Spav builds his offenses around his personnel. To that end he has said that all he has installed this Spring is his base offense because he has been evaluating players. His system is pretty easy to understand and execute in the run game but the passing game takes a lot of reps. Both Jackson and Mendoza are going to need to work a LOT with their receivers this summer to start building chemistry that they will need to be effective in Spav's system. The more detailed install with twists and different looks will be installed in the Fall and it's why I said it will take three games for our sturdy Golden bears to really start figuring things out. But it should be fun!
My main concern and I’ve been saying this from the beginning of the year is how many starters/impact players are injured. I’m not sure the severity of our running back injuries or wide receivers but CAL is going to need all hands on deck week in and week out in the fall if they even remotely want to remain remotely competitive against the pac 12. Injuries are part of the sport but it seems every year Cal hits the injury bug most severely. Hopefully we’re relatively healthy to start the season but getting those guys back will be critical…especially given the new offensive system. Reps are valuable
Seems like more team speed on both sides of the ball this year. The defense looks aggressive, more like pre covid seasons. New system, new players, new coaches. It is intriguing because we really do have the possibility of being a better, more exciting team, that is fun to watch and scores lots of points. The O line has work to do.
Hopefully we won't have any surprise departures from our 2-deep. I know WR, QB, and OL are positions that are specifically being recruited but, really, it's more of a top-5 list with OL taking spots 1-3. I have more faith in this offensive coaching staff than the previous one to identify and address the issue but it's a tough business these days.
Cal isn't going to last the season with two quarterbacks, one of whom will be staring down injury every times he he bolts from the pocket. So it will be intriguing to see who the Bears pick up this summer. Auburn is looking hard at Chance Nolan, and I think Cal should be doing the same to keep a California boy on the West Coast. He had 15 games under his belt at OSU and showed pocket presence and the ability to run when needed. He was injured mid season last year, but in 2021 he was the fourth highest rated QB in the Pac 12 and had a better season than Chase Garbers. I don't think Cal is going to get an impact QB because the word is out that Jackson has already won the job.
Well said and thank you. I agree with your conclusions. It's a case of finding hope where you can find hope. I've proven to myself that I absolutely suck at predicting how Cal will perform year to year. Thus, it's just a Go Bears! and hope for the best.
Spav builds his offenses around his personnel. To that end he has said that all he has installed this Spring is his base offense because he has been evaluating players. His system is pretty easy to understand and execute in the run game but the passing game takes a lot of reps. Both Jackson and Mendoza are going to need to work a LOT with their receivers this summer to start building chemistry that they will need to be effective in Spav's system. The more detailed install with twists and different looks will be installed in the Fall and it's why I said it will take three games for our sturdy Golden bears to really start figuring things out. But it should be fun!
Nicely done! Candid, insightful and, where there are no firm conclusion to be drawn, doesn’t draw any! Thank you.
My main concern and I’ve been saying this from the beginning of the year is how many starters/impact players are injured. I’m not sure the severity of our running back injuries or wide receivers but CAL is going to need all hands on deck week in and week out in the fall if they even remotely want to remain remotely competitive against the pac 12. Injuries are part of the sport but it seems every year Cal hits the injury bug most severely. Hopefully we’re relatively healthy to start the season but getting those guys back will be critical…especially given the new offensive system. Reps are valuable
Seems like more team speed on both sides of the ball this year. The defense looks aggressive, more like pre covid seasons. New system, new players, new coaches. It is intriguing because we really do have the possibility of being a better, more exciting team, that is fun to watch and scores lots of points. The O line has work to do.
Thanks Avi! I think you nailed it, as usual. But as I said elsewhere, hope "Springs" eternal. Go Bears!
"The Cal quarterback battle is not over?"
It appears all indication has SJV as the #1 and has practiced and scrimmaged with the 1's and FM with the 2's.
Hopefully we won't have any surprise departures from our 2-deep. I know WR, QB, and OL are positions that are specifically being recruited but, really, it's more of a top-5 list with OL taking spots 1-3. I have more faith in this offensive coaching staff than the previous one to identify and address the issue but it's a tough business these days.
Cal isn't going to last the season with two quarterbacks, one of whom will be staring down injury every times he he bolts from the pocket. So it will be intriguing to see who the Bears pick up this summer. Auburn is looking hard at Chance Nolan, and I think Cal should be doing the same to keep a California boy on the West Coast. He had 15 games under his belt at OSU and showed pocket presence and the ability to run when needed. He was injured mid season last year, but in 2021 he was the fourth highest rated QB in the Pac 12 and had a better season than Chase Garbers. I don't think Cal is going to get an impact QB because the word is out that Jackson has already won the job.
Thanks
Great write-up. By Fall we will see where the chips lay. As usual I have donned my Blue and Gold colored glasses.
Well said and thank you. I agree with your conclusions. It's a case of finding hope where you can find hope. I've proven to myself that I absolutely suck at predicting how Cal will perform year to year. Thus, it's just a Go Bears! and hope for the best.