Plenty of tests in season opener
CHAPEL HILL, N.C. – Asked how Cal plans to deal with the freshly re-sod grass at North Carolina’s Kenan Stadium, Justin Wilcox said: “We’re bringing cleats.”
Cal’s first-year head coach has taken a matter-of-fact approach to each of the obstacles facing his team in Saturday’s season opener, refusing to crack the door to excuses – even though the pretexts could run aplenty.
The Bears will commence the Wilcox era three time zones from home, in a game that will kick off before the first cup of coffee takes hold for many in Berkeley. They’ll be playing
Where: Chapel Hill, N.C. When: 9:20 a.m. TV/Radio: )/810 Story lines: The Bears kick off their season under first-year coach Justin Wilcox, who has helped teams to a 150-58 record (.721) and 14 bowl appearances during 16 years as a college assistant. His debut could be taxing as Cal faces cross-country travel, an early start time and a North Carolina squad that won 19 games over the previous two seasons. Injuries: Cal — none released. North Carolina — none released.
WHAT TO WATCH FOR
The Tar Heels are returning only 12.7 percent of their total offense from last season, the lowest among all Power 5 schools. But they appear to have capable replacements for head coach Larry Fedora’s high-powered offense in quarterbacks Brandon Harris and Chazz Surratt, running backs Jordan Brown and Michael Carter and a receiving corps developing around Austin Proehl.
Cal’s Week 1 captains are receiver Kanawai Noa, defensive lineman James Looney and kicker Matt Anderson, all of whom wear No. 9 and all of whom are expected to play crucial roles. Noa needs to provide an intermediate target against North Carolina’s cover-four defense, Looney needs to pressure the Tar Heels’ new quarterbacks, and Anderson needs to cash in on opportunities during a game projected to be decided by about two scores.
Tre Watson has gotten most of the attention among the Bears’ backfield players, but look out for Vic Enwere. With ties to Houston suburbs Missouri City and Sugarland, the power back returning from a broken foot could be stirred to offer some respite to family and friends dealing with the devastation of Hurricane Harvey.