with receivers like Hill, Cayleb Jones, Samajie Grant, and plenty of other young receivers, and Cal’s defense, especially after losing so many players to the NFL after last season, will struggle.

Game Preview

This game has all the makings to be an offensive shootout. Both teams have high-volume passing attacks, and love to throw down the field. Arizona has an incredible running game to use as a focal point though, compared to Cal’s rushing attack being primarily used to complement the pass.

Both defenses have athletes, but struggle to be dominant, so expect a lot of points.

Implications

.These teams are in a very tough Pac-12, so the likelihood that this has any major implications on the how the conference plays out is minimal, however, both teams could be a dark horse to upset the powers of Arizona State, Oregon, Stanford, UCLA, or USC.

Final Prediction

Cal- 42 vs. Arizona- 56