Pre-game-

Arrived in town about 3:45. Just a GORGEOUS afternoon in Berkeley. Warm 75+ degrees, blue, blue skies, slight breeze. Just a perfect early October afternoon, the kind of day you know from your fondest memories.

Walked everywhere trying to find a place to hangout and watch the A’s and some college football. It dawned on me – Berkeley really kind of sucks these days for that type of pregame festivities. Raleigh’s, gone (fire). Lavals gone. Blakes gone (now Pappy’s, completely difFerent concept).

The Bear’s Lair was packed before 4, not a seat to be had, great weather outside, but about 100 freakin degrees inside where all the TVs are, A’s game nowhere to be seen. EVERY tv has the same game (Texas-WVU). Clueless.

Ended up at Kips. A virtual sweaty madhouse, got the only few seats left in the dark, ear splitting back room. Old, small lousy TVs blocked by hordes of obnoxious fUCLA fans. Couldn’t wait to eat (food is improved) and get out of there. Good place to go pre-basketball night game in the winter. Not on a gorgeous fall day.

Over to Sproul Plaza to watch the band, up Bancroft past all the frats, the turn past the International House to view the stadium in all its splendor. I will never get tired of that experience. On to Maxwell Family Field to hang, chat, watch the band come by. What a wonderful and beautiful slice of heaven.

The Game-

GREAT crowd, loud, looked perfect under the lights. I expected way more empty seats, so pleasantly surprised.

Overall, I feel like last night proved what I have been saying for years. We have a LOT of good players, a lot of weapons, and that we should be way better than we are, and we are under-achievers under Tedford. Last night for the most part felt like it used to feel much earlier in the Tedford era. Almost every game used to feel like last night felt. Now, I have to say that this is the first time in I can’t remember when that we played pretty well and had a strong win against what seems to be a fairly decent team. Nit sure yet how good UCLA is, but they certainly didn’t play well last night.

Going into last night, I would say that we would win 0-2 more games. After last night’s performance, I could see several additional wins beyond that, however, who knows what team will show up. I take my hat off to the team last night. They played with heart and lots of passion, and were frequently urging the home crowd to get even louder. If they can play like that last night, why not before this? It will be interesting to see where it goes from here.

Maynard- wished I could say it was a great game, but 1 bad pick that handed UCLA their first TD and then both fumbles on poorly executed hand offs- the guy can’t stop shooting himself and the team in the foot. I could have really said this was his best game otherwise, but 3 turnovers? That has, and will, kill us against a good team.

Was listening to game too, and Pawlawski said that the coaches had tweaked the offense, with Maynard rolling more and also getting rid of the ball on quick drops. And that worked. Many on here have been screaming for that- it’s obvious- and the coaches finally do it. Let’s see if they stick with that approach. It was great, but … where’s that been?

Defense finally got pressure on QB- it was great, but … where’s that been?

McClain played like a beast. Very impressive.

Bigelow- mixed bag here. So he can hardly get a look one game, and the next game he starts? Then he plays, and then disappears. All seemed kind of weird. Also, heard that on his touchdown that he was lined up in the wrong place. Also, interesting conversation with very reliable source. The net is that BB is a bit learning challenged. In the end, they guy is a ridiculous talent, beyond his explosive speed. You can see what he does when he gets the slightest bit of daylight.

I thought last night was my last game of the season. Its tough to avoid the pull of a wonderful fall Saturday in Strawberry Canyon. We’ll see.

Beat WSU with EXTREME PREJUDICE!

That said, Cal still had to show up and win it. The Defense was a big part but the offense also converted on turn-overs…and holy sh*t Maynard was responsible for 4-5 TDs?

I have mixed feelings about last night’s game-great to win and we will see over the next few weeks whether we have awakened or if UCLA was asleep.
If we just got lucky and other teams have bad games -its not just us–then this will give ammunition to those who want Tedford to stay.

Rodgers looked fantastic. Bigalow scored. Defense rocked. Jackson stepped up for Anthony big time. Things are looking up. Not ready to declare an 8-4 record at the end of the season, but good to improve rather than get worse.

Go Bears!

Next up: WSU…

If we can play like last night, we will be competitive at the very least. A better defensive scheme, better protection for ZM…there is hope.