By: Ethan Horner
(Photo/Jake Villorente- The Mojo Network)
This Saturday, the new-look California Golden Bears open their season by hosting the new-look UCLA Bruins in what could be one of the more intriguing matchups of the Week 1 slate. Vegas has this game essentially as a pick'em, with the Golden Bears entering as 1.5-point underdogs, which I think is a fair line. We will be in attendance covering this matchup, and personally, I believe this is one of the best games of Week 1. I am high on both of these teams this season and believe they have the potential to emerge as sleepers in their respective conferences.
California enters the season with plenty of optimism surrounding the program under new head coach Tosh Lupoi. The former Golden Bear takes over a Cal team led by returning sophomore quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele, who threw for 3,454 yards and 18 touchdowns as a freshman last season. With one of the ACC's most promising young quarterbacks returning, the Golden Bears will look to begin the Lupoi era with a statement win at home.
UCLA also enters the season under new leadership after hiring former JMU head coach Bob Chesney in the offseason. Chesney compiled a 21-6 record with the Dukes and led the program to its first-ever playoff appearance last season. Now, he takes over a UCLA program looking to establish itself under a new coaching staff and begin a new chapter in Westwood.
With both programs entering the season with new head coaches and plenty of optimism surrounding their futures, Saturday's matchup should provide an early look at just how quickly each team can put its new identity into place.