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Football: Where do we go from here?
By Jonathan Okanes
Sunday, October 26th, 2008 at 10:16 pm in Last game tidbits, Mid-week.
Cal’s win over UCLA sets up a huge game this Saturday against Oregon. There are now just four teams left with only one loss in Pac-10 play, and the Bears and the Ducks are two of them. The loser obviously will have an uphill climb to win the conference championship, although that team can be comforted a little bit by the fact that each of the past two Pac-10 champs finished with two losses.
Still, it will be tough for whichever team loses Saturday to still win the conference. USC, tied with Oregon atop the standings at 4-1, has only one conference game left against a team with a winning record (Cal). The Trojans also play Washington, Stanford and UCLA.
Oregon St., which like Cal is 3-1, also has a favorable schedule with Arizona State, Cal and Oregon all at home. The Beavers do have to go on the road to face Arizona, as well as UCLA.
After Saturday’s game, Oregon has home games against Stanford and Arizona then at Oregon State.
The Bears simply need to win Saturday because they must go on the road against USC and Oregon State, two games which will stiff challenges. Assuming Oregon State beats Arizona State this week, there will be only three one-loss teams left after the weekend, and Cal and USC will meet the next Saturday. The Bears would be well-served to still be one of those one-loss teams for the game against the Trojans.
One thing is for sure: The Bears are going to have to get their offense in gear to continue to contend. Yes, they ended up putting up 41 points Saturday, but that wasn’t a true reflection of the offense. First downs and and passing yards were hard to come by until Kevin Riley’s touchdown pass to Nyan Boateng on the flea-flicker early in the fourth quarter. The Bears racked up some yards and points after that, but it was garbage time.
Cal simply needs one or two receivers to emerge. Boateng can be that guy, but he needs to be better. Otherwise, it looks like the Bears will pin their hopes on Verran Tucker or Jeremy Ross to provide another consistent option at wide-out.
it better happen immediately, because as good as the Bears’ defense has been for most of this season, they will be hard-pressed to completely silence the Ducks’ high-powered offense on Saturday. Cal’s defense can play well and still give up some points, so the Bears will need to score some themselves.
Cal will need to shore up its offensive line. It remains to be seen if right tackle Chet Teofilo will be back this week. He was in a boot Sunday after spraining his ankle. I’d look for Donovan Edwards, who ended the game playing right tackle, to be the man there if it comes to that. Edwards held his own after No. 2 right tackle Matt Laird also got injured.
And now for a couple of finishing touches:
–Cal crept close to returning to the Associated Press top 25 in the new poll released today. The Bears received 42 votes, good for No. 27. Here’s something good for the Bears’ strength of schedule: Maryland debuted at No. 25, meaning two of Cal’s three nonconference opponents are currently ranked (Michigan State checks in at No. 22)
–Here’s the slideshow from Saturday’s game by staff photographer Jose Carlos Fajardo.
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October 26th, 2008 at 10:33 pm
JO,
Did anyone ask Tedford why he threw late in the 4th quarter (Riley to Moorah)? Cal had 2 TD lead and UCLA had already put in back up QB. I know it’s not like Tedford to do that as time after time in the past he’s either ran up the middle or taken a kneee depending on the situation. Seems like it made UCLA coach angry and they tried onside kick + took timeouts. I will appreciate any info regarding this. Thanks.
October 26th, 2008 at 10:35 pm
I wonder which defense will show up against Oregon. Since we are at home, I’m hoping for a solid run defense and a few turnovers. That should be enough for a win. Otherwise, we’ll be in trouble. Oregon has scored 30+ points in each of their games (not including USC) and their offense is as explosive as Arizona’s. Our D beat Oregon’s spread offense that included Dennis Dixon and Jonathan Stewart last year in Autzen, however, I’m still nervous about this game. This is a must-win game.
As for our offense, I absolutely believe that Kevin Riley should start the game. Further, they should stop splitting reps in practice. It’s detrimental to the eventual starter to split rep during practice. That means you’re only getting 1/2 the reps. Those are important reps in practice to get some sort of continuity with your receivers.
