Bears Bureau: Beavers Literally Run from the Bears
In which the Bears did not break down the dam
It’s imperative we give credit to Jonathon Smith for the job he’s done in Corvallis. The prodigal son returned and took over a program in the dumps, left to rot by Gary Andersen and not only has returned Oregon State to regional relevance, but also is starting to get on the national stage. The Beavs clock in at #23 in the College Football Playoff rankings and are unquestionably trending up as a program. Keep track of Smith as possibly one of the greatest Beaver coaches to ever put on a headset.
On the other hand, I would say I’m shocked at what happened in Reser Stadium last weekend, but alas I’m not. Changes were needed. And they came. Bill Musgrave and Angus McClure are no longer on staff and presumably it could be a turning point for the Cal offense. Did anyone shine on Saturday night? Let’s find out.
Where to buy:
Michael Luckhurst: Coming on in relief of Dario Longhetto, who was described as getting “multiple chances” by Coach Justin Wilcox, it was Luckhurst who reaped the benefits of the additional playing time. Luckhurst had been upgraded to kickoff duty in recent weeks and has been effective in that role, netting two tackles against Oregon State. What that says about our special teams in another discussion in terms of coverage lanes and containment, but when Luckhurst had the opportunity to make a play, he delivered. He also made a 36 yard field goal, the first of his career after coming on in relief in the second half. Talk about someone ready for his moment. I see you Michael Luckhurst.
Miles Williams run support: While the defense didn’t necessarily do much of anything well on Saturday night, I was pleased with the effort and execution that Miles Williams had in run defense in Corvallis. He came down hard, trying to interject himself in A Gap blocks along with the zone running scheme that Oregon State imposes. Considering the hard play action that Oregon State runs (regardless if its Chance Nolan or Ben Gulbranson at quarterback), Williams did a solid job. While the yards per rush is not where the Bears defense wants it to be, you have to take the positives from those who are getting their first bit of significant playing time.
Sell: My Saturday Night
I’m not sure what convinced me that Cal vs Oregon State would be a fun game to watch but whatever that was, I don’t want to see it ever again. Cal was beaten comprehensively in all three phases of the game and frankly looked about a thousand steps slower than the Beavers. After this thriller earlier in the day between Cal and Santa Clara in the NCAA women’s soccer tournament, I was all excited just see my night slip away for 3 hours. Good thing the Big Game is this weekend because no matter what happens, at least us Bears are going to battle with one another at California Memorial Stadium.
Pac 12 Quick Hits
Washington vs Oregon: Buy
What a game. What an absolute hell of a game. Both offense going blow for blow with knockout punches, both defenses getting timely stops (UW getting a fumble at the 5 yard line, Oregon interception on the goal line), and special teams making a huge difference at the end. While the result may have not been what the Pac 12 wanted, the game as a whole was something that the conference needed. I mean for goodness sake it was 13-10 at halftime in favor of UW and at the end of the third quarter, it was 31-27 Ducks! Two of the best going pound for pound in a street fight rivalry. Jason Benetti elevated the stage of this battle with his commentary and the showdown between Bo Nix and Michael Penix Jr didn’t disappoint. What a win for Kalen DeBoer and the Dawgs and what a crushing defeat for Dan Lanning and the Ducks.
Oregon State injuries: Hold
According to Coach Smith, none of the injuries suffered were season ending. This entales two starting offensive linemen including Taliese Fuaga, all purpose player Jack Colletto who had a hamstring injury, secondary players Jaydon Grant and Alex Austin, and 3rd string running back Jam Griffin. That’s a laundry list of injuries for the Beavers, who hope to have at least some of them back for their game in Tempe next Saturday against Arizona State. If they can survive that, they can get reinforcements for the Civil War against Oregon post Thanksgiving. That should be a showdown in Corvallis. But keep track of those injuries, you never know which one will come back to bite you.
Jayden De Laura: Buy
In what was probably the 2nd best game of the Pac 12 slate (and once again not from a results perspective), the Arizona Wildcats came into Pasadena and upset the UCLA Bruins by a score of 34-28. I was perplexed at some of the spreads that had UCLA favored by around 3 scores, pondering that it was way too much for an Arizona offense that flat out produces. I mean just look at the 1:27 mark and 17:48 mark here. Jayden De Laura is a GAMER. Jedd Fisch made the right call in acquiring him from the transfer portal, and Arizona looks like a team that can be dangerous if they fix their defensive woes.
Arizona State: Sell
It has been a year to forget for the Sun Devils and last week was no exception in Pullman. The final score may have been 28-18, but this game was not close as it was 28-0 at halftime in favor of Washington State. The offense isn’t good outside of Xazavian Valladay and Elijhah Badger, but these are pieces you can work with. Whether someone like Kenny Dillingham comes along and takes the reigns of the program is anyone’s guess but for now just stay away from watching ASU football. They should lose the territorial cup but we’ve seen weirder things happen in rivalry games.
That will do it for this week! It’s Big Game week so get HYPED. Rivalry games will be picking up in the next week or so, so it’s time to hunker down, gets some pads on, and act like you’re going to battle for 60 minutes because just as much as it means to the players and program, it means that much more to the fans of those who were there along the way.
PERHAPS THE BEST THE CALAND STAFORD TEAMS CA DO AT BIG GAME... IS TO CRY ON EACH OTHERS SHOUDERS GERBEAR GO BEARS!!
I was surprised to see the AZ-UCLA score but the Wildcats have been gradually improving all year. With regard to Cal, by the time I tuned in it was 24-7 and Longhetto came in and missed a field goal. Then I turned it off.