Ugly game but we came up with the W. Why? In spite of some really stupid penalties and poor tackling after first contact on defense and missing a bunch of starters on both sides of the ball, our offensive play calling kept the VT defense off balance. What a difference a good play caller on offense makes. Somerville should go back to 12 year olds...
Brousseau played really well. Got the ball out quickly, got rid of the ball when he had to. One or two throws that could've been costly but got lucky, and that's the way it goes sometimes. Very happy for our O-Line today.
I think the play calling helps our pass protection. The routes are better and the ball gets out quicker. I cannot stress enough that our new play caller is the difference, because every play he calls that keeps the opponents defense off balance has a ripple effect in every other part of our game, from extending drives and putting points on the board to keeping the defense off the field.
That was a fun afternoon at Memorial Stadium -- which is what's all about. The game seemed to have a bit of everything, ranging from suspect coaching decisions to questionable calls by the officials, There were last-minute heroics aplenty. Indeed there was everything but turnovers. Really impressed with the improvements in play calling. But mostly it was what we all buy tickets for: an entertaining day of college football. Oh by the way....Go Bears!!!
Agree with Rugger...Play calling made all the difference and D did just enough. But more than that, I love the spirit of the team to hang in there no matter what. A winners mentality that starts from the top. In Tosh I trust. The three pillars emerged today and we got a win.
D did more than just enough. They gave up big plays as they always do, but this was the best defense I had seen in a while. I like there were so many TFLs.
I hate squib kicks ... Just trust your kickoff coverage and play the game. Giving them the ball on the 40 yd line almost cost them the game. Playing all the d-backs on the goal line also almost cost them - that defensive set was was based on having only one play left and that was wrong (Va Tech called a really smart play there). But as we all know, that was a game that Cal would lose 9 times out of 10. Now to figure out the qb situation.....
The aggressive play calling also made a difference: the fake punt; when our QB faked going to the sidelines for a play call and we then had a direct snap to our back; our D stacking the line several times when VT had 3rd and long which created disruption. Corrections still need to be made, but a far better look today.
to be fair, I think it was just bad luck that the squib kick went directly to the VT upback. those are supposed to trickle through the empty space in the formation, and serve two purposes:
1. kill more time because the clock starts the moment the ball first hits the ground
2. keep the ball away from a dangerous returner (if you don't have the leg to kick it through the endzone)
The schedule only gets more difficult from here. Beginning next week with Wake Forrest. followed by three road games. The only game Bears are likely to be favored looking out is in the Big Game. This was a game we had to win and we did, even though it wasn't pretty. There is no need to slam Coach Somerville. The offense and OL will need to continue to make progress to reach the six wins we need to be bowl eligible. Kudos to Broussard for this performance today.
Don't forget we came into this game as 10 point underdogs. I believe the "experts" are underestimating the positive affect Coach McCann is going to have on the improving offense as the balance of the season unfolds.
I hope your right. Its a step in the right direction. The OL remains a problem and it won't be fixed this season. We will need to score than 25 points to be competitive with teams like Wake and SMU, both of which are averaging 35 points a game. We will find out soon enough.
We looked 1000x better even using a bunch of backups once Somerville was relieved of playcalling duties. Correlation isn't causation, but it really does seem like he was doing something wrong (presumably due to inexperience as a college OC). We knew growing pains related to coaching inexperience would be an issue, which is why we have experience throughout the staff (including McCann, who was Tedford's OC in Fresno).
The next test will be whether our regular starters (including JKS) can also show the same improvement. I think JKS starts next week against Wake, but Brousseau showed there's real competition in the QB room. I think this game taught a lot of positive lessons (like UNLV taught us many negative ones) and expect to see evidence of learning going forward.
I will admit I didn't read the whole article. But, again the poor play calling in the last 5 minutes of this game almost cost the Bears a win. I realize that defense is missing key players.Even though the announcers gave some praise to DC for the Bears, to me the defensive play calls on the last drive was ridiculous.The last play could have easily been called PI. Also the squib kick call after Cal score was horrendous. Why give VT such good found position. I maybe mistaken but We had 4-5 targeting calls in the last few games. Luckily, the rules have changed where the player is not also out for the next game. The coaching and execution of plays have to improve if Cal wants to have a winning record and go to a bowl game this year
and Prevent was completely the wrong call in that scenario. They were acting like there was only time for one play left. Hopefully the coaches look at what went wrong in that 18 seconds and learn from it.
