No. 15 Tennessee at No. 12 California Week 1 2007

No. 15 Tennessee at No. 12 California (minus 5.5)

The History
Tennessee is 2-0 against California. The Volunteers won 35-18 last year and 38-12 in 1987.

The Players
California's wide receiver DeSean Jackson is this year's Ted Ginn. Jackson has scored 21 touchdowns in his last 24 games. Seniors Robert Jordan and Lavelle Hawkins give Cal a talented trio at receiver. The Golden Bears have a golden arm in Nate Longshore. Longshore threw for 3,021 yards and 24 touchdowns last year. Justin Forsett's 1,674 yards rushing and nation leading 6.39 yards a carry gives Cal a balanced offensive attack.

Erik Ainge is in position to have a stellar senior season. As a junior Ainge completed 67% of his passes for 2,989 yards and 19 touchdowns. The only problem is that Robert Meachem, Jayson Swain and Bret Smith are gone. Fortunately Lucas Taylor, Quintin Hancock and Austin Rogers are wanting to step up. Also look for JUCO transfer Kenny O'Neal and freshman Brent Vinson to make some plays. Senior free safety/cornerback Jonathan Hefney is looking to improve upon his 96 tackles and team leading 5 interceptions.

The View
Cal has never defeated Tennessee. The Golden Bears are still licking their wounds from last season's 35-18 beat-down in Knoxville. The Volunteers inexperience at receiver, offseason distractions and Cal's motivation are all the ingredients needed for their first victory over Tennessee.

Cal- 38 Tennessee- 17


The Stats
Tennessee
Rushing offense: 108.0 (96th)
Passing offense: 264.5 (12th)
Total offense: 372.5 (36th)
Scoring offense: 27.8 (34th)
Rushing defense: 146.7 (72nd)
Passing defense: 180.8 (27th)
Total defense: 327.5 (50th)
Scoring defense: 19.5 (33rd)

California
Rushing offense: 162.8 (33rd)
Passing offense: 253.2 (17th)
Total offense: 416.0 (12th)
Scoring offense: 32.8 (11th)
Rushing defense: 125.4 (47th)
Passing defense: 240.8 (103rd)
Total defense: 366.2 (91st)
Scoring defense: 19.3 (32nd)