Although our passing game has been inconsistent, we still have time to click. This Oregon game is going to be very important for Riley’s development if we plan on beating USC and Oregon St. in back to back road games. Sure, Longshore could have probably beaten UCLA. However, do you truly believe that Longshore is capable of taking it to USC and Oregon St. on the road? Riley had a inconsistent day, but he had 0.00 turnovers. 0. 0 pick sixes. 0 fumbles. 2 TDs, 0 turnovers. We had 24 points in the fourth quarter. Do you want 24 points in the first quarter/half with Nate and then a second half of disspointements and pick sixes? Or do you want 24 points in the fourth and win the game? Riley is the future, we need him there to gel with his receivers in time for USC and Oregon St. GO BEARS!!
October 26th, 2008 at 10:40 pm
We’re 29th in the BCS standings now.
http://www.bcsguru.com/2008_bcs_standings.htm
October 26th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Finally, JT recognizes that Kevin Riley played a good game against UCLA. Sfgate.com reports:
Riley review: After reviewing video of Saturday’s game, Tedford softened his postgame comments about sophomore quarterback Kevin Riley.
“He actually threw some really good balls,” Tedford said. “He made good decisions. He was smart and careful with the football.”
Immediately after the game, in which Riley went 11-of-22 for 153 yards, two touchdowns and no interceptions, Tedford said, “We need to be better, and I think Kevin would tell you that.”
Tedford again lauded Riley’s play on a 53-yard flea-flicker touchdown to Nyan Boateng, when the quarterback avoided a rusher while receiving the pitch back from Jahvid Best and turned and fired an accurate pass about 60 yards in the air. Tedford also said a couple of Riley’s passes on post patterns could have drawn pass-interference calls.
========================
I saw at least four dropped passes including two in the end zone that should have been caught. Another receiver in the end zone did not even make a play toward catching the ball, but allowed the defender to go for the ball uncontested. If these players make the plays, we would have less sputtering on offense.
Several other players stopped blocking before the plays were over or did not lay any block at all.
A message to special teams: please get your act together.
What this team needs is a DESIRE to win. Listen and take a lesson from Mike Singletary: Play smashmouth football. Otherwise, Oregon, USC, OSU and Stanford will take it to us and make us the smashee.
I love my Bears, but we have to play harder and better to beat our competition.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:52 pm
Although I am not completely satisfied with the offense this year, I’m glad we haven’t peaked yet. It’s already Late October, and late October/November are usually hard months for us. In the past couple seasons, it feels as if we had peaked by mid-October. Looking at our team right now, I’d say I’m glad we haven’t peaked yet. We are still not yet playing the best football we can play – which is great in the sense that our team has so much more untapped potential, but terrible, if we never get there this season. If our game hits full swing against SC next week, then I feel like we’re in pretty good shape. I know we’re not supposed to overlook Oregon, but I’m certain if our defense clamps down, that we don’t have to be at “our best” to beat Oregon.
I don’t even know if I’m making sense anymore.
October 26th, 2008 at 11:55 pm
JO, I beg you to please ask Tedford how splitting 1st team reps between 2 QBs in practice is beneficial to the development of an obviously green WR corps. Maybe, you media guys can draw straws to determine who asks it, but someone needs to ask it. I’ve seen this question in too many places by numerous fans of different perspectives. Everyone is perplexed, and it would be nice to get an answer for it. If this revolving door game continues in practice, how is any one of the WR going to establish themselves? I really hope it is just a smoke screen to keep opposing team’s guessing. Go Bears!
October 27th, 2008 at 5:28 am
Amen to what Davidson said. At best, you can say that Longshore and Riley are equally good (perhaps in practice this is true – but in the clutch, it’s obvious that Riley has the mental toughness to step up and make a play, while Longshore has an uncanny knack for the meltdown). Longshore has been in the program FIVE years. He is a senior. Riley has been in the program three years. He is a sophomore. Extra reps in practice are more important for him to improve. Longshore doesn’t have time to improve – and it’s unlikely that more practice will solve the 4th quarter interception problem.
Tell Riley the team is his to lead and stop making him look over his shoulder to see if Longshore is going to get his job back. Maybe he has slow starts because he’s thinking too much – trying too hard. But would you rather have a slow start, or a pick-six finish?
Longshore is by all accounts a great guy and a team player. His accuracy problems mean he’s not going to be an NFL quarterback – if he can’t get the ball consistently on target in college, NFL defensive backs will have him for lunch. I wish him the best, but I also wish Riley would be given the chance to define the team’s personality. Go Bears!
