Golden Nuggets: Cal Football Previews with one week until season opener

Volleyball

Junior Jenelle Jordan moved from middle blocker to the opposite hitter position this season, but continued to take reps in the middle in case she was needed.

That paid dividends Friday night in the Cal volleyball team's season-opener against Nevada in the Molten Classic at Haas Pavilion.

With senior middle blocker Lillian Schonewise out with an injury, Jordan was needed to return to the middle against the Wolf Pack.

She teamed up with fellow middle blocker Lara Vukasovic to dominate the match in a 25-17, 25-19, 25-19 victory.

Women's Gymnastics

Inside The Lair: International Bears Prepare for World Championships at Training Camp

Cal women's gymnastics and Jamaican national team coach Justin Howell put together quite the international camp for members of the Jamaican national team, as well as Cal gymnasts representing several nations ranging from Bulgaria, South Africa and the United States. Two weeks ago, those gymnasts descended on Berkeley and the Golden Bear facility in advance preparation for October's World Championships in Glasgow, Scotland.

"This camp was put together by Justin and Liz, the coaching staff here at Cal," men's head coach Brett McClure said of the event. "They wanted to do something special for the Jamaican team and also some of the guys representing Bulgaria, South Africa and the United States to come together and plan for the upcoming World Championships and the upcoming Olympic year."

Field Hockey

Relentless

. It's the word passing through the field hockey squad's minds this week as the Golden Bears prepare to open their 2015 slate against fifth-ranked Duke and Bryant. Cal, who went an atypical 8-11 last season, is ready for its latest campaign with one thing in mind: get the Bears back to their winning ways and make a splash in their inaugural season in the America East.

"This team is going to be relentless, and we're ready to deal with anything and everything that comes our way," said redshirt junior Kristen Lee.

Football

Paul Larson, one of the most versatile football players in Cal history, has been selected as the 21st recipient of the Glenn T. Seaborg Award. The official presentation will take place during a ceremony when the Golden Bears host Washington State on Saturday, Oct. 3 at Kabam Field at California Memorial Stadium.

Fansided previews Cal's opener against Grambling State.

The key to Grambling State's offense is in quarterback, Jonathan Williams hands. After starting last season as the Tigers third-string quarterback, a slew of injuries forced Williams into the starting line up. And he responded, leading the Tigers to more than 325 yards of offense per game in nine appearances.

Wide receivers Chester Rogers, Chad Williams, and Verlon Hunter all return as well. The trio of wideouts accounted for 14 touchdowns and 128 catches combined last year. Jestin Kelly also figures to be much improved after a mediocre rushing season last year, a season in which GSU only averaged around three yards per carry.

On the defensive side of the football, the Tigers lost a ton of talent and production — including their leading tackler and interceptions leader. However, due to some transfer luck, coach Fobbs added a solid piece to his defense. Former Ole Miss safety, Guy Stallworth has earned rave reviews from coach Fobbs who has noted his physical style of play and length at the position.

Also keep an eye on that defensive line, as last season, they averaged 3.75 sacks per game. Michael Jolivet, Jevonte Williams, and Larry Stalling are a few seniors who fill out the Grambling State defensive line.

Looking forward to later in the season... the Arizona Daily Star previews the Golden Bears

Under center: Jared Goff. The 6-4 junior quarterback is entering his third year as a starter for Dykes and Cal, and it will likely be his last, as Goff (3,973 yards, 35 TDs, seven interceptions in 2015) is being projected already as a first-round pick in next year's draft. If Cal can somehow compete for the Pac-12 North title, he's a Heisman candidate, too.

Quarterback ... of the defense: LB Michael Barton. The junior linebacker led the Golden Bears in tackles (80) and tackles for loss (7.5) last season.