Tosh comes up with some brilliant sneak plays and aggressive times when he goes for it and pays off. And then other times you’re just baffled at his game management.
Don't forget we had very little time for OC McCann to implement his offense. As the season progresses I expect our offense will continue to improve substantially.
Did not understand the sequence where we brought out the field goal unit on 4th and 4, apparently to hope for an offsides and then took the penalty and punted? If you're going to do that, why not put the offense on the field to try to draw them off? Surely a QB under center is more likely to get that than a field-goal holder. Or maybe just run a play; we were in VT territory, trailing on the scoreboard, and 4 yards isn't that much to get.
maybe they had a fake called that they would only do depending on the look of VT's blocking unit? cant think of anything else, also didn't hear a hard count per se.
Watching live in the stadium, I could see the holder doing a very emphatic "hike" motion several times before the play clock ran out. Looked like he was trying to draw them off.
I think this is the first win against a decent opponent where we were actually just better than the other team. Not by a lot, but by a little and that's why we won.
Wagner is no one's idea of a decent opponent, so that doesn't count. Against Syracuse we mostly played like crap and got soundly outgained; we won because of turnovers and missed field goals. This was the first real win of the year. Got to say that having a real offense was probably the reason this went differently than Clemson; the change in OC seems to have paid off.
Virginia Tech is a good team but their FG kicker is worse than ours. How is that even possible? If they had a decent kicker they would have won the game.
Absolutely. Brosseau has operated efficiently for 1.5 games now. His technique is very good. He sets his feet and throws accurate catchable balls. Also, he had a few called runs which will keep defenses honest. His pocket presence is good, quick releases or throws the ball away. JKS has great arm talent but atm Brosseau is the better QB for this current Cal offense.
What we don't know is how JKS will be in this offense. This may be a Purdy-Mac Jones situation where you have a back up that can play really well but a qb that is a special talent. I expect that they will give JKS a lot of time running this offense (if he has cleared concussion protocol) and make a decision later in tge week about who to start. I think JKS' skills are far better suited to this offense and he will get back on track (the previous offense clearly wasn't right for his skills).
OL seems to step it up/be more comfortable in him, too. The way he was able to immediately pivot last game/this-under duress-and execute with confidence-plus how he leads the room-and that is no diss to JKS-but I see QB1 as JB for this offense, too. There is a cohesion and it’s not simply adding in McCann-interesting times for Cal Football.
I don’t know how much of our OL improvement was due to better play calling? In any case I think JKS can/should be able to thrive in this new passing first offensive scheme
Ugly game but we came up with the W. Why? In spite of some really stupid penalties and poor tackling after first contact on defense and missing a bunch of starters on both sides of the ball, our offensive play calling kept the VT defense off balance. What a difference a good play caller on offense makes. Somerville should go back to 12 year olds...
0 sacks after the 3rd play of the game.
Brousseau played really well. Got the ball out quickly, got rid of the ball when he had to. One or two throws that could've been costly but got lucky, and that's the way it goes sometimes. Very happy for our O-Line today.
pass pro was genuinely good. Run blocking not so much
I think the play calling helps our pass protection. The routes are better and the ball gets out quicker. I cannot stress enough that our new play caller is the difference, because every play he calls that keeps the opponents defense off balance has a ripple effect in every other part of our game, from extending drives and putting points on the board to keeping the defense off the field.
Hard agree, Somerville was completely out of his depth, McCann looks like he understands what he’s doing.
we take what we can get!
Kudos to all the freshmen and backups that showed a lot of heart today
this...not to be overlooked
That was a fun afternoon at Memorial Stadium -- which is what's all about. The game seemed to have a bit of everything, ranging from suspect coaching decisions to questionable calls by the officials, There were last-minute heroics aplenty. Indeed there was everything but turnovers. Really impressed with the improvements in play calling. But mostly it was what we all buy tickets for: an entertaining day of college football. Oh by the way....Go Bears!!!
And it all happened on the day my first grandchild was born.
Congrats OD!
Wonderful! Go little bear!
Congratulations, Grampa Oskidi!! Many blessings upon your home and family!!
Congrats! Talk about the stars aligning!
What a gift! Congrats!
Congratulations 💙🏈💛Go Bears💙🏈💛
Congratulations!
Atta baby!
Congratulations!
Golden Congrats!
🫠🐻
Congrats!
Congratulations! Another Cub Bear added to Bear Territory!
That's fantastic! Congrats to you, and the proud parents!
