The California Golden Bears popped into the AP Top 25 this week. The news fell into the Throwback category simply because it feels like it's been so damn long since Cal football has reached such heights. Actually it wasn't all that long ago. Cal spent four weeks among the Top 25 in 2015, surging to a high of 20th. Then they lost four straight and haven't threatened the Top 25 since.
Current AP Top 25:
1. Alabama
2. Georgia
3. Clemson
4. Ohio State
5. LSU
6. Oklahoma
7. Stanford
8. Notre Dame
9. Penn State
10. Auburn
11. Washington
12. West Virginia
13. Central Florida
14. Michigan
15. Wisconsin
16. Miami
17. Kentucky
18. Texas
19. Oregon
20. BYU
21. Michigan State
22. Duke
23. Mississippi State
24. Cal
25. Texas Tech
In recent years, Cal has often gotten the hopes of their fans on a high note during the non-conference portion of their schedule. Cal's three wins this year have come against North Carolina, BYU, and Idaho State. The big win of the three is the one against BYU and because of that win it's a bit surprising to see the Cougars at #20. I guess the voting doesn't have to make sense. This year's nice start feels a little different because this Cal team is a little different. Under second-year head coach Justin Wilcox the Bears actually play defense. There wasn't a hint of defense during the four years that Sonny Dykes called the shots. Cal's Top 25 presence will get a real test this Saturday when they host Oregon.
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