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Football: Wednesday reading

Posted on by Jonathan Okanes

–Reliving Cal’s triple-overtime victory over USC in 2003

–USC coach Pete Carroll says Cal got caught up in an Oregon whirlwind last weekend.

–USC quarterback Matt Barkley is still bothered by a sore shoulder, but he’s good to go for Saturday.

–More on USC’s Stafon Johnson

–The knee injury Oregon’s Walter Thurmond suffered on the opening kickoff against Cal is season-ending.

Jonathan Okanes

Jonathan Okanes is in his fourth year covering Cal's football team. Previously, he covered Cal's men's basketball team for four years. He can also be followed on Twitter at twitter.com/OkanesonCal.

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  • Robert

    J.O. I know that you don’t really get to watch practices, but do you have any “inside” word on how the Bears look this week? Sharp, flat, etc…

  • Jonathan Okanes

    Well, they’ve only practiced once this week (currently practicing for the second time, now). Will get a better feel for it later.

  • Calduke

    I understand there will be some important recruits visiting the Cal game. Jonathan, do you know who they are?
    This is a chance for the Bears to impress recruits; both those attending and others watching. Let’s hope they leave impressed with Cal.

  • Steve W

    Please take the time to read Jeff’s excellent article remembering the Cal win over USC in overtime in 2003. It is fascinating to note that many of the pundits didn’t think Cal could run the ball on USC’s defense, which was filled with the usual roll call of All Americans. That’s the attitude that Cal needs to take into Saturday’s game. Go ahead and stack the box, we’re going to shove it down your throat, SC. And after a couple of successful bursts by Jahvid, the play action will open up perfectly. Cal must establish the run early, or they lose.

  • rollonubears

    i was in vegas during that game, and put $100 on the bears. i was the only guy in the sportsbook wearing blue, and at halftime, i was the only guy in the sportsbook. GO BEARS!!

  • Pug

    I agree with Pete Carroll. Oregon had it all going on Saturday. Riley couldn’t respond and it just turned out to be one of those days. I expect much better from the Bears Saturday night.

  • Pug

    Comcast sports broadcast that 2003 Cal-USC game the other night. It was a hell of a game and it early in the season after Cal had been 1-10 the year before (I think). USC was ranked #3 at the time.

  • MoreNCsarecoming

    And this is why there are 9 dwarfs. Everytime one of the dwarfs beats a USC team it makes 1) their entire season; 2) gives them highlights for the next 50 years; 3) Usually gets their coach a substantial raise. Your team hasn’t won against Troy in 5 straight games. 2003 was a fluke. The last 5 haven’t been. USC will not be taken off guard this game. I actually predict about as easy of a win as last week’s WSU game. I think Stafon’s injury will keep our players hungry.

  • Pete Carroll

    I predict SC players will play it safe to prevent jeopardizing their NFL careers. Taylor Mays has to be thinking twice when he hears about players who are now risking their futures. Don’t take my word for it, take the word from the SC press… http://usc.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/30/stafon-johnson-injury-cinches-it-leave-early-if-you-can/21353/

  • MoreNCsarecoming

    Some of the latest news from the land of Troy. http://usc.freedomblogging.com/2009/09/30/usc-football-barkley-regains-zip-rojo-runs/21401/

    Looks like the team is ready to roll.

  • ToparchiBear

    How about Teabow last weeks incident may hinder some NFL Scouts and Teams that would have highly drafted him. And, even if they all come back to play, How much more pounding they can take til’ the end of the season. And, who knows what happen next.

    Say the least, Sanchez made the smartest move. And, he is smilling right now.