October 27th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Split QB reps comments are absolutely correct. Let Riley have all the reps with his young receivers (not Cunningham and Young who are seniors).
Nate has been an excellent student-athlete and he will go down in history as a good Cal QB. But Nate has only 5 games left in a Cal uniform. Riley has 29!
Let Riley fully develop by getting all the reps in practice.
Go Bears!
October 27th, 2008 at 7:28 am
Cunningham should have caught the slant for a td early in the game. That pass was right on the money! Riley looked good enough to earn the start against Oregon. Just like Nate did enough against ASU to start against Zona. In my humble opinion these moments of not announcing the starter make JT look pretty silly. It would be different, maybe, if the Bears had different packages for each guy, but as UCLA coaches stated Cal runs the same things no matter who plays QB. So the Bears are not keeping the opponent off guard, it seems, by not announcing a starter until late. It seems like the Bears are the ones kept off guard.
October 27th, 2008 at 8:29 am
What pops out for me is that our third down conversion rate is less than 30%. If you can’t get a first down on more than 1 in 3 third downs, you’re in trouble.
October 27th, 2008 at 8:38 am
What on earth are we doing on special teams? Until Cal did it, I’ve never seen a punt return team not cover the punting team’s gunners (who essentially line up as wide receivers). Against UCLA it almost cost us the ball. What is the rationale for not putting one (or better yet, two) defensive backs to block and cover the gunners??
October 27th, 2008 at 8:50 am
Cal still has a quarterbck problem. UCLA’s quarterbacks won the game for Cal.
AHEM!!! Cal is a 3 point favorite against Oregon
October 27th, 2008 at 8:58 am
Josh – your observation on the punt return scheme is right on; and the special teams handling of the gunner baffling. Why did the coaches call off blocking the gunner. I noticed it on UCLA’s first punt and couldn’t believe what I saw. On the first punt I thought it was just an oversight by the return personnel, but no, it happened again and it must be the punt return scheme – or- the coaching staff didn’t notice it during the game.
October 27th, 2008 at 8:59 am
Put me in coach – I can do it all.
October 27th, 2008 at 9:22 am
I still think the QB situation is a toss-up with both being at average at best and the edge going to Riley.
I give Riley the edge for being turn-over free. OTOH, against a weak team, 11 for 22 and 153 yards just isn’t anything to shout about and isn’t a high powered Tedford offense. What baffles me however is the lack of calling play action and roll-outs for Riley.
Any way, as long as Cal wins (and the D shows up), that’s what matters.
October 27th, 2008 at 9:50 am
@Milo said: What baffles me however is the lack of calling play action and roll-outs for Riley.
That’s all on Cignetti, I continue to be *very* unimpressed with his work as OC. He has a stable of horses to use creatively, but his playcalling is uninspiring. As Robert noted above, Cignetti’s inability to craft a different gameplan for each quarterback that would be optimized for each QB’s skill set is befuddling.
I also agree on all the negatives involving splitting snaps in practice that others have brought up.
Personally I’d be open to having NL play the first half using the current Cignetti playcalling scheme, I think it favors NL’s style of play. I don’t think that there would be a huge argument from anybody here re: for the most part Nate plays well in the first half. That allows the opponents DC to make adjustments at halftime — but if the Bears bring Riley in as the 2nd half starter *and* Cignetti is capable of developing a gameplan specifically tuned to Rileys skillset – rollouts, bootlegs, keepers, deep balls, running game – then I’d have to think that this would mostly negate any DC adjustments keeping the defense off kilter and the Bear would roll. I think there is alot of Tebow in Riley given a playcaller that would get him in that groove. Is that Cignetti? Not so much so far.
With all that said – if the offense can’t stay on the field and the load falls on the shoulders of the defense to play substantial minutes over these next 3 games then it’s possible that things will get very ugly. Offense must be able to sustain drives, eat clock, and score while avoiding 3 and outs and turnovers.
October 27th, 2008 at 10:05 am
“Offense must be able to sustain drives, eat clock, and score while avoiding 3 and outs and turnovers” –MikeD
My thoughts exactly!
October 27th, 2008 at 10:10 am
Here is something that I have observed. Darian Hagan has dropped many potential interceptions that came his way this season. By my count, he has failed to catch about 8 passes where he could have snagged the ball. A lot of stickum might help his play and make him a superstar.
