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California wide receiver Keenan Allen (21) comes down with a touchdown against Stanford Cardinal's Michael Thomas (3) in the first quarter for the 114th Big Game at Stanford Stadium in Stanford, Calif. on Saturday, November 19, 2011. (Nhat V. Meyer/Mercury News)

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Cal preview capsule:

HEAD COACH: Jeff Tedford 79-48/10 years at Cal and overall

2011 RECORD: 7-6, 4-5/4th in Pac-12 North

KEY PLAYERS: Junior WR Keenan Allen is a preseason All-America candidate after catching 98 passes for 1,343 yards and six touchdowns last season ... Senior QB Zach Maynard, erratic through the first half of last season, will be expected to resume his more efficient late-season play ... Although undersized at 5-8, 183, RB Isi Sofele established himself as an every-down back last season when he rushed for 1,322 yards.

OUTLOOK: The Bears have experience at the offensive skill spots, but remain a tough team to peg. Three are a couple holes to fill on the offensive line, a talented but young defense and newcomers at both kicking spots. A renovated Memorial Stadium will provide an early lift, but the schedule gets tough when the Bears face back-to-back road tests Sept. 15 at Ohio State and Sept. 22 at USC.