Reading the comments, here, my ambivalence is brought to the surface.
On one hand, the eternal optimism of Cal fans reminds of the 49’er Faithful, who, despite years of losing or mediocre records, still showed up and cheered them on.
And that reminds me of Stalin’s lesson, where he plucked a live chicken, which, despite the pain, came to eat out of Stalin’s hand.
Are we some kind of masochists in the Temple of Oski? One must wonder.
On the other hand, the COVID set-back was real and more acute for Cal (thank you, City of Bezerkeley); the PAC X factor makes us a sketchy choice both to stay with or come to; NIL lures that, well, we just can’t compete with; and, never forget, as many of us, have come to conclude, we have an apathetic, if not disdainful, administration, when it comes to popular sports (would ANY coach overcome that?). And, yet, despite all that, most of us agree that the team is moving in a positive direction. And that’s the other side of Because Cal.” Eternal optimism pays its own dividends. Cal sports make us happy.
4-8 and at best 5-7. Cal has gotten better but unfortunately, the conference has gotten even better and Cal wont be able to catch up.
The conference schedule is brutal with most of the teams they’re facing are playoff contenders or dark horse contenders. The o line and QB depth is the biggest issue still.
North Texas. Good first game circumstance - no FCS, decent team that gets another shot at us at their home stadium. Road game openings add more complexities that can enhance a teams early development.
It's a schedule, I like it just fine. Other than the away game at Utah, the games are the usual mix of good and less good. I like Auburn at home, I like $C at home. I like the Beavs at home. I hate little bruins at all and last game in LA. We will do the usual game predictions, but I agree with those more optimistic now than two months ago. The Wilcox defense is always at least good. Always. The Spavital and Co. offense will be better than Musgrave.
No one is giving him that and I would assume most teams don't want to deal with him after the whole Florida situation. Might look at Cal as a situation where he can come in get early playing time then transfer and get the NIL money after one good year at Cal.
I'm not sure how most NIL deals are structured (short vs long term) but I'd guess he'd want the biggest bag now in case he gets hurt or he ends up somehow losing value over the year.
He could be financially secure for a very long time with this NIL deal even if he flames out while still maintaining the potential for bigger paydays (or other non-financial interests like, hypothetically, bringing a natty to Berkeley) in the future.
The pessimism is so bad here. It's low key sad. I question if some of you are rooting against Wilcox and co
We were a few plays away (FG kicks against CU, DTR fumble recovery, and phantom offsides vs ND) from being bowl eligible. Cal got better and a good portion of y'all do nothing but complain. This also applies to half the donors who have the capital to donate to our NIL program but do nothing but complain and drink chardonnay at the games
I am just a pauper, but I would forswear chardonnay for the rest of my Cal football viewing days and just drink beer if Wilcox could actually prove he knew how to string together wins in the Pac 12. His 17-32 conference record says otherwise. The man has always been a bouncing ball or two away from winning close games. After a while, it becomes a calling card.
There’s a difference between actively rooting against Justin Wilcox and simply having zero faith in him to win as a Head Coach in a Power 5 Conference based on 6 years of game evidence and how he constructs a roster, how he compiles a coaching staff, how he consistently fails to get his team’s ready to play….
Some guys are just better coordinators. He is one of them.
Not drinking the Kool-Aid doesn’t make someone any less knowledgeable or passionate of a Cal fan…it just makes them different from you.
Last year we played Colorado and Arizona and had 8 wins. This year we don't play either of them, but instead play ASU and Utah. Not to mention this is an odd year so the schedule is difficult to begin with.
The conference is much better, but generally Wilcox teams have competed defensively, and lost a number of games on odd circumstances and close calls, but admittedly, not against some of the best teams. They have a strong defense returning next season it would seems, but the real weakness is the offensive line. If they can bolster that line through the portal, they may be much better than the end of last season. But all of this will need to be played out before the next season begins.
Everyone is so pessimistic here, makes me wonder why y’all waste your time then.
More transfers incoming in Spring. We have a lot of depth in most positions except QB and OL (which should be addressed spring).
Arguably our defense should be stronger than last year with all the injury returns and new additions.
Our offense sees an overloaded RB room, an upgraded TE room, and new coaching (which arguably should be an improvement and with it improve OL).