Is there any one out there that has made the same observation?
If only our secondary and our receivers would catch the catchable balls, we would be be a real force.
Go Bears!
October 27th, 2008 at 10:16 am
HOW CAN WE POISSIBLY BEAT OREGON?!!?!?
THEY’RE SOOO GOOD!
October 27th, 2008 at 10:25 am
Hey, Bears,
An Oregon guy here who thinks this pivotal game will be fascinating. Both teams appear to have tremendous talent that is having a difficult time consistently coming together. Like Cal, Oregon has QB issues, although Jeremiah Masoli had a bit of a coming out party against ASU on Saturday night. He was the Ducks’ leading rusher for the second week in a row and has more than 250 yards on the ground in two games. His passing iremains a work in progress and the receivers, although doing better agaisnst ASU, have had a collective case of the drops so far this season. The defense remains solid, but we continue to be vulnerable to the flat pass and over-the-middle stuff to the tight ends. As with many games, this one may come down to turnovers because the teams appear to be about as evenly matched as I’ve seen this year.
October 27th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Josh and Duke, Alamar is playing a chess match with the opposing team’s s.t. coach. Often times, the kicking team will return the gunners to the middle of the field to block. Unfortunately, that’s not always true, and I saw gunners running free in several other games with the end result of no or negative return yards.
In addition, if the gunners don’t move to the middle, it is the responsibility of specific players to get out there. If you see the game, again, Conte was sprinting at an angle to the sideline before the ball was even snapped. I think we won’t be seeing much of this scheme in the future, as Alamar stopped experimenting with it after the fake.
Finally, since the debacle on special teams against a UCLA fake punt a couple years back, Alamar has always assigned 3 players to watch for fakes.
Go Bears!
October 27th, 2008 at 10:42 am
@MikeD – yeah, I agree about Cignetti…not inspired play-calling and not tailored to each QB. I’ve been complaining to my seat mates about the play calling all season, the roll outs but other stuff.
He finally put Best in at slot with Vereen at TB. You know that has to worry defenses, given his speed and of course Best scored off the reverse. I’d have Best in the slot for at least 5-6 plays a game with Vereen at TB. That’s a LOT of speed for a defense to have to look at.
Also, last year Cal called a play for Justin Forsett, a quick flip pitch, that aimed at lane/hole the O-line opened. I know the O-line has been totally beat up but this kind of play would give Best a good step and given his speed, it could be big. Forsett often pulled up 15-20 yard carries on it.
If you look at how Reggie Bush was used, he lined up at slot and flanker a lot and there were lots of pitch outs that gave him an edge to get around the corner or be at full speed hitting the line. I think Best is being a bit under-utilized here.
@Boalt – it’s a tough call on DBs missing INTs since it’s a reactive thing and they should be paying attention to other things besides just catching the ball (coverage, zone, help). Any way, I don’t think it’s just Hagan. Conte had an INT hit his hands against AZ and again against UCLA. Cal does lead the Pac-10 in picks however. They’re already 5 ahead of last years total…and we have another year for Thompson and more for the rest.
Go Bears!
October 27th, 2008 at 10:51 am
MikeD as you state:
Personally I’d be open to having NL play the first half using the current Cignetti playcalling scheme, I think it favors NL’s style of play. I don’t think that there would be a huge argument from anybody here re: for the most part Nate plays well in the first half. That allows the opponents DC to make adjustments at halftime — but if the Bears bring Riley in as the 2nd half starter *and* Cignetti is capable of developing a gameplan specifically tuned to Rileys skillset – rollouts, bootlegs, keepers, deep balls, running game – then I’d have to think that this would mostly negate any DC adjustments keeping the defense off kilter and the Bear would roll. I think there is alot of Tebow in Riley given a playcaller that would get him in that groove. Is that Cignetti? Not so much so far.
If Tedford cant decide week in/week out, who the starting QB is, then why not utilize this indecisiveness to our advantage? I cant help but look ahead to the Nov. 8th showdown with SC. We play Pete “the master of second half adjustments” at home and the only way that I see that we can pull off the upset is for us to keep the SC Defense off-balance. Starting NL in the first and KR in the second would do that–provided that NL doesnt go into the tank in the first half. SC Defense has allowed just 13 (yes, 13) second half points in all the games they have played. In addition, their defense allows the opponent to convert 27% of their third downs. That Defense made Tuitama look like a DII QB on Saturday. Oh, by the way, the Ducks are no pushover either; Cignetti, how about experimenting in-game a little bit this Saturday that could help us the following Saturday?
