What Is 2011 California Golden Bears football

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Last updated: April 15, 2026

Quick Answer: The 2011 California Golden Bears football team represented the University of California, Berkeley in the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season, finishing with a 7-6 record under head coach Jeff Tedford. They played their home games at Memorial Stadium and competed in the Pac-12 Conference, ultimately winning the Holiday Bowl against Texas with a 21-10 victory on December 28, 2011.

Key Facts

2011 record: 7-6 overall and 4-5 in Pac-12 Conference play
Head coach Jeff Tedford led the team for his 10th consecutive season
Played home games at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California
Won the Holiday Bowl 21-10 over Texas on December 28, 2011
Finished ranked #23 in the final AP Poll after bowl victory

Overview

The 2011 California Golden Bears football season marked the 104th season of the program's existence and the 18th as a member of the Pac-12 Conference. Led by head coach Jeff Tedford in his 10th year, the team aimed to rebound from a disappointing 2010 campaign that ended with a 6-7 record.

Competing in the newly realigned Pac-12 Conference following the addition of Colorado and Utah, the Golden Bears were placed in the North Division. Their schedule featured a mix of traditional rivals and new conference opponents, culminating in a postseason bowl appearance.

Record: The team finished the season with a 7-6 overall record and a 4-5 mark in Pac-12 play, placing fourth in the North Division.
Head Coach:Jeff Tedford remained at the helm for his 10th consecutive season, making him one of the longest-tenured coaches in the conference at the time.
Home Stadium: The Golden Bears played their home games at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley, California, a venue undergoing renovations during this period.
Bowl Game: They earned a spot in the 2011 Holiday Bowl, defeating the Texas Longhorns 21-10 on December 28, 2011, in San Diego.
Final Ranking: Following their bowl victory, California was ranked #23 in the final AP Poll, marking their first ranked finish since 2008.

Season Performance

The 2011 season showcased a team that improved in key moments despite inconsistency during conference play. The Golden Bears opened the season with a strong 4-1 record, highlighted by a 35-21 win over Colorado, but struggled in Pac-12 matchups against Oregon and Stanford.

Quarterback Play:Quarterback Zach Maynard led the offense, throwing for 2,623 yards and 15 touchdowns with 12 interceptions on the season.
Defensive Strength: The defense, led by linebacker Mychal Kendricks, ranked among the Pac-12 leaders with 33 sacks and forced 20 turnovers.
Rivalry Game: In the 114th Big Game against Stanford, California lost 31-28 in a close contest that determined North Division hopes.
Bowl Preparation: After accepting a bid to the Holiday Bowl, the team prepared for Texas, a Big 12 opponent making its first appearance in the game.
Key Victory: The 21-10 win over Texas was powered by a dominant second-half performance and a crucial 75-yard touchdown run by Isi Sofele.
Season High: The Golden Bears' highest point total came in a 49-21 victory over Colorado in October, showcasing offensive potential.

Comparison at a Glance

Here's how the 2011 season compared to recent years in key statistical categories:

Season	Overall Record	Pac-12 Record	Bowl Result	Final AP Rank
2009	8-5	5-4	Championship: Lost to Ohio State	NR
2010	6-7	3-5	Lost to Illinois in Kraft Fight Hunger Bowl	NR
2011	7-6	4-5	Won Holiday Bowl vs. Texas (21-10)	#23
2012	3-9	2-7	No bowl appearance	NR
2013	1-11	0-9	No bowl appearance	NR

The 2011 season stood out as a transitional year that ended on a positive note with a ranked finish and a convincing bowl win. While not dominant in conference play, the team showed resilience and outperformed the following two seasons, which saw a steep decline under Tedford before his departure after 2012. The Holiday Bowl victory provided a rare bright spot in an era of diminishing returns.

Why It Matters

The 2011 season remains a notable chapter in California football history due to its mix of promise, competitive challenges, and a successful postseason conclusion. It represented one of the final successful campaigns under Jeff Tedford before the program entered a prolonged downturn.

Program Stability: The season demonstrated continued competitiveness at the Power Five level, maintaining bowl eligibility for the ninth time in ten years under Tedford.
Player Development: Several players, including Mychal Kendricks and Keenan Allen, elevated their draft stock during this season.
Bowl Prestige: Winning the Holiday Bowl added to the program’s legacy, as it was their second appearance and first win in the event.
Conference Transition: As part of the Pac-12’s inaugural season, the year marked a new era of scheduling and television exposure.
Recruiting Impact: A ranked finish and bowl win helped recruiting efforts in Northern California and beyond, at least in the short term.
Historical Context: The season serves as a benchmark between the program’s relative success in the 2000s and its struggles in the mid-2010s.

In hindsight, the 2011 campaign was one of the last high points before a significant drop in performance. It remains a reminder of the team’s potential when well-coached and well-prepared, even amid a shifting college football landscape.