The California Golden Bears kick off the 2015 season by welcoming the Grambling State Tigers to Berkeley on Saturday. Below is the California vs. Grambling State prediction and game preview. 

California vs. Grambling State Prediction & Preview

Why You Need To Care

Cal has been a trendy pick throughout the offseason to surprise out of the Pac-12. Now, the Bears have to back up the hype and the love by reaching .500 and qualifying for a postseason berth. Sonny Dykes begins his third season in Strawberry Canyon with ample optimism, especially regarding his offense. Grambling State, one of the SWAC’s feel-good stories of 2014, is an FCS version of Cal—explosive on offense, yet shaky on D.

Why Grambling State Will Win

The Tigers equal trouble for a Cal defense that should again rank among the worst in the Pac-12. The Bears have a history of struggling in the pass rush and pass defense, which will afford Grambling State QB Johnathan Williams the time he needs to find receivers Chester Rogers, Verlon Hunter and Chad Williams.

Why Cal Will Win

Grambling State can move the ball, but they’ll never keep pace with Dykes’ high-powered Bear Raid attack. Jared Goff is a pro-caliber quarterback, with a firm grasp on the system. And he’s flanked by speed and skill, including RB Daniel Lasco and receivers Kenny Lawler, Bryce Treggs and Stephen Anderson.

Player Who Matters

Although the Cal defense will still wilt in the face of polished offenses, the unit should be a tad tighter in 2015. The Bears have made some key additions to the two-deep, such as Wake Forest transfer DT James Looney. Looney dominated at times this offseason, something the Cal staff desperately needs to continue on Saturdays.

What’s Going To Happen?

Cal will score early and often on the undermanned Grambling State defense. Goff will be sharp throughout, spreading the ball around before giving way to the backups. With key trips to Texas and Washington upcoming this month, Dykes will spend much of the afternoon tweaking his defensive personnel.

California vs. Grambling State Score Prediction

Without further ado, the California vs. Grambling State prediction is …

California 59, Grambling State 21, Line: No Line, o/u: No Line

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