The raw talent on this team is much higher than last years team. And the OL has continuity, experience, and depth especially on the interior, so I expect them and the run and pass game to be much improved. The defense I for one am not as concerned as many pundits are...they have better talent (and in spite of the hysteria about the outgoing players they were swiss cheese in run defense and not that great overall on defense last year) so I believe the defense will also be improved, especially as the year goes on and they gel.
However, as many have said the HC and O and D coaching staffs are incredibly unproven particularly at play-calling and it's a huge unknown. Its entirely possible if not likely that Cal will be out coached in both pre game prep and in game adjustments for most of the games on the schedule. The one thing they have going for them being so inexperienced is the element of surprise, no one knows what they are going to do. I'm holding out hope that they will prove themselves and become future coaching stars but Tosh took a huge gamble with major huevos picking who he did particularly at the coordinator spots. It'll be fascinating to see if it pays off. If it pays big (unlikely) Tosh is a genius.
MUST. IT MUST HAPPEN. That is the only takeaway. And that is on Tosh, who is overwhelmingly qualified to make it happen. I say none of this to put pressure on the players -- these guys will ball out and do their best. We exceed expectations this year by out coaching opponents. Also -- thank you pundits for shitting on us. Chalk up that blackboard. Get FUCLA off the bat. I won't see it as I'll be lost in the White Mountains, but working toward a Syracuse visit and returning to Berkeley for Clemson. Any Bostonish Bears down for a road trip to the 'Cuse?
Actually glad we were picked 12th. Way prefer to be underestimated. Provides reasons to silence the doubters. Prevents any over confidence. My own expectations are certainly higher.
Prove them wrong! Like others have said, this team, at least on paper, is more talented than last year's. Lord, please protect JKS; if he gets injured, we are toast.
Honestly. not surprised. I hope they under-estimate us and we can all make money on it too.
Scheme aside, if it's about showing up to the battle ready to fight, I ain't worried. Six seconds of sustained violence. This is not a Wilcox team anymore. Fools about to find out.
Anyone here bet prediction markets? To win ACC: Miami $0.55, Louisville/SMU $0.10, Cal and others at $0.05. Final winner cashes out at $1 but you can always sell at market price before it resolves. What do we think?
The raw talent on this team is much higher than last years team. And the OL has continuity, experience, and depth especially on the interior, so I expect them and the run and pass game to be much improved. The defense I for one am not as concerned as many pundits are...they have better talent (and in spite of the hysteria about the outgoing players they were swiss cheese in run defense and not that great overall on defense last year) so I believe the defense will also be improved, especially as the year goes on and they gel.
However, as many have said the HC and O and D coaching staffs are incredibly unproven particularly at play-calling and it's a huge unknown. Its entirely possible if not likely that Cal will be out coached in both pre game prep and in game adjustments for most of the games on the schedule. The one thing they have going for them being so inexperienced is the element of surprise, no one knows what they are going to do. I'm holding out hope that they will prove themselves and become future coaching stars but Tosh took a huge gamble with major huevos picking who he did particularly at the coordinator spots. It'll be fascinating to see if it pays off. If it pays big (unlikely) Tosh is a genius.
MUST. IT MUST HAPPEN. That is the only takeaway. And that is on Tosh, who is overwhelmingly qualified to make it happen. I say none of this to put pressure on the players -- these guys will ball out and do their best. We exceed expectations this year by out coaching opponents. Also -- thank you pundits for shitting on us. Chalk up that blackboard. Get FUCLA off the bat. I won't see it as I'll be lost in the White Mountains, but working toward a Syracuse visit and returning to Berkeley for Clemson. Any Bostonish Bears down for a road trip to the 'Cuse?
We will play Miami this year, in the ACC championship game!!
Go Bears.
Honestly better to have preseason polls rate us this way. Much better to have teams underestimate Cal and come underprepared
Actually glad we were picked 12th. Way prefer to be underestimated. Provides reasons to silence the doubters. Prevents any over confidence. My own expectations are certainly higher.
This is why they play the games.
Breakout season for Cal, media poll be damned. Go Bears!
East Coast bias.
If that's what the Media Poll is saying, I understand why people don't trust The Media. The first place vote for Furd is hilarious though.
California will finish 12th -- in the nation!
Why so low?
Prove them wrong! Like others have said, this team, at least on paper, is more talented than last year's. Lord, please protect JKS; if he gets injured, we are toast.
Unsure what to think about that level of disrespect. Sept 5th cannot come fast enough. Go Bears!!
Finish 12th in ACC = existential crisis
"existential crisis" is not in the vocabulary of Tosh Lupoi.
Honestly. not surprised. I hope they under-estimate us and we can all make money on it too.
Scheme aside, if it's about showing up to the battle ready to fight, I ain't worried. Six seconds of sustained violence. This is not a Wilcox team anymore. Fools about to find out.
Anyone here bet prediction markets? To win ACC: Miami $0.55, Louisville/SMU $0.10, Cal and others at $0.05. Final winner cashes out at $1 but you can always sell at market price before it resolves. What do we think?
Vegas disagrees.