Go Bears!
October 27th, 2008 at 10:55 am
Seeing how many drops the receivers have had, putting Best and Vereen in the game at the same time seems pretty logical. They catch better and are better playmakers than the receivers. Forget putting them out there for 5 or 6 plays. Why not at least 10? Make the defense account for them regularly. Pretty soon the defense has to scramble for another cb or put a safety there. Opens up things elsewhere. The oline is banged up. Let’s get creative.
October 27th, 2008 at 11:04 am
Boalt, You’re almost right in my estimation with respect to Hagan. He wasn’t always in the right position to intercept several balls, even though he came close, especially, against MSU.
On the otherhand we saw him fail to pick a ball that went right through his hands against the baby bears. He has played beyond my expectations for his first full year as a starter, so I’m letting that drop slide. I’m content that his teammates will correct any errors by him. As Worrel was scolding him in the 4th Quarter for being too far back in the pre-snap formation. For those who still wonder where the leadership is, there’s yet another warm body displaying it.
Go Bears!
October 27th, 2008 at 11:05 am
Hi Guys,
Yeah, I’m the enemy, but if it’s any comfort I usually root for you guys when we’re not playing each other.
I’m a big fan of Tedford and want his teams to do well. After all, he was our offensive coordinator for a few years. I’ve still got the “Go Ducks” sign from the 2002 Fiesta Bowl he helped us win on my wall.
I see a potentially high scoring game, maybe in the 30′s for each time or high 20′s.
We’ll both like struggle defending each others offense. You guys provide much more of a balanced attack than anyone we’ve faced so far, with the exception of USC.
We’ve both lost at least one game that we shouldn’t have. You guys lost to Maryland and we to Boise State, after they knocked out our 3rd string qb with a cheap shot to the head.
I’ll go ahead and make my prediction. Drumroll….
Ducks 35
Cal 33
Go Ducks!!!!
P.S. and then Go Bears the rest of the way after Saturday!
October 27th, 2008 at 11:22 am
JO – any idea why Tedford threw his playcard and headset to the ground? it was a flashback to the Oregon State game
It was after the playaction/throw to the FB play that went incomplete (~5:05 left in the 4th). It was a dangerous throw with the linebacker in coverage, but I could not tell if it was Kevin or Will in the doghouse on that one.
October 27th, 2008 at 11:28 am
Okay, I agree, have Best in at slot/flanker 10+ plays a game with Vereen in at TB. It would make the defense think twice about speed. They are better at catching the ball then the receivers.
On that note, I’d use that funky triangle wedge formation that bunches up the WR, TE and Flanker…or have Morrah in there as the third option. It would really make defenses think hard.
Cignetti does get props however for calling the flea flicker, although I’m guessing that could have been Tedford. The FF has a special place with Ted…first play he called in his HC’ing career against MSU and it was a TD.
October 27th, 2008 at 11:35 am
A bit off topic, but does anyone know where I can buy one of those Joe Roth t-shirts they were giving away at the game? They’re the yellow ones with a ‘C’ incased in an oblong, blue circle (a la the 1970s helmut design).
October 27th, 2008 at 11:47 am
Milo, I heard it was Tedford’s call. Another play was called, but Tedford said, “Let’s go for it”
I would love to see Riley move around the pocket more. It seems very natural to him. Also, on the roll out play for the last TD to Morrah was very well executed. 2 DBs went for Tad Smith for the short gain, and Riley hit the single covered Morrah with a tight spiral on the run in the Endzone.
Also, I love Riley’s enthusiasm for the game. Son of a coach, and the top QB recruit out of Oregon, you can tell this guy lives and breathes football and we should definately have him behind center.
October 27th, 2008 at 11:52 am
On a totally separate note, who else thinks we’re breaking out the Gold tops and blue bottoms for Oregon this Saturday? I do. I think those uniforms are worth +4 points by themselves. GO BEARS!!!
