BearTalk

Cal just held its usual day-before walkthrough today. Earlier, the entire team and staff joined Utah’s team aboard the USS Midway aircraft carrier for a special Poinsettia Bowl luncheon. The event was also attended by fans and other local dignitaries and featured several heartfelt moments, including an emotional speech by a teenage cancer survivor inspired by the Make-A-Wish foundation.

A local teenager, Michael Gaulden, received the Poinsettia Bowl Scholarship Award. Gaulden, along with his sister and mother, were homeless for 10 years but he still maintained a 3.14 GPA and got a job that allowed his family to move into an apartment.

The Poinsettia Bowl also handed out the “Wishes Come True Inspirational Award,” an honor given to one representative from each team. The Cal winner was recruiting coordinator Kevin Parker, for his philanthropic work. In particular, Parker was recognized for his idea of taking kids to observe San Quentin prison to show them how they could end up if they veer off the right path.

The luncheon also featured both bands and interviews with coaches and players (Mike Tepper and Syd’Quan Thompson) for Cal. Afterward, everybody was invited to explore the aircraft carrier.

In the morning, Cal coach Jeff Tedford and Utah coach Kyle Wittingham held a day-before-game press conference. By this time, there really isn’t much left to be said, but I will provide some transcriptions tomorrow to get you ready for the game.

Tedford confimed that Thompson’s availability will be a game-time decision. He also said that Mark Boskovich will start in place of Matt Summers-Gavin with Richard Fisher also seeing action.

A Poinsettia Bowl official said a crowd of about 30,000-33,000 is expected for the game.