"Hey, how big is this statue going to be anyway?"
Initially, I guess I should applaud all the BI sunshine pumpers that have the courage to read on.
From what I've seen so far I think it's possible that Cal may do a little better than is normally expected by me and some of the negabears on this site.
For those that know me (for better or worse), they know that it takes every ounce of my being for me to express any optimism under the current Cal coaching regimen. So I ask you all to give me a break! I'm on a Go-Bears roll (excuse me while I drink another glass of kool aid) so let me continue to be more specific about my rarely displayed optimism
The best that I see Cal doing is possibly qualifying for a post-season bowl game. This stance presupposes, at the minimum, a 50/50 overall win/loss record; such a seasonal performance or better showing would truly be an amazing feat for Wilcox and his new staff.
I find myself getting tired of Cal's antics in the red zone. You know what I mean, that is all those forced errant lob passes to the corner of the end zone.
My cautiousness is ascribed to the hope that the new OC will make Cal more of a dangerous running than passing team by building a new offense around portal QB Jackson, the fab TB Ott, and the fleet newcomer RB transfer/recruits. I am also assuming the new OL coach will be able to put together some respectable blockers on the field too.
I know the above is a lot to hope for, but at least it could happen. Hence, here are my pithy schedule comments covering a possible path next season to a bowl game, as follows:
Cal 2023 Football Schedule:
North Texas WIN NT isn't mean enough to beat Cal, but Ds will make it a low scoring close game.
Auburn LOSS It's too early for the well-oiled Tiger program to be rolled by mediocre Cal.
Idaho WIN Cal should easily beat the faux-FCS Vandals in this token sacrificial game.
Washington LOSS The Huskies are touting QB Pentix for the Heisman again, 'nuff said.
Arizona State WIN(? *) Cal will exploit ASU's new coach's efforts to rebuild an inherited 3-9 team.
Oregon State LOSS The Beavs win a running match with their new RB coach and Pac-12 FOY RB Martinez.
Utah LOSS The three-peat-minded conference champion Utes will again be led by returning QB Rising.
u$C - LOSS The talent-laden Trojans led by a Heisman Trophy winner will be too much for the Bears.
Oregon LOSS Cal will again get oinked by a returning QB Bo Nix-led Ducks team in Eugene.
Washington State WIN(? *) Pass-happy Wazzu will be tough in Berkeley but won't stop Cal's run-game.
stanfurd - WIN Troy won't be able to improve the furd's 1-8 conference record against Cal's D.
ucla - WIN(? *) Cal finally wins one in the Rose Bowl with a strong running-game and D performance.
* ? indicates the game's outcome could go either way.
I realize that it can be commonly argued of these too-early pronouncements that next season for the Bears, as well as their opponents, will be further impacted by off-season program adjustments, mainly portal acquisitions and coaching hires.