The best marketing campaign for Cal to the B!G is winning the Pac12 and going to a major bowl this year. Will the offense finally be an offense? Will Wilcox change his in-game decisions to win football games (why don't beat writers ask Wilcox what he plans to do in-game to win these close games ~ it isn't all about "a play or two" ~ it's also about coaching decisions). Beat writers need to cajone up and ask Wilcox what and how has HE changed? 7 damn years!!
Defense will need to be stellar cuz the O isn't looking very good. Still a very BIG question at QB and as I've said before, I'm not sure Jackson is the answer and it appears it may be Finley at QB. This may be a good answer given his experience and his ability to run a little bit. OL is still such a huge impediment to success so many years into the Wilcox era!! The Greatwood hire way back when was so poorly judged only to be topped off by Angus. The most important unit in football has had such poor coaching. Whichever QB starts, he will need to make quick decisions and hope Ott can do it alone ~ like he did most of last year. Gawd I hope I'm wrong about the OL.
As long as the QB position remains a three way race, it remains a very BIG question. I visited CMS to observe the scrimmage on Sunday, and the offense seems to have made improvements, though it's challenging to assess given the absence of an actual game.. Finley's experience is evident in his comfort on the field, and from what I could tell, he demonstrates precise ball placement. A drawback is his lack of mobility and during a scramble he nearly injured himself trying to juke a defender. Mendoza and Jackson look good as well, but I got the sense that they still require a little more overseeing from the coaching staff. I'm inclined to root for Jackson because he adds that extra dimension with his agile footwork. He reminds me of Dorian Thompson-Robinson when he takes off. He's noticeably undersized, one can only hope for his durability as he's likely to endure hits while scrambling. While I didn't witness any particularly challenging throws from him, his throws looked solid and accurate. Mendoza delivered some impressive throws that showcased his receivers, and I don't remember seeing him scramble with the ball in his hands. Regardless of who ultimately takes the lead, it seems they will face a baptism by fire but they all have tools that can help the team.
I've attended 2 practices but did not go to the scrimmage this past weekend. Thanks for your observations. I mostly agree with your observations and feel that Finley may be our best option to start the season. I feel for Jackson to survive the OL will have to be good to above average, else he's running on every passing play. Mendoza isn't too far behind, imo, hopefully he gets some reps in the first game. I don't think Spav has the option to play just one QB, in the first game, at least 2 have to get some game film.
edit: I would also add that it is infuriating how Cal's QBs often throw late when WR's are well out of their break. Not sure if they are coached up correctly. Watching them at practice they consistently throw the ball 2 - 3 ticks late. They rarely throw the receiver open.
Seems to me the Bears have good overall depth on D. So we might not know the ceiling, but perhaps the floor is higher in terms of resistance to getting gassed in the 4th?
I'm rooting for Iosefa to get the starting nod next to Sirmon. #10 last year - a great athlete - was really undisciplined and took bad angles repeatedly. Let's hope #55 takes off!
The defense will be better this season but how much nobody knows. If the secondary can lock everyone down, that will give the front 7 enough time to get to the quarterback. One hand washes the other. It's critical that Cals defense be better.
You are correct, a good year in football/basketball that draws ticket sales and ratings is our only chance at salvation. (Other than an outside shot at the ACC)
The best marketing campaign for Cal to the B!G is winning the Pac12 and going to a major bowl this year. Will the offense finally be an offense? Will Wilcox change his in-game decisions to win football games (why don't beat writers ask Wilcox what he plans to do in-game to win these close games ~ it isn't all about "a play or two" ~ it's also about coaching decisions). Beat writers need to cajone up and ask Wilcox what and how has HE changed? 7 damn years!!
Fair assessment.
Defense will need to be stellar cuz the O isn't looking very good. Still a very BIG question at QB and as I've said before, I'm not sure Jackson is the answer and it appears it may be Finley at QB. This may be a good answer given his experience and his ability to run a little bit. OL is still such a huge impediment to success so many years into the Wilcox era!! The Greatwood hire way back when was so poorly judged only to be topped off by Angus. The most important unit in football has had such poor coaching. Whichever QB starts, he will need to make quick decisions and hope Ott can do it alone ~ like he did most of last year. Gawd I hope I'm wrong about the OL.
As long as the QB position remains a three way race, it remains a very BIG question. I visited CMS to observe the scrimmage on Sunday, and the offense seems to have made improvements, though it's challenging to assess given the absence of an actual game.. Finley's experience is evident in his comfort on the field, and from what I could tell, he demonstrates precise ball placement. A drawback is his lack of mobility and during a scramble he nearly injured himself trying to juke a defender. Mendoza and Jackson look good as well, but I got the sense that they still require a little more overseeing from the coaching staff. I'm inclined to root for Jackson because he adds that extra dimension with his agile footwork. He reminds me of Dorian Thompson-Robinson when he takes off. He's noticeably undersized, one can only hope for his durability as he's likely to endure hits while scrambling. While I didn't witness any particularly challenging throws from him, his throws looked solid and accurate. Mendoza delivered some impressive throws that showcased his receivers, and I don't remember seeing him scramble with the ball in his hands. Regardless of who ultimately takes the lead, it seems they will face a baptism by fire but they all have tools that can help the team.
I've attended 2 practices but did not go to the scrimmage this past weekend. Thanks for your observations. I mostly agree with your observations and feel that Finley may be our best option to start the season. I feel for Jackson to survive the OL will have to be good to above average, else he's running on every passing play. Mendoza isn't too far behind, imo, hopefully he gets some reps in the first game. I don't think Spav has the option to play just one QB, in the first game, at least 2 have to get some game film.
edit: I would also add that it is infuriating how Cal's QBs often throw late when WR's are well out of their break. Not sure if they are coached up correctly. Watching them at practice they consistently throw the ball 2 - 3 ticks late. They rarely throw the receiver open.
knowing our offense, our offense woes..
and not so great defensive line work...
may we intercept our way to wins. secondary please provide some points.
As I read this, I thought it was lyrics to a country western song. But the last sentence kinda killed it.
anyone up for a Cal Haiku contest?
Sounds not cautiously optimistic, but cautious.
Seems to me the Bears have good overall depth on D. So we might not know the ceiling, but perhaps the floor is higher in terms of resistance to getting gassed in the 4th?
I'm rooting for Iosefa to get the starting nod next to Sirmon. #10 last year - a great athlete - was really undisciplined and took bad angles repeatedly. Let's hope #55 takes off!
Go Bears!
The defense will be better this season but how much nobody knows. If the secondary can lock everyone down, that will give the front 7 enough time to get to the quarterback. One hand washes the other. It's critical that Cals defense be better.
The pass rush, which has not been a strength for a couple of seasons will have to improve. If we can pressure the QB we may see the Takers 3.0.
I miss the early years of Wilcox tenure when TDR would dial up blitzes and force turnovers.
You are correct, a good year in football/basketball that draws ticket sales and ratings is our only chance at salvation. (Other than an outside shot at the ACC)