July 30, 2009

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LOS ANGELES - California has been picked to finish second in the 2009 Pac-10 preseason poll of media members who regularly cover the league. USC was the media's preseason choice to win the conference title for an eighth consecutive season. The Trojans were listed in the top spot by 28 of the 32 voters participating in the poll, while Cal claimed three of the four other first-place votes. Oregon (one first-place vote) was picked third and followed by Oregon State, Arizona State, Stanford, UCLA, Arizona, Washington and Washington State.

"Next Thursday is always the most exciting day of the year for me when we reconvene again," said head coach Jeff Tedford in his comments to the media, referring to the team's reporting date for training camp. "I'm excited about the prospects of the season. I know the players are working very hard, and I'm happy with the team chemistry and how the leadership has surfaced."

Cal has now been picked to finish second in the league in five of the last six annual Pac-10 preseason media polls. The Bears are ranked as high as No. 9 nationally (Phil Steele) in 2009 preseason rankings released by college football preview publications after a 9-4 season, fourth-place Pac-10 finish and Emerald Bowl victory in 2008.

Cal opens its 2009 campaign with a nationally televised ESPN2 game against Maryland at Memorial Stadium on Saturday, Sept.5 (7 p.m. PT). Cal fans are being encouraged to participate in a Blue Out of Memorial Stadium for the season-opener by wearing blue to the game.

For 2009 Cal football tickets, visit the ticket page at CalBears.com or call (800) GO BEARS.

2009 Pac-10 Media Poll (first-place votes in parenthesis)
1)  USC (28)         316
2)  California (3)   277
3)  Oregon (1)       250
4)  Oregon State     216
5)  Arizona State    155
6)  Stanford         150
7)  UCLA             145
8)  Arizona          142
9)  Washington        74
10) Washington State  35