You do a good job of portraying the complexities and subtleties of our situation and feelings. Well done. No one is satisfied with 5-7, but I would say we would be "satisfied" with an annual 7-5 and a bowl game with wins over rivals tossed in. I really love having Wilcox. Mr. No Drama. Players love him. The most solid human being I see out there coaching. If he can just get great out of Musgrave, or a solid OC, it would be fantastic.
I'm sure a breakthrough season couldn't hurt, but more successful programs in our region (whom I decline to address by name) are also on the outside looking in. I'm not sure it will factor much. I don't expect a breakthrough season as far as wins / losses, but I do hope to see some improvement on the offensive side of the ball. The frustrating thing to me is that this should be the type of season you use on developing a young QB. If we're gonna burn this year on Plummer, we really should get a bowl game for it to be worth it.
I'm reading this and suddenly it strikes me: Justin Wilcox is channeling Ray Willsey. Very similar winning percentage with a similar emphasis on defense. Willsey's defenses were known as the Bear Minimum defense.
Maybe history doesn't necessarily repeat, but it does rhyme.
This is year 6. Anything less than 8 regular season wins should be considered a failure. There are no more excuses. Coming up short of expectations will be squarely placed on Wilcox’s shoulders.
I think a successful season could help us make the argument to move to the B1G. It really comes down to whether or not it reinvigorates our fan base or not.
My guess is that UCLA may quietly start to lobby for the key west coast schools to come with them, as they start to feel the pinch of the logistical challenges associated with geography and the political pressure surrounding this move. It might not work, and they may not care that much, but you have to think it would solve a lot of problems for them. If that is a consideration, then having a strong season and a memorial stadium that is filled will look better for the execs deciding whether or not it’ll look good on TV
I don't want Cal in the Big 10 or any stronger conference. If anything they need to take a step back in competition level so they have a chance at an occasional conference championship.
Nice article. I think as long as we have a 5-7 and 7-5 dichotomy then Wilcox' seat will stay cool. A year of some disappointment followed by a year of mild success keeps fans from calling for his scalp. And fair to middlin' may be about as good as it gets for the program. And the administration appears to be satisfied with this. If Cal were in the SEC Wilcox already would have been shown the exit.
You do a good job of portraying the complexities and subtleties of our situation and feelings. Well done. No one is satisfied with 5-7, but I would say we would be "satisfied" with an annual 7-5 and a bowl game with wins over rivals tossed in. I really love having Wilcox. Mr. No Drama. Players love him. The most solid human being I see out there coaching. If he can just get great out of Musgrave, or a solid OC, it would be fantastic.
what would help?
beat ucla and usc this year.
I'm sure a breakthrough season couldn't hurt, but more successful programs in our region (whom I decline to address by name) are also on the outside looking in. I'm not sure it will factor much. I don't expect a breakthrough season as far as wins / losses, but I do hope to see some improvement on the offensive side of the ball. The frustrating thing to me is that this should be the type of season you use on developing a young QB. If we're gonna burn this year on Plummer, we really should get a bowl game for it to be worth it.
Nice work Nick.
I’m hooked for the long ride even though Joe Kapp will remain tequila-less in perpetuity .
Go Bears!
I'm reading this and suddenly it strikes me: Justin Wilcox is channeling Ray Willsey. Very similar winning percentage with a similar emphasis on defense. Willsey's defenses were known as the Bear Minimum defense.
Maybe history doesn't necessarily repeat, but it does rhyme.
This is year 6. Anything less than 8 regular season wins should be considered a failure. There are no more excuses. Coming up short of expectations will be squarely placed on Wilcox’s shoulders.
Haven't seen a Fall camp schedule yet and have been looking. Anyone know when it was or will be released?
I think a successful season could help us make the argument to move to the B1G. It really comes down to whether or not it reinvigorates our fan base or not.
My guess is that UCLA may quietly start to lobby for the key west coast schools to come with them, as they start to feel the pinch of the logistical challenges associated with geography and the political pressure surrounding this move. It might not work, and they may not care that much, but you have to think it would solve a lot of problems for them. If that is a consideration, then having a strong season and a memorial stadium that is filled will look better for the execs deciding whether or not it’ll look good on TV
I don't want Cal in the Big 10 or any stronger conference. If anything they need to take a step back in competition level so they have a chance at an occasional conference championship.
Yes, yes and yes. I'm in for all of it. True blue. Go Bears!
Nice article. I think as long as we have a 5-7 and 7-5 dichotomy then Wilcox' seat will stay cool. A year of some disappointment followed by a year of mild success keeps fans from calling for his scalp. And fair to middlin' may be about as good as it gets for the program. And the administration appears to be satisfied with this. If Cal were in the SEC Wilcox already would have been shown the exit.