Though he is about the become the school's all-time leader in wins, Jeff Tedford is under more pressure than usual this year. Nonetheless, Sandy Barbour reaffirms her unwavering support for Tedford.
"There's no doubt that when you achieve success like Jeff did very quickly, we all get spoiled," Cal athletic director Sandy Barbour said. "The bar gets raised very quickly, and anything less than that seems like a disappointment. But being educators and taking the long view ... what Jeff has meant to, not only the football program, but the athletic program and this university is absolutely tremendous."
Still, a 5-7 record last year and underachieving seasons in 2009 and 2007 have some wondering about Tedford's job security if 2011 is another disappointment. Tedford has five years left on his contract after signing a two-year extension after the 2008 season.
Barbour laughs off that notion, pointing to Tedford's résumé on and off the field.
"His job security is lock solid," Barbour said. "I think Jeff is uniquely equipped to be the head coach at Cal. We are so fortunate to have him lead our football program. He is that right combination for us, a highly proficient coach along with all the other things that are a highly important part of our mission, vision and values to the campus.
"The fact that he has achieved competitive success and done these other things at a really high level is absolutely masterful."
"They'll be back," ESPN analyst and former Florida coach Urban Meyer said. "He's that good a coach. Cal is a great school, and they'll get the good players in there."
After the jump Pat Hill talks about the season opener, several media outlets preview the 2011 season, and volleyball earns its first ever #1 ranking.
Football
- Here is a collection of quotes from Pat Hill's press conference yesterday. The combination of playing a major California school and earning a handsome payout makes him especially excited for the matchup.
- Athlon asked Pac-12 coaches to comment anonymously on other Pac-12 teams. Not surprisingly, a couple comments mention questions about quarterback play and playing at AT&T instead of Memorial. Interestingly, one coach mentioned that the Bears "don't really scare you talent-wise."
- JO has the Bears' schedule and some facts. If you read CGB, you probably know all the basic facts (e.g. Maynard is the new QB).
- CalBears.com has an extensive profile on Mychal Kendricks, whose Fresno roots give him extra motivation for Saturday's game.
- A handful of players share their thoughts and experiences from Fan Appreciation Day. Here's a photo galleryfrom the event.
- Wilner posts his 2011 season preview. He expects a fourth-place finish for the Bears.
- Wilner rates the Pac-12 schedules. Playing every game away from home and going on the road to face Oregon and Stanford, the Bears have the fourth-toughest schedule.
- The Bears are 9th in Uncle Ted's Week 1 power rankings.
Volleyball
- Now that Penn State's historic winning streak has come to an end, the Bears are ranked no. 1 for the first time in program history.
Field Hockey
- CalBears.com's "Getting to Know" segment this week features senior defender Erin Magill.
- Jordan O'Reilly's two goals in the Bears' upset over Michigan State earned her NorPac West co-Offensive Player of the Week honors.