Passing attack should face stiff test
Many college football transfers eye a new program in which they can wow NFL scouts with gaudy statistics. But in the summer of 2013, after receiving his release from Hawaii, Trevor Davis chose Cal for the competition.
“Seeing how many receivers they had and how much talent they had,” Davis recalled this week, “I knew it would push me to be the best receiver I could be.”
It’s a philosophy that pervades the position group. Before quarterback Jared Goff could spread the ball on Saturdays, his receivers agreed to sacrifice individual numbers in the name of wins.
Such selflessness has proven fruitful. Through three games, the Bears are ninth nationally in passing offense. Fifteen players have at least two receptions, and six have at least eight. Cal’s top four targets have between 101 and 214 receiving yards.
Game planning for that type of balance is tricky. Double team one player, and several others are ready to capitalize.
Washington, which will host Sonny Dykes’ team Saturday afternoon, seems as capable of limiting the “Bear Raid” as anyone in the Pac-12. It is one of just three teams in the nation that hasn’t allowed a passing touchdown. Last Saturday, the Huskies held Utah State’s Chuckie Keeton to 17for-33 passing for 171 yards, with two interceptions.
It’s nothing foreign to Cal. In last year’s 31-7 loss to Washington, the Bears’ aerial game sputtered. The Huskies played conservatively, making sure their safeties kept the ball in front of them. They’re doing the same this season and the six plays of 20 or more yards they’ve surrendered are the fewest in the Pac-12. That’s in stark contrast with Goff, who leads the nation with an 82.4 completion percentage going deep.
“Their guys are in the right place,” Dykes said of the Huskies’ secondary. “When you watch them play, that’s the biggest thing you notice: Their guys are where they’re supposed to be.”
Added offensive coordinator Tony Franklin: “They’re by far the best defense we’ve played this year. It’s not even close.”
Cal will try to find weaknesses in that defense with a group long on experience. The Bears’ top six receivers are upperclassmen and — after years working with Goff — each has clearly defined strengths.
Kenny Lawler, with his 6-foot-3 frame and oversized hands, is the favored red-zone option. Davis is the top deep threat. Tight end Stephen Anderson is a possession receiver who excels on third down. Bryce Treggs feasts on quick passes over the middle. Darius Powe and Maurice Harris both possess a blend of body control and physicality.
For the most part, the rotation is predetermined. Franklin makes sure his top receivers get quality snaps regardless of how games unfold. Sometimes, though, Goff requests certain targets for certain plays.
“If he does that,” Franklin said, “then we put that person in.”
During their first position meeting after games, wide receivers review the video. Touchdown catches, no matter the recipient, receive standing ovations.
It underscores the unit’s team-oriented approach. In Franklin’s pass-heavy attack, receivers recognize that everyone will enjoy his time in the spotlight. Helping each other in the meantime is the priority.
“We’re all brothers, and we all push each other,” said Davis, who is sixth nationally with 26.8 yards per catch. “If I wasn’t at Cal, I wouldn’t be the receiver I am right now.”