Cal head coach Tosh Lupoi is concentrating on strengthening the offensive line as the Bears prepare for their season opener against UCLA on September 5. After a recent scrimmage, Lupoi expressed dissatisfaction with the team's performance but acknowledged some progress in handling live tackling drills.
The Bears have struggled with their offensive line in recent years, allowing 32 sacks last season and ranking second-to-last nationally for rushing yards per game at 81.7. This performance contributed to the dismissal of former head coach Justin Wilcox after a disappointing season that concluded with a 7-6 record.
To tackle these challenges, Cal is focusing on improving their ground game, which is essential for supporting sophomore quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele. The team has brought in new talent, such as junior running back Adam Mohammed, who transferred from Washington after accumulating 523 rushing yards last season. Sagapolutele praised Mohammed's skills and noted his positive impact since joining the team.
New offensive coordinator Jordan Somerville, who has prior experience with the NFL's Tampa Bay Buccaneers, highlighted Mohammed's aggressive style and energy. He stated that the success of the run game depends on the collective effort of all players on the field.
Sagapolutele also recognized significant improvements in the offensive line's ability to execute complex blocks, expressing confidence in the team's progress and stating, "A thousand times better" regarding expectations for the run game this season. As preparations continue, the focus remains on building a more robust offensive line to enhance overall performance.