We WILL go bowling next year. In 2024 with momentum, with USC/UCLA out, with USC/Oregon/Utah/UW without their bazillion year quarterbacks and players. WE WILL WIN THE PAC10.
I think you’re in the wrong meeting…Cal can, and should, be better. It just won’t matter, because the rest of the P12 is even better.
OL actually got worse, if that’s possible, considering it was the worst unit in P5...our QB boasts zero career starts, and the backup is basically a PWO R-FR. And dunno what TE room you’re seeing, but it’s hardly improved.
But hey, pumping sunshine is great, misguided as it may be, if that works for you…but don’t be telling people what to do with their Cal fandom.
You are right, can't people tell you how to live their Cal fandom. Was just trying to bring some positivity to an extremely negative thread. Imagine being a prospect and reading all these comments, pretty sad IMO.
The way I see it is, we played a lot of pretty close games last year (ND, Col, Wash, USC, UCLA - all about 1 score games) with an atrocious OL and pretty bad offense. Our RB room is stacked, our TE room is more fit for blocking, there is now more quality depth in the secondary, the WR room is insanely talented even with JMike gone. The defensive side was struck with injury last year but it still has a lot of depth (Wilkins, Akili, and so on. All who were highly rated recruits). The spring portal will be another opportunity for the team to take depth at OL and QB. The OL as bad as it was last year, is still made up of players who were highly ranked. with better coaching and game planning that fits strengths, the OL play should improve.
I think you are under selling the QB, we aren't bringing a high schooler. We are bringing the QB that backed up a Heisman runner up and was part of the semifinalist team. A QB that should complement the OL play. A QB that supposedly was reached out to by 40 teams in the transfer portal.
There is a lot to be excited about here and I think we play a lot of close games that people wouldn't expect us to.
You make good points, no doubt…and I agree, Cal should absolutely be a better all around team in ‘23. It’s just the rest of the Conference is better as well, and we still have Justin Wilcox, which unfortunately is pretty much the heart of the issue. While we like Sam Jackson and hope he’ll be solid, he nonetheless was 3rd string QB in Ft Worth and has yet to throw a meaningful pass. Simply, predicting a 50% uptick in W’s as the schedule increases in difficulty requires a faith in Justin Wilcox that he honestly has yet to earn in 6 seasons.
Once they kick off in Denton, it’s all out the window…but on January 18, the fact that the O-line was the worst unit in P5 and has actually gotten weaker should terrify every Cal fan alive, even the most positive.
The fact that we ditched the OL coach and added blocking TEs should bring a smile to your face. As we saw last season, not having an OC was still better than Musgrave.
I haven’t smiled in regards to Cal football since 2019. There’s nothing to smile at. ;-)
The blocking scheme was way too complicated for 3* college athletes going to a school with rigorous academic requirements. That should help alone, if they have the horses.
Reading the comments, here, my ambivalence is brought to the surface.
On one hand, the eternal optimism of Cal fans reminds of the 49’er Faithful, who, despite years of losing or mediocre records, still showed up and cheered them on.
And that reminds me of Stalin’s lesson, where he plucked a live chicken, which, despite the pain, came to eat out of Stalin’s hand.
Are we some kind of masochists in the Temple of Oski? One must wonder.
On the other hand, the COVID set-back was real and more acute for Cal (thank you, City of Bezerkeley); the PAC X factor makes us a sketchy choice both to stay with or come to; NIL lures that, well, we just can’t compete with; and, never forget, as many of us, have come to conclude, we have an apathetic, if not disdainful, administration, when it comes to popular sports (would ANY coach overcome that?). And, yet, despite all that, most of us agree that the team is moving in a positive direction. And that’s the other side of Because Cal.” Eternal optimism pays its own dividends. Cal sports make us happy.
4-8 and at best 5-7. Cal has gotten better but unfortunately, the conference has gotten even better and Cal wont be able to catch up.
The conference schedule is brutal with most of the teams they’re facing are playoff contenders or dark horse contenders. The o line and QB depth is the biggest issue still.
I saw a 6-6 in that schedule, and my wife immediately accused me of pumping sunshine...
Will there be a big Cal fan road trip presence for the last game in the Rose Bowl for the foreseeable future?
I plan on being there, but TBF it's a 10 minute drive
So, not much of a cruse required.
