Mark my words, California will finish top 15 nationally in special teams efficiency this season. Everyone obsesses over the portal and QB battles, but the hidden yardage from the third unit is what wins 7-3 games in the ACC. Last year we ranked 92nd in ESPN's SP+ special teams rating, and that directly cost us two wins lmao. The new staff has prioritized it this spring, bringing in a dedicated analyst and holding competitive live periods for kick coverage. Our net punting average was a dismal 37.1 yards, which is a field position killer. With an emphasis on fundamentals and the athletes we've added on defense who will play teams, that number jumps into the 41-yard range. That four-yard flip per exchange is the difference between forcing a three-and-out and giving up a scoring drive. This is the year the Bears finally win the field position battle consistently.