October 27th, 2008 at 11:55 am
Wow cal fan I really dont think you should be looking forward to u$c. Oregon finally got some decent QB play last weekend and lit up the score board right from the coin toss. I really am not impressed with what Tedford has done down there in the bay, tipicaly his team will start there nose dive to the bottom rung of the PAC 10 right about now and to be perfectally honest the writing is on the wall, who to start? That joke Riley, I thought that he was a little “diffrent” when he was in high school. But now I know he fits right in down there in the bay.
Good luck with the rest of your scedule back to back to back losses would be out of the question…..right CAL
GoDuckYourself
Go Blazers
October 27th, 2008 at 11:59 am
I don’t think the Bears have a hope against Oregon. Sorry, sad but true.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
The best parts of the game were the Joe Kapp interview and the win. The score should have read 41-13. Go Bears.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
Was anyone else wondering why our DB’s were playing 10 yards off the receivers vs UCLA, in what looked like some sort of a zone?
Time and time again a UCLA receiver was able to “sit” just behind the linebackers and in front of the DB’s for a catch. Watching this was driving me crazy! I know that Bob Gregory wants to keep EVERYTHING in front of the Bear secondary, but this “zone” stuff is gonna kill us when we go up against a solid QB.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:35 pm
I didn’t see the Kapp interview but they showed an absolutely great “Cal Story” on the big TV at the game (fans tell their story).
In the clip, a 93 y.o. Cal fan tells about how during the big Oakland Fire in ’91, he was at the game during the fire.
Someone with him said, “that looks like Hiller Highlands, isn’t that your house?”
The guy said, yeah…and he stayed for the game.
When he got home his house was gone. He said he never leaves a game early…EVER.
Wow. Think about that next time you leave early.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:49 pm
If we’re gonna talk fashion, how about busting out the gold tops AND gold bottoms for the Oregon game? That would be worth a few extra style points.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:52 pm
Mike, that’s the bend-n-break achilles heal. Someday, Tedford will wake up from his love affair with this idealogy and embrace his words, when he first took the job. “(On defense) I want to have an aggressive style with multiple blitzing packages throughout the game”. Doesn’t sound like Gregory’s defense does it?
Go Bears!
October 27th, 2008 at 12:55 pm
The Band, I think those were corporate sponsored T-shirts given to the students. There’s a possibility they’ll be available through other sources, but I’m sure you wouldn’t want a corporate sponsor logo on your back.
October 27th, 2008 at 12:57 pm
@GoDuckYourself – don’t see anywhere on here where anybody is looking past the Oregon game, we all know that the next 3 (4 counting the game v the Trees) are crucial and should be great games to watch
@Huskies will kick *ss someday – win a game first, then come try to run your weak smack again
October 27th, 2008 at 1:02 pm
Correct me if I’m wrong, we debuted the gold tops and blue bottoms color scheme against Oregon at home in 2006 and haven’t lost with them since. (Tennesee and Michigan St. are two that come to mind).
Say it with me…GOLD AND BLUE…GOLD AND BLUE!!!
October 27th, 2008 at 1:09 pm
I too was frustrated by the unimaginative playcalling. Against AZ we didn’t run enough (about 2-1 pass to run at half-time), and then vs UCLA, the run was more emphasized, but it was run-run-pass most of the day, just way too predictable. Frankie, keep the other guys off balance a little more. Keep using Best creatively, make Oregon defend the whole field That’s how we can win.
With the O-Line banged up, quick plays, and first down passes will help keep the defense from getting too comfortable.
CAL 38 Oregon 31
GO BEARS!!!
October 27th, 2008 at 3:17 pm
Oregon looks like a hairy match up if you ask me. However if the D plays like it can, Cal should win. Cal beat OU last year in Eugene, hopefully it’s a repeat.
October 27th, 2008 at 3:47 pm
Whats up Cal fans?
Teddy used to be my neighbor in eugene when he lived on barbosa in crescent meadows so HAHAHA. I delivered papers to the guy when i was a kid.
Unless your team can get an oline together in a hurry then hope is lost why….NICK MOTHER Fin REED.
Reed is going to take riley out in the 1st, sorry but its going to happen.
Good luck oh and tell your dfense to watch some video on BFT
Oregon 44
Teddy Bears 38
October 27th, 2008 at 3:59 pm
[...] Even though they managed 41 points the other day, Cal still needs to find their offense. [...]
October 27th, 2008 at 4:36 pm
FJduckfan…OU is good…still I think Cal’s d-line and LBs brutalize the quackers, that and Tedford has Belotti’s number.
