Heading into 2006, most of the stars on this team resided on the defensive side of the ball, though they ranked 90th for total D. Heading into ‘07, the complete opposite will be the case. So many of the most recognized and decorated names on defense have departed. The offense will get all of the preseason accolades this time around. Players such as Marshawn Lynch, a top candidate for the Heisman at RB; DeSean Jackson, the nation's best punt returner (four TDs) and the team’s leading receiver; Nate Longshore, another great hurler in the line of unheralded Jeff Tedford QBs; Craig Stevens, ‘06 All-Pac Ten TE; and Alex Mack, All-Pac Ten Center. On the other side, gone are four All-Pac Ten performers including the Defensive Player of the Year CB Daymeion Hughes. What a difference a year makes. Whereas the defense was expected to hold the rope, it's now the offenses turn to do the same. When a coach like Jeff Tedford is able to load up on the offensive side of the ball, it usually spells big numbers. Enough talent is in place to make this one the nation’s most electric scoring machines. While the secondary does return three quarters of the starting rotation, their production has not met expectations (108th-ranked pass defense). CB Syd'quan Thompson is a former Prep All-American and will help to ease some of the concerns there. Zack Follett is sure to find starting duty at one of the LB spots after receiving All-American freshmen honors a year ago. For Cal to make a statement in the conference title race, coaches need to use more ball-control to slow down the barrage of offensive points that typically leaves the defense on the field too long. To climb higher in the preseason polls, a few leaders will need to emerge on defense this spring. Cal is downright “offensive”.