Congratulations on grandchild. Pat McCann gave the fans an excellent show of Air Raid/Run Shoot offense even with injuries.
Well said💙🏈💛Go Bears💙🏈💛
Tosh beat James Franklin.
Agree with Rugger...Play calling made all the difference and D did just enough. But more than that, I love the spirit of the team to hang in there no matter what. A winners mentality that starts from the top. In Tosh I trust. The three pillars emerged today and we got a win.
D did more than just enough. They gave up big plays as they always do, but this was the best defense I had seen in a while. I like there were so many TFLs.
D was mostly good vs. Clemson too! Not their fault that special teams gave up a TD and the offense left them on the field all night.
Except the last drive. That was ridiculous.
Prevent a win defense...
I hate squib kicks ... Just trust your kickoff coverage and play the game. Giving them the ball on the 40 yd line almost cost them the game. Playing all the d-backs on the goal line also almost cost them - that defensive set was was based on having only one play left and that was wrong (Va Tech called a really smart play there). But as we all know, that was a game that Cal would lose 9 times out of 10. Now to figure out the qb situation.....
The aggressive play calling also made a difference: the fake punt; when our QB faked going to the sidelines for a play call and we then had a direct snap to our back; our D stacking the line several times when VT had 3rd and long which created disruption. Corrections still need to be made, but a far better look today.
the direct snap trick was awesome. loved the replay with the announcers showing the linebacker take himself out of the play looking to the sideline
GO BEARS!!!!!
stop messing with my emotions!
I’ve got bad news for you for U, my friend….
The short kickoff after Cal’s final TD is a complete head scratcher. We spotted them at least 20-30 yards. wtf
15 yards. In exchange for just 4 seconds. That’s the math, and i dont think we did the math right.
to be fair, I think it was just bad luck that the squib kick went directly to the VT upback. those are supposed to trickle through the empty space in the formation, and serve two purposes:
1. kill more time because the clock starts the moment the ball first hits the ground
2. keep the ball away from a dangerous returner (if you don't have the leg to kick it through the endzone)
reasonable call, just bad execution
Not spectacular offense, but we adapted. Finally managed to open up our run game late.
Best case scenario, we learn Somerville was the entire problem. I also don't recall our receivers getting called for holding this week.
We didn't make the WRs block for 15 different screen plays, for one thing.
Jordan King I recall had one key edge block on a critical big gain
The schedule only gets more difficult from here. Beginning next week with Wake Forrest. followed by three road games. The only game Bears are likely to be favored looking out is in the Big Game. This was a game we had to win and we did, even though it wasn't pretty. There is no need to slam Coach Somerville. The offense and OL will need to continue to make progress to reach the six wins we need to be bowl eligible. Kudos to Broussard for this performance today.
Don't forget we came into this game as 10 point underdogs. I believe the "experts" are underestimating the positive affect Coach McCann is going to have on the improving offense as the balance of the season unfolds.
I hope your right. Its a step in the right direction. The OL remains a problem and it won't be fixed this season. We will need to score than 25 points to be competitive with teams like Wake and SMU, both of which are averaging 35 points a game. We will find out soon enough.
A hopeless optimist like me learned that VT was averaging 40 PPG before our defense delt with them. But you're right about Wake & SMU.
We looked 1000x better even using a bunch of backups once Somerville was relieved of playcalling duties. Correlation isn't causation, but it really does seem like he was doing something wrong (presumably due to inexperience as a college OC). We knew growing pains related to coaching inexperience would be an issue, which is why we have experience throughout the staff (including McCann, who was Tedford's OC in Fresno).
The next test will be whether our regular starters (including JKS) can also show the same improvement. I think JKS starts next week against Wake, but Brousseau showed there's real competition in the QB room. I think this game taught a lot of positive lessons (like UNLV taught us many negative ones) and expect to see evidence of learning going forward.
Imagine if we practiced this offense, which is similar to last year's with JKS from the Spring. McCann often had them guessing.
A good example of former HC Joe Kapps phrase, " The Bear will not quit, The Bear will not die ".
Oh yes!!!
As fan, I did quit upon the VT TD late. Hours later I was flummoxed yet pleased with the final.
