I’d say the defense was better this game than previous ones because of the fumble recoveries, scoop and score, sacks, less missed tackles, tipped throws, and more overall pressure on the QB. And their 14 points was a difference maker. And #27 on D was player of the game in my opinion! I’d say all in all, offense wasn’t as good, defense was better, and special teams could have been better with the punts. They seemed too short several times. Also, why not more reliance on the run game since WSU had a poor run defense? Why was Ilfanse out?
Give me an opportunistic defense that makes plays while occasionally getting gashed over the defense that slowly gets steamrolled like we’ve seen the previous weeks.
Defense had their ups and downs today nice to see David Reese playing well nice that we actually got some pressure in the qb at times, Defensive backs need to do a better job covering the receivers to eliminate the long pass plays by the opposing qbs. Hopefully next week we have alot less stupid penalties.
Wazzu held USC to 30 points. Cal scored 42. Cal's Defense was great in the last few minutes to preserve the win. They held WSU to a FG try which they missed. They then intercepted a "Hail Mary" pass to win the game. Defense is usually predicated on LB's and Cal's are very young. The ILB"s, lUluave (27) is a true freshman and Orr (53) is a sophomore. Future looks good to me, but I'm an optimist.
That game was a little too close for comfort. I started thinking that Cal would blow it on a game ending hail-Mary like we did at Arizona back in 2015. This time, the football gods gave us a break. While the defense wasn't outstanding, it did produce 14 points off of turnovers and that was the difference maker. Cal really needs more depth at running back as well. Hopefully we get Ifanse back for the Big Game and against FUCLA.
How about Cade Uluave? Stepping it up in the absence of Jackson Sirmon. Like Fernando on the other side of the ball, he’s a young player coming into his own over the tough tough stretch of the last 5 games. Love to see that!
Think about it…….one reason WS had so many more plays on offense, and much more time of possession, is because Cal’s defense scored touchdowns on forced fumbles. Meaning the Cal offense was on the sidelines watching instead of having 2 more offense drives. Can’t have it both ways (so to speak)……Go Bears!
We eked out a marginal win. Not sure if we deserved it. Feels like our team performs in spurts. Short to medium spurts of quality execution, followed by the inevitable turnover and then defense shutting off just long enough to erase what we did well. We have good players that play their hearts out. Just need to execute a little better, if possible.
The fumbles are infuriating. It was a problem early on in the season and cost us some games. You would think they would work on that. I looked it up and it looks like we are tied for 125th in the NCAA for fumbles lost. We could have easily lost this game if we didn't recover that goal line fumble for a touchdown.
Defense was bad once again but they also scored 14 points so I'll take that. Win is a win, but this is still a pretty bad team.
I’d say the defense was better this game than previous ones because of the fumble recoveries, scoop and score, sacks, less missed tackles, tipped throws, and more overall pressure on the QB. And their 14 points was a difference maker. And #27 on D was player of the game in my opinion! I’d say all in all, offense wasn’t as good, defense was better, and special teams could have been better with the punts. They seemed too short several times. Also, why not more reliance on the run game since WSU had a poor run defense? Why was Ilfanse out?
Uluave, #27, is only a true freshman which makes his future as a Bear look pretty good. Ifanse is injured with a sprained ankle.
Agreed he looked really good out there.
As Teddy KGB said in Rounders…”Pay heeem. Pay dat man hizz money.”
Was he playing in the previous games? And hope he and Ott stay at Cal. Transfer portal makes me nervous...
That’s all you can think of to say about a long game that has lots and lots of great plays? Jeese. With fans like you who needs Stanford.
I don't know what game you saw, but I was at the game and the second half was pretty bad.
I was at the game where we nearly gave up an 18 point lead with 7 minutes left. The antithesis of fun
Give me an opportunistic defense that makes plays while occasionally getting gashed over the defense that slowly gets steamrolled like we’ve seen the previous weeks.
