This year's team came to be known as "The Bear Minimum", led by defensive lineman
Ed White, an
All-American and future member of
College Hall of Fame. Relying on its defense, Cal
ranked as high as eighth in the AP poll in early November. The Bears won 21–7 at
Michigan in the season opener and
shut out No. 10
Syracuse 43–0 in late October. Earning three shutouts, California held its opponents to 10.4 points a game.[3] As of 2011, The Bear Minimum still held Cal's records for opponents' average gains per play – 3.60, as well as the fewest rushing touchdowns per season – five (same as the 1937 "
Thunder Team"). Its average yards per rush was 2.51 which is still second only to the "Thunder Team" with 2.50 yards per rush.[4]
California's statistical leaders on offense were quarterback Randy Humphries with 1,247 passing yards, Gary Fowler with 665 rushing yards, and Wayne Stewart with 679 receiving yards.[5]
This year's team came to be known as "The Bear Minimum", led by defensive lineman
Ed White, an
All-American and future member of
College Hall of Fame. Relying on its defense, Cal
ranked as high as eighth in the AP poll in early November. The Bears won 21–7 at
Michigan in the season opener and
shut out No. 10
Syracuse 43–0 in late October. Earning three shutouts, California held its opponents to 10.4 points a game.[3] As of 2011, The Bear Minimum still held Cal's records for opponents' average gains per play – 3.60, as well as the fewest rushing touchdowns per season – five (same as the 1937 "
Thunder Team"). Its average yards per rush was 2.51 which is still second only to the "Thunder Team" with 2.50 yards per rush.[4]
California's statistical leaders on offense were quarterback Randy Humphries with 1,247 passing yards, Gary Fowler with 665 rushing yards, and Wayne Stewart with 679 receiving yards.[5]