31 Comments
Apr 15, 2023·edited Apr 15, 2023Liked by Piotr Le, Ruey Yen, TD_24

CAL Rugby just beat SMC by 1 point to advance to the semi-finals next week. The game was as expected, gritty and filled with lot's of unforced errors. BYU visits CAL for the game next Saturday. And, Navy knocked off the #1 undefeated Army team today by a lopsided score.

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Navy is the one that's undefeated, including beating Cal in Annapolis. Army, the defending champion last year, lost at Cal this year.

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I stand corrected! Thanks!

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Good thing Cal doesn't have to play BYU in Utah, but hosts them in Berkeley instead. BYU crushed what was supposed to be a good Central Washington team. If Cal makes it out of the West, they narrowly lost to the Navy in Annapolis, so should have a great shot on a neutral field.

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Central Washington is good, they beat UBC and St. Marys. BYU is good, especially after pounding Central Washington 62-31. We sent a reserve grade team out to BYU to play when they beat us 50-14 as Jack wanted his starters to rest and heal up and he knew we were in the playoffs. BYU may be the real deal. We'll find out on Saturday, although they lost to Life early in the season, lost to St. Mary's by 5 in March. Should be another good game.

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Back in the box for the spring showcase, someone fast forward 5 months it feels like the season already!

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I watched most of it and not sure you can learn much given a bunch of guys we’re held out due to preserve health - Alfieri a back up TE was RB2 to give context to the number of guys held out - and scheme was obviously vanilla.

But I did notice a few things:

- the offense is noticeably faster both in terms of player speed and tempo

- there will be shots taken down the field

- the o-line is still going to be a problem but at least Sam Jackson can scramble

- the transfers on the defensive side will be good, especially the kid from Florida

- new kicking game is certainly welcomed

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It seemed like Alfieri may be getting a Colletto type role. Which is not necessarily a bad thing

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He was honestly an impressive short yardage guy

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Offensive line still looked really bad. My concern with Jackson is the tendency to jump and throw. That leaves him very exposed to hits in real game situations.

Nevertheless, he had some nice throws and showed the mobility that he’ll need.

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Aaron Rodgers jumps to throw to reduce risk of injury.

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Seems Cal hasn't had a short yardage beast in forever. Love to see it.

Kid from Florida #7 David Reese, 240 lb OLB: Looks like a great pickup.

If Cal can get just a few more guys from the portal...

Speaking of beasts, you fellow formation geeks may have noticed that Cal ran a 3-3-5 at times, with Sirmon as the MLB. Since Stanley McKenzie-Saole is back, they can use him and Ricky Correia as true up-the-middle nose tackles to give offenses another wrinkle to worry about. Can't wait for fall!

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I saw the interview with Madsen during this. He sure interviews well. It’s hard not to get excited with Madsen talking while Sam V throws a nice one deep.

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I saw that interview. Yep , he'll have his team burning with some Blue and Gold fire!

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Had it on the calendar to watch but a BBQ has broken out...hopefully it will be repeated/streamed??

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more than likely will replay at some point on the Pac 12 network

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For sure on PAC12 Network since they had it live. They usually play repeats on Tuesday or Wednesday evenings. Hopefully it will be on Youtube as well.

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It's on Sunday at 4:30 PDT on PAC 12.

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thanks!

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Apr 16, 2023·edited Apr 16, 2023

https://youtu.be/z2Vr2Ke6unA

Here’s the archive of Spring Showcase.

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Was there live and like everyone said Sam Jackson was FAST and also showed off the cannon of an arm. The OL though has me nervous so hoping for steady improvement or else Sam will be running for his life. I do think Mendoza will be a competent QB should the unthinkable happen.

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Go Bears. It will be cool to see Sam V taking some snaps

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Where is Ott?

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He's being held out to preserve his health.

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Smart

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Go Bears! Also hoping I can stream this later as today is a big track invitational for our son.

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Unable to watch today due to preexisting commitments. How is the offense looking, esp the QBs?

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Haven't been watching the whole time but Jackson V has VERY impressive wheels and good decisiveness. Mendoza also making some nice throws.

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Also Tyler Jensen had a beautiful TD pass

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Excellent! Thanks!

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WR Robinson looked good

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