Wazzu was desperate to Coug it and we couldn't Bear the thought of letting them do so.
I'll take any win but it would be nice to actually feel like the superior team after one.
I’ll take that next week. Then I’ll take any kind of win the week after. Go Bears.
Was it Mendoza's first win I think
Yes it was.
...Cal, out produced 483 yds to 327 and still won the game..that's called "efficiency".
...Also terrific final defensive sequence.
Yeah I think the yardage is not a big deal - a lot of that is a function of us being up by three scores and then scrambling to catch up
We also had fewer possessions than they did because of the defensive scores. They ran 97 plays, we ran 57.
This is the real reason. When the turnover game is lopsided like that it will skew the yardage.
Defense had their ups and downs today nice to see David Reese playing well nice that we actually got some pressure in the qb at times, Defensive backs need to do a better job covering the receivers to eliminate the long pass plays by the opposing qbs. Hopefully next week we have alot less stupid penalties.
Agreed, way too many penalties...
Count on you guys to find the negative stats and put them close to the lead.
Thanks Rick.
4 turnovers. 6 sacks. 14 points. Pressure on Ward all game. I praise this defensive performance!
Wazzu held USC to 30 points. Cal scored 42. Cal's Defense was great in the last few minutes to preserve the win. They held WSU to a FG try which they missed. They then intercepted a "Hail Mary" pass to win the game. Defense is usually predicated on LB's and Cal's are very young. The ILB"s, lUluave (27) is a true freshman and Orr (53) is a sophomore. Future looks good to me, but I'm an optimist.
Ulaeve and KEO are going to cost $$$.
Did anyone figure out what happened to KEO? He didn't play in the second half. Rutchena played next to Uluave.
That game was a little too close for comfort. I started thinking that Cal would blow it on a game ending hail-Mary like we did at Arizona back in 2015. This time, the football gods gave us a break. While the defense wasn't outstanding, it did produce 14 points off of turnovers and that was the difference maker. Cal really needs more depth at running back as well. Hopefully we get Ifanse back for the Big Game and against FUCLA.
It was also nice to finally see some sacks.
ASU beats UCLA at the Rose Bowl.
If we can catch them with no Dante Moore and no Ethan Garbers like Sparky did, we gotta shot!
With UCLA's QB injury problems, it looks like Cal has a great shot at getting bowl eligible. Which would be a major achievement.
Huge. Like their chances a helluva lot more with the ex-KSU Golden Flash QB Schlee.
I personally would consider finishing 6-6 a mitigated success with mild hopes for much better success in the ACC.
6-6 this year was always most realistic best case scenario.
Let’s get it.
How about Cade Uluave? Stepping it up in the absence of Jackson Sirmon. Like Fernando on the other side of the ball, he’s a young player coming into his own over the tough tough stretch of the last 5 games. Love to see that!
Gotta keep this kid. Time to donate to CALEGENDS.
Good call!
He’s certainly got a nose for the football…can’t teach that.
Why don’t you start a poll, Bob? You’re always, ALWAYS asking other people to do shit you could easily do.
Think about it…….one reason WS had so many more plays on offense, and much more time of possession, is because Cal’s defense scored touchdowns on forced fumbles. Meaning the Cal offense was on the sidelines watching instead of having 2 more offense drives. Can’t have it both ways (so to speak)……Go Bears!
Too close for comfort
We eked out a marginal win. Not sure if we deserved it. Feels like our team performs in spurts. Short to medium spurts of quality execution, followed by the inevitable turnover and then defense shutting off just long enough to erase what we did well. We have good players that play their hearts out. Just need to execute a little better, if possible.
The fumbles are infuriating. It was a problem early on in the season and cost us some games. You would think they would work on that. I looked it up and it looks like we are tied for 125th in the NCAA for fumbles lost. We could have easily lost this game if we didn't recover that goal line fumble for a touchdown.