I will admit I didn't read the whole article. But, again the poor play calling in the last 5 minutes of this game almost cost the Bears a win. I realize that defense is missing key players.Even though the announcers gave some praise to DC for the Bears, to me the defensive play calls on the last drive was ridiculous.The last play could have easily been called PI. Also the squib kick call after Cal score was horrendous. Why give VT such good found position. I maybe mistaken but We had 4-5 targeting calls in the last few games. Luckily, the rules have changed where the player is not also out for the next game. The coaching and execution of plays have to improve if Cal wants to have a winning record and go to a bowl game this year
the Prevent defense should be banned
Yes. I call it, "prevents you from winning". A cover 2 man, 2 man makes more sense.
and Prevent was completely the wrong call in that scenario. They were acting like there was only time for one play left. Hopefully the coaches look at what went wrong in that 18 seconds and learn from it.
I trust Hutchings will be able to learn and make adjustments
Actually if u get 2 targeting penalties u have to sit and I think AJ has 2
Tosh comes up with some brilliant sneak plays and aggressive times when he goes for it and pays off. And then other times you’re just baffled at his game management.
Don't forget we had very little time for OC McCann to implement his offense. As the season progresses I expect our offense will continue to improve substantially.
Plus he didn't know for sure who he'd have at QB and RB during most of the week. Makes planning a challenge.
This was so much better than last week's complete Air Raid offense.
Did not understand the sequence where we brought out the field goal unit on 4th and 4, apparently to hope for an offsides and then took the penalty and punted? If you're going to do that, why not put the offense on the field to try to draw them off? Surely a QB under center is more likely to get that than a field-goal holder. Or maybe just run a play; we were in VT territory, trailing on the scoreboard, and 4 yards isn't that much to get.
maybe they had a fake called that they would only do depending on the look of VT's blocking unit? cant think of anything else, also didn't hear a hard count per se.
Watching live in the stadium, I could see the holder doing a very emphatic "hike" motion several times before the play clock ran out. Looked like he was trying to draw them off.
Right. They knew as well as we did that we can’t make a FG from distance.
Yet our FG kicker made one from 50.didn'he?
Tosh wasn't calling the plays. McCann was.
Tosh doesn't call plays. it's the Offensive Coordinator, McCann who calls them
Cal Comes from Behind and Hangs on to Beat Virginia Tech 25-20
There. Fixed it for you. This is American Football, not European Soccer.
I think this is the first win against a decent opponent where we were actually just better than the other team. Not by a lot, but by a little and that's why we won.
Wagner is no one's idea of a decent opponent, so that doesn't count. Against Syracuse we mostly played like crap and got soundly outgained; we won because of turnovers and missed field goals. This was the first real win of the year. Got to say that having a real offense was probably the reason this went differently than Clemson; the change in OC seems to have paid off.
Virginia Tech is a good team but their FG kicker is worse than ours. How is that even possible? If they had a decent kicker they would have won the game.
The CFB subreddit said that he was supposedly an NFL level kicker. Definitely has the leg for it. But maybe just has the yips?
John Love definitely has NFL upside and is a far better PK than anyone we’ve had in years.
He also miss the kick that would got them the game last weekend - coach still hug him as if he is his son 👀
But they didn't. heh heh
So do we have a little QB competition or controversy?
Absolutely. Brosseau has operated efficiently for 1.5 games now. His technique is very good. He sets his feet and throws accurate catchable balls. Also, he had a few called runs which will keep defenses honest. His pocket presence is good, quick releases or throws the ball away. JKS has great arm talent but atm Brosseau is the better QB for this current Cal offense.
What we don't know is how JKS will be in this offense. This may be a Purdy-Mac Jones situation where you have a back up that can play really well but a qb that is a special talent. I expect that they will give JKS a lot of time running this offense (if he has cleared concussion protocol) and make a decision later in tge week about who to start. I think JKS' skills are far better suited to this offense and he will get back on track (the previous offense clearly wasn't right for his skills).
OL seems to step it up/be more comfortable in him, too. The way he was able to immediately pivot last game/this-under duress-and execute with confidence-plus how he leads the room-and that is no diss to JKS-but I see QB1 as JB for this offense, too. There is a cohesion and it’s not simply adding in McCann-interesting times for Cal Football.
I don’t know how much of our OL improvement was due to better play calling? In any case I think JKS can/should be able to thrive in this new passing first offensive scheme
2023 revisited lol
Brosseau deserves his own clothing line also now...
"When life gets too tight, Brousseau Briefs will provide much needed relief!"
modify the JKS shirts with paint.. closing the K to convert it to a B and change the S to a dollar sign (JB$). J B Money wear
Brosseau Briefs? Brosseau Buckets?
Brosseau Boxers!
Brosseau Brassieres has a good sound. Might not be a good look, though.
Bro vs Manssiere