Ross Bowers

While he broke out for a career-high two scores against Idaho State his junior year, his clutch factor shined through most during his senior season.

In four seasons with the Bears, Noa was a popular target for Cal quarterbacks, compiling 94 receptions for 1,224 yards and six touchdowns.

And despite one of the sloppiest performances in the history of bowl games on the offensive side of things, many view seven wins as a step in the right direction, Cheez-It Bowl champs or not.

As announced this week, quarterback Ross Bowers — the team’s 2017 starter who famously front-flipped his way to a 37-3 upset of then No. 8 Washington State — is one of seven student-athletes leaving the Bears for a change in scenery.

The Bears’ offensive efficiency ranked as the second worst among all Power Five teams, ending just above Rutgers and below eternal laughingstock Kansas. How do you ruin the efforts of a defense that was top 10 in the nation by just about any statistic?

In a day and age in which statistics and eye-popping numbers are the driving forces behind Heisman races and postseason analysis, I’m here to tell you that Garbers’ uninspiring numbers don’t tell half the story.

Sure, we might lose. But we might win. As Cal showed on that October night, even the wins that seem distant aren’t out of reach.

Laird’s diminished influence, the run blocking of the offensive line and trouble protecting the ball are all cause for serious concern, but the easiest thing to control should come first. And nothing should be easier to change than the depth chart. Its sudden stickiness at quarterback confuses me as much as you.

With a trio of quarterbacks ready at a moment’s notice and a defensive lineup that continues to impress, Cal’s outlook coincides with the team’s ranking — looking upward. Only time will tell if this is the year for Chase Garbers and Cal football.

For now, Garbers is the primary pocket passer, but I wouldn’t be surprised to see McIlwain — who led Cal with 74 rushing yards and 16 carries against BYU — see the field for an entire drive or two.