Pac-12 Media Day: California will rely on offense again

In 10 seasons at California, Coach Jeff Tedford has been known as an offensive guru. His teams have racked up the more yards and points than most teams in the country and have featured many premier offensive players, including NFL MVP Aaron Rodgers.

But the last two years, the Golden Bears’ success has been predicated largely on its defense. Cal led the Pac-12in total defense for the second straight year in 2011, paving the way to a 7-6 record and a berth in the Holiday Bowl.

Cal, though, could be back to its old ways.

This season, 3,000-yard passer Zach Maynard, 1,000-yard receiver Keenan Allen and 1,000-yard rusher Isi Sofele are back.

“We feel like we can match any offense in the conference,” Allen said.

Cal has six returning starters on defense, including three who have been named to the preseason all-conference first team.

If all goes according to plan, the Bears could be in the mix for the Pac-12 title.

“I think the team is motivated to reach the standard of where we believe we should be,” Tedford said. “And that’s right there in the conference hunt.”

andrew.john@latimes.com

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