It's hard because it's the weekend after Thanksgiving. I'm thinking of seeing if my two boys want to go and then No 2 can fly back to Vandy from LA.
Long holiday weekend, should make travel easier if you book early!
I'd drive because I'd have to drop No 3 off at UCSC on the way back.
Hollar when you drive through Monterey County.
Unless you take Five. 😂
That's a good question. For Santa Cruz, is it better to go up 101, which sucks for speeding, or take 5 and cut over at 152.
Five is faster; 101 is prettier.
North Texas. Good first game circumstance - no FCS, decent team that gets another shot at us at their home stadium. Road game openings add more complexities that can enhance a teams early development.
It's a schedule, I like it just fine. Other than the away game at Utah, the games are the usual mix of good and less good. I like Auburn at home, I like $C at home. I like the Beavs at home. I hate little bruins at all and last game in LA. We will do the usual game predictions, but I agree with those more optimistic now than two months ago. The Wilcox defense is always at least good. Always. The Spavital and Co. offense will be better than Musgrave.
Only 2 home games after Oct. 7, and just 1 in November, this immediately after playing USC, sets up for a really tough stretch run.
With all the drama surrounding Rashada does anybody think Cal has a shot at landing him?
Rumor is Washington is now the favorite to land Rashada.
No. He wants an 8-figure NIL deal.
No one is giving him that and I would assume most teams don't want to deal with him after the whole Florida situation. Might look at Cal as a situation where he can come in get early playing time then transfer and get the NIL money after one good year at Cal.
I'm not sure how most NIL deals are structured (short vs long term) but I'd guess he'd want the biggest bag now in case he gets hurt or he ends up somehow losing value over the year.
He could be financially secure for a very long time with this NIL deal even if he flames out while still maintaining the potential for bigger paydays (or other non-financial interests like, hypothetically, bringing a natty to Berkeley) in the future.
Cal is not giving him a 8 figure NIL deal either.
Fixed.
Jimmy C was a liberal arts guy…
I’m not arguing with you.
I just don’t think there’s a chance in hell he’s coming to Cal because $$$ is clearly most important to him.
The pessimism is so bad here. It's low key sad. I question if some of you are rooting against Wilcox and co
We were a few plays away (FG kicks against CU, DTR fumble recovery, and phantom offsides vs ND) from being bowl eligible. Cal got better and a good portion of y'all do nothing but complain. This also applies to half the donors who have the capital to donate to our NIL program but do nothing but complain and drink chardonnay at the games
Excuse me my honorable gentleman, I drink Whiskey.
I am just a pauper, but I would forswear chardonnay for the rest of my Cal football viewing days and just drink beer if Wilcox could actually prove he knew how to string together wins in the Pac 12. His 17-32 conference record says otherwise. The man has always been a bouncing ball or two away from winning close games. After a while, it becomes a calling card.
There’s a difference between actively rooting against Justin Wilcox and simply having zero faith in him to win as a Head Coach in a Power 5 Conference based on 6 years of game evidence and how he constructs a roster, how he compiles a coaching staff, how he consistently fails to get his team’s ready to play….
Some guys are just better coordinators. He is one of them.
Not drinking the Kool-Aid doesn’t make someone any less knowledgeable or passionate of a Cal fan…it just makes them different from you.
Wilcox is looking like he belongs in the category of very good coordinator and below average HC.
Last year we played Colorado and Arizona and had 8 wins. This year we don't play either of them, but instead play ASU and Utah. Not to mention this is an odd year so the schedule is difficult to begin with.
I meant 8 losses
Doom. Immediate doom week 1.
Beware the Mean Green…would’ve loved to have a game under the belt before that one.
fully agreed. Going into Denton they will have a chip on their shoulder with something to prove.
Btw DBD is subscribers only today
It still is.
The conference is much better, but generally Wilcox teams have competed defensively, and lost a number of games on odd circumstances and close calls, but admittedly, not against some of the best teams. They have a strong defense returning next season it would seems, but the real weakness is the offensive line. If they can bolster that line through the portal, they may be much better than the end of last season. But all of this will need to be played out before the next season begins.
We're going 15-0
6-0 folks before we crater in Utah.
My off season optimism is kicking in.
Why the heck not?
