California Golden Bears season betting preview 2009

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Anyone paying any attention to the No. 12 California Golden Bears knows that their success this upcoming season hinges largely on running back Jahvid Best's shoulders.

As the Golden Bears settle its three way quarterback race, Best remains one of the steadiest returning players from last year's team. He led the team in rushing yardage with 1,580 yards and 15 touchdowns on 194 carries, and finished fifth on the team in receiving with 27 receptions for 246 yards and a touchdown.

The Bears struggled in the air, using two quarterbacks in Kevin Riley and Nate Longshore, neither of whom averaged more than 130 yards per game passing.

The receiving game suffered as eight players had double digit receptions but no single player was established as the go to pass catcher.

Coach Jeff Tedford named Riley the starting quarterback on August 24th, giving the 6-foot-2, 221 pound junior the nod over sophomore Brock Mansion and redshirt Beau Sweeney.

The race was more of an indictment on Riley than speaking to Mansion and Sweeney's talent levels. Still, Vegas expects Cal to potentially get to double digit wins and make a splash in the Pac-10 race for the first time in several years.

However, the Bears may soon begin to panic as the season approaches and Best's sore toe continues to sideline him. He already missed the team's first scrimmage in mid August in attempts to be full speed come September 5th.