Tell me last years game in Eugene didn’t absolutely burn MB.
BTW, Belotti is a Californian…he’ll never be able to win the big one while at OU becuz Oregonians have cursed all Californians until eternity!
Go Bears
October 27th, 2008 at 7:47 pm
Hey Cal Fans:
We all must participate and pack up the stadium this weekend with 120 dbs noise. This is a very crucial game. SC already took down the duck. However, the duck mulled the Sun Devil last week, and they are ranked now.
This games is crucial also for the recruiting battle. Who ever win, will win the hearts of some top recruits.
See #11 WLB Michael Clay is having CAL and Oregon on the high notes.
Go bears! Beat Oregon.
October 27th, 2008 at 9:25 pm
Jan K Oski, thanks for the heads up. I only saw the shirts from the front on the telecast so I didn’t realize there was a giant corporate sponsor on the back. I hope they start selling it with just the logo soon.
And as far as the game goes, this one has nail biter written all over it. I honestly believe Oregon looks more complete at the moment, but if Riley does well (not even great) and the D keeps it up, we should be able to squeeze out a win at home.
October 27th, 2008 at 10:05 pm
I’m still hung on that late touchdown. Did anyone else find it strange that JT(or Frank C) decided to throw late in 4th qtr. In past when we scored late (at washington and at stanfurd in ’05 come to mind) with game in hand (both running plays) it got a lot of play from the opposite team and fans. No mention of this one. I think UCLA coach didn’t appreciate it.
October 27th, 2008 at 10:27 pm
I think JT went for the TD to pump Riley and that’s a good thing. They finally called a play that he should be running more often — a roll out, and Riley nailed it.
Should be a heck of a game.
October 27th, 2008 at 10:48 pm
The upcoming Oregon game reminds me of the spectacular play of # 29 Marcus Ezeff. Ezeff had a great game against UCLA. However, Marcus Ezeff will forever be known by Cal football fans as the Bear who delivered “The Hit” in 2007 against Oregon receiver Cameron Colvin. Ezeff’s hit against Colvin was so devastating that Colvin went flying out of bounds and caused him to fumble the ball about six inches from breaking the plane of the endzone. The ball bounced into the endzone and then out the side of the endzone. Ezeff’s hit resulted in a touchback and possession for Cal, and prevented Oregon from tieing the game.
Ezeff’s smashmouth play ensured a victory for Cal as we reached the highwater mark of 5-0 for the 2007 campaign.
Thank you Marcus Ezeff for your tremendous play and all you do for Cal football and its fans.
October 28th, 2008 at 6:09 am
Fellow Fans:
As an FYI, my pops played on the lines at Cal in the Joe Kapp era(lettered and played – both ways back in the day) He an my mom were married right out of high school in San Diego, so my mom worked for the Science Lab at Cal too. Anyway, I strayed and went to Oregon. Nevertheless we have had an ongoing bet for many years and I am tired of wearing gold and blue for a week following every game lately. Can you guys give me a break here? What is rather odd too, is that Joe Roth was a little-league umpire for me and my brothers during the years he played at Grossmont JC. He was a family friend and spent some time at our home before he left for Cal – asking my dad (and mom) lots of questions about Cal. I would really like to get my dad one of the Joe Roth shirts you all mentioned. It would mean a lot to my mom and dad. They thought a lot of Joe, “he was such a fine young man” and was good to us boys. PS, what is with all the Joe’s at Cal? Roth, Kapp, my dad’s name too.
October 28th, 2008 at 9:40 am
Milo, regarding Tedford’s calling a flea flicker on his first play as a head coach, it was against Baylor at home. The MSU game was one or 2 games later in East Lansing. Other than that, all of your other comments have been right on. Keep up the insightful participation on this blog.
October 28th, 2008 at 9:56 am
That hit would “forever be known” if we hadn’t collapsed shortly thereafter. That play and that game lost most of its luster when we stopped playing through the rest of the season
October 28th, 2008 at 10:40 am
Mark, Are you talking about the Big C shirt? Check out californiagoldenblogs.com to see the Bank of the West Advertisement. If you still want it, you might find it on ebay. I don’t recall seeing them anywhere, as I certainly would have boughten a throw-back Gold-out shirt for this year.