Unicorns and rainbows.
I'll have some optimism if we exit September with more than 3 wins
Everyone is so pessimistic here, makes me wonder why y’all waste your time then.
More transfers incoming in Spring. We have a lot of depth in most positions except QB and OL (which should be addressed spring).
Arguably our defense should be stronger than last year with all the injury returns and new additions.
Our offense sees an overloaded RB room, an upgraded TE room, and new coaching (which arguably should be an improvement and with it improve OL).
We WILL go bowling next year. In 2024 with momentum, with USC/UCLA out, with USC/Oregon/Utah/UW without their bazillion year quarterbacks and players. WE WILL WIN THE PAC10.
Now drink the cool aid or gtfo.
The pessimism has been well earned over the last two seasons.
OL unit and players, as of today looks like a downgrade over last seasons poor performance.
QB looks like a complete unknown and we only have two scholarship QBs on the roster at the moment.
We will be getting injured players back but we will eventually lose new players to injuries throughout the season.
Pac12 has improved, Cal hasn’t kept up.
I think you’re in the wrong meeting…Cal can, and should, be better. It just won’t matter, because the rest of the P12 is even better.
OL actually got worse, if that’s possible, considering it was the worst unit in P5...our QB boasts zero career starts, and the backup is basically a PWO R-FR. And dunno what TE room you’re seeing, but it’s hardly improved.
But hey, pumping sunshine is great, misguided as it may be, if that works for you…but don’t be telling people what to do with their Cal fandom.
;-)
You are right, can't people tell you how to live their Cal fandom. Was just trying to bring some positivity to an extremely negative thread. Imagine being a prospect and reading all these comments, pretty sad IMO.
The way I see it is, we played a lot of pretty close games last year (ND, Col, Wash, USC, UCLA - all about 1 score games) with an atrocious OL and pretty bad offense. Our RB room is stacked, our TE room is more fit for blocking, there is now more quality depth in the secondary, the WR room is insanely talented even with JMike gone. The defensive side was struck with injury last year but it still has a lot of depth (Wilkins, Akili, and so on. All who were highly rated recruits). The spring portal will be another opportunity for the team to take depth at OL and QB. The OL as bad as it was last year, is still made up of players who were highly ranked. with better coaching and game planning that fits strengths, the OL play should improve.
I think you are under selling the QB, we aren't bringing a high schooler. We are bringing the QB that backed up a Heisman runner up and was part of the semifinalist team. A QB that should complement the OL play. A QB that supposedly was reached out to by 40 teams in the transfer portal.
There is a lot to be excited about here and I think we play a lot of close games that people wouldn't expect us to.
But if one is not happy with things: https://calegends.com/
You make good points, no doubt…and I agree, Cal should absolutely be a better all around team in ‘23. It’s just the rest of the Conference is better as well, and we still have Justin Wilcox, which unfortunately is pretty much the heart of the issue. While we like Sam Jackson and hope he’ll be solid, he nonetheless was 3rd string QB in Ft Worth and has yet to throw a meaningful pass. Simply, predicting a 50% uptick in W’s as the schedule increases in difficulty requires a faith in Justin Wilcox that he honestly has yet to earn in 6 seasons.
Once they kick off in Denton, it’s all out the window…but on January 18, the fact that the O-line was the worst unit in P5 and has actually gotten weaker should terrify every Cal fan alive, even the most positive.
The fact that we ditched the OL coach and added blocking TEs should bring a smile to your face. As we saw last season, not having an OC was still better than Musgrave.
I haven’t smiled in regards to Cal football since 2019. There’s nothing to smile at. ;-)
The blocking scheme was way too complicated for 3* college athletes going to a school with rigorous academic requirements. That should help alone, if they have the horses.
We have a lot of depth in most positions except QB and OL
That says it all
Not to mention it's not just depth, but the starters are uncertain too at those two, arguably the most important positions.
I do think we’re gonna like Sam Jackson…it’s just that he’s incredibly unproven, and we’re probably a year away from Bowl contention.
Sun Bowl in ‘24…..
He can play....he is lighting in the bottle. Small but electrifying! Can throw and runs a 4.4!
Hope so
I will be hosting a WFC party in El Paso when that glorious time does come….
Next year in El Paso…
5 wins tops! :(