October 28th, 2008 at 11:44 am
oski1971 – I’m 98% positive the flea flicker was tossed against MSU, then a ranked team. Baylor however was the first game for Tedford, so that was a mistake on my part.
Any way, I remember listening to the MSU game on the radio and thinking…are you kidding me? I knew something was up at that point.
October 28th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
1st point: why is nobody talking about the heavy rain expected this weekend? If the forecast turns out to be correct, both teams might have a very weak passing game. It will likely come down to the battle in the trenches. Our O-line is banged up good, I’m a little worried about relying on them an entire game. Any thoughts?
2nd point: The ‘under 30′ OU fans are a bunch of d**ks, second only in classless behavior to the Trojenz fans. You can already see here that they’re the only team besides $C to rear their classless heads here on our forum. Weak…go take it to the OU forums.
October 28th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
CalAlum97 Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
1st point: why is nobody talking about the heavy rain expected this weekend?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Why is nobody talking about your potential Las Vegas Bowl game against BYU?
October 28th, 2008 at 5:11 pm
MoreNCsarecoming Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 4:31 pm
CalAlum97 Says:
October 28th, 2008 at 4:19 pm
1st point: why is nobody talking about the heavy rain expected this weekend?
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
Why is nobody talking about your potential Las Vegas Bowl game against BYU?
For the same reason why no one is talking about USC playing for the national championship – pretty unlikely to happen at this point.
And, I have a question – all last week you were ranting about Norm Chow’s genius that would result in him directing Craft to carve up Cal’s D over the middle. I’m so thrilled that Norm listened to you – Craft certainly went over the middle, ensuring that a Cal defensive player would win Pac-10 player of the week honors. When can we expect the transcript of your in-depth discussions with Norm?
October 28th, 2008 at 9:53 pm
Milo,
The first play against Baylor was the flea flicker. I have the highlight video that came out 3 or 4 years ago, and I was at the Baylor game. We put up 70 points in Teddy’s first game. Oski is right, and I am %100 sure. I am curious, was Holmoe a great recruiter? Because Tedford did better the first couple years with his players. Why are our receivers so bad? I don’t buy experience, look at Michael Crabtree in his freshman season or even look at DeSean. Someone needs to step up or I agree with playing Vareen and Best together all the time with Syd the Squid playing both ways.
October 29th, 2008 at 2:39 pm
Who’s gonna win? Well, it depends on which DUCK team shows up to play…and which BEAR team shows up to play?
Both teams have had questionable games, and also awesome games that put them into the top 25. I’ve been to every Cal-Oregon game in the past 5 yrs, here & there, and I’ve never been dis-appointed. I hope both teams bring their A-game and show anyone watching on ABC what Pac-10 football can and should look like!!
I’ll be cheering from Section O! GO DUCKS!! (and if we weren’t playing you guys, I’d be cheering for the Bears)
October 29th, 2008 at 2:59 pm
Hi MoreNCs!
I get it now! the “NC” stands for Norm Chow. You are one trojan fan that realizes Pete Carrol is a fraud and nothing without NC!
Norm Chow gets his players to play beyond their abilities (Like Tedford, Mike Riley, Jim Harbaugh, Mike Stoops and EVERY OTHER Pac10 coach)
Pete Caroll? not so much! no one has led a team of 5-star recuits into more CHOKE JOBS than pete carroll has(without Norm Chow).
So to you my friend, i raise a glass! we need more norm chows!
October 29th, 2008 at 3:25 pm
Hi MoreNCs!
“…most head coaches who are obsessed with recruiting rankings…”
this could also explain Pete’s yearly choke jobs.
http://myespn.go.com/blogs/pac10/0-3-190/Oregon-State-can-t-attract-elite-recruits–settles-for-wins-instead.html
October 29th, 2008 at 4:55 pm
Why are you newbies feeding the troll? Do you really think she’s going to stop by you bashing her? A little bird told me a classic story about the boys at LLNL doing a magical job of not feeding her. Yet, they’re close to getting all of her IP addresses banned from Scout.com. Too bad, the CC times doesn’t have that type of help. Go Bears!
October 31st, 2008 at 9:15 am
Youngalum,
Get ready for a visit to last year as the bears get ready to tank again. Only difference will be it starts with this games shellacking followed by SC and our cross town rivals. Get ready for the spanking.