If it wasn't for the existential dread of realignment, I would consider this a pretty decent season so far. GameDay, some national attention, and one of the most TypiCAL seasons one could imagine. But everyone is still committed and playing tough, many other teams fall apart after the struggles we have faced.
I think the biggest disappointment is that this would have been a really good season to take a step forward. Very few undefeated teams are left with most of the blue bloods having some blemishes on their records. Wilcox has done a pretty good job of stopping the wheels from coming off, feels like at a school like Cal, that is worth something. But I also think he has what it takes to get us into that next tier, but not sure how long we can wait for that considering the first point. Anyways, hopefully we get some more exciting football these next few weeks.
-Mick Jagger living his best life and Keith Richards the Immortal One.
Well said, Avi.
Every time we whine about the "bad" this or the "crappy" that, we're pissing not just on the program, but the young men who are fighting with their last ounce of strength and "leavin' it all on the field".
We're not thinking of the good they do, the fight they make, or the grit they have.
We wanted an outcome and, lo and behold, there's other programs that, too, want to survive. 'Imagine that.
We're not the only ones.
Yes, we need to hold steadfast to striving for championship level achievement, but understand that, hey, we're not the only ones on such a dream quest.
Imagine it into reality and honor the incremental achievements along our journey.
But, to be honest, FSU been in a graduated decline and, at the time we played them, the environment was bloodthirsty, anxious, and still expected to win out for the rest of their season. It was a tougher game and environment than it appears to be on paper.
Bob Dole knows tough.
BTW- Respect for Bob and Elizabeth Dole. They funded an overnight room for parents who visit their child at Lakemary School in Paola Kansas. A much appreciated benefit when we visited our son there. A little known generosity from a true Patriot family and honored veteran.
I have enjoyed seeing how certain injuries have made Cal better, in the long run, by giving guys a chance to step up. Uluave last year and now Barth/Johnson/etc. coming through this year.
Not quite the same effect for our OLine...but not surprising that a Wilcox team is more stacked on D.
Yes. You are correct. However, the same could be said about a high percentage of Cal teams of the recent past. Isn't it a badge of honor to remain a Cal fan after all the heartbreakers and edge of your seat wins. I think whether Cal finishes in the rankings depends on 'Nando, when necessary, (play calling permitted) finishing with a game winning or clinching TD. He's not quite there yet, but he's not done improving.
Nando, IMHO, is ahead of the curve for where he should be for a little more than one year of starts and too many to count sacks and hurries. HIs efficiency is off the charts for his experience level. And he's not "emo" about his efforts. Look how Eli Holstein fell apart when we pressured him.
Nando, a redshirt Sophomore, is amazing and the center of gravity for the team's leadership.
Love the comparison of Nando to Paws. He reminds me of him a lot. Mike Pawlawski is easily my favorite Cal QB of all time and I was so excited when I heard that Fernando had reached out to him for some advice and mentorship.
Yes. Pawlawski is up in the booth every game and can use his knowledge and game reflections to offer Nando on field advice. This will add to his QB progress. Maybe next year Nando really breaks out like the 1990-1 Pawlawski teams
Of course, we will ride with them. The team is great. Their love for one and other and exuberance for the game is infectious. I just want to dismount and slap the horse on the ass when the coaches take us down the duck and cover, run up the middle trail in the 4th quarter. It just doesn't go anywhere good. The Syracuse game is going to be another rock fight. Go Bears!
I understand your point of view, but i respectfully disagree. I think they win the last 4 games and go to the Sun Bowl nationally ranked. The big one will be nationally ranked SMU and this game coming up
Your short comment was so perfect for us old Bears. I first entered Cal in 1956. I will never lose my loyalty to CAL. I go to every home game. I Love Memorial and the beautiful campus.
If it wasn't for the existential dread of realignment, I would consider this a pretty decent season so far. GameDay, some national attention, and one of the most TypiCAL seasons one could imagine. But everyone is still committed and playing tough, many other teams fall apart after the struggles we have faced.
I think the biggest disappointment is that this would have been a really good season to take a step forward. Very few undefeated teams are left with most of the blue bloods having some blemishes on their records. Wilcox has done a pretty good job of stopping the wheels from coming off, feels like at a school like Cal, that is worth something. But I also think he has what it takes to get us into that next tier, but not sure how long we can wait for that considering the first point. Anyways, hopefully we get some more exciting football these next few weeks.
"You can't always get what you want.....
But if you try sometimes,
You get what you need."
-Mick Jagger living his best life and Keith Richards the Immortal One.
Well said, Avi.
Every time we whine about the "bad" this or the "crappy" that, we're pissing not just on the program, but the young men who are fighting with their last ounce of strength and "leavin' it all on the field".
We're not thinking of the good they do, the fight they make, or the grit they have.
We wanted an outcome and, lo and behold, there's other programs that, too, want to survive. 'Imagine that.
We're not the only ones.
Yes, we need to hold steadfast to striving for championship level achievement, but understand that, hey, we're not the only ones on such a dream quest.
Imagine it into reality and honor the incremental achievements along our journey.
We are gonna be the only fbs school to lose to Florida state. Imagine that
I know, right?
But, to be honest, FSU been in a graduated decline and, at the time we played them, the environment was bloodthirsty, anxious, and still expected to win out for the rest of their season. It was a tougher game and environment than it appears to be on paper.
Bob Dole knows tough.
BTW- Respect for Bob and Elizabeth Dole. They funded an overnight room for parents who visit their child at Lakemary School in Paola Kansas. A much appreciated benefit when we visited our son there. A little known generosity from a true Patriot family and honored veteran.
This team actually reminds me a lot of the 2003 squad.
I have enjoyed seeing how certain injuries have made Cal better, in the long run, by giving guys a chance to step up. Uluave last year and now Barth/Johnson/etc. coming through this year.
Not quite the same effect for our OLine...but not surprising that a Wilcox team is more stacked on D.
Yes. You are correct. However, the same could be said about a high percentage of Cal teams of the recent past. Isn't it a badge of honor to remain a Cal fan after all the heartbreakers and edge of your seat wins. I think whether Cal finishes in the rankings depends on 'Nando, when necessary, (play calling permitted) finishing with a game winning or clinching TD. He's not quite there yet, but he's not done improving.
Nando, IMHO, is ahead of the curve for where he should be for a little more than one year of starts and too many to count sacks and hurries. HIs efficiency is off the charts for his experience level. And he's not "emo" about his efforts. Look how Eli Holstein fell apart when we pressured him.
Nando, a redshirt Sophomore, is amazing and the center of gravity for the team's leadership.
Everyone likes "edge of your seat" wins. If I could edit this comment, I would substitute "white knuckling" wins.
You should be able to edit your comments using the 3 dots.
Avi, once again you bring forth voice to my inner Cal football thoughts. Well said.
ps - I old, and at some point I'll make it to a game (Furd?) and I'd love two buy you a drink. GO Bears!
Love the comparison of Nando to Paws. He reminds me of him a lot. Mike Pawlawski is easily my favorite Cal QB of all time and I was so excited when I heard that Fernando had reached out to him for some advice and mentorship.
Yes. Pawlawski is up in the booth every game and can use his knowledge and game reflections to offer Nando on field advice. This will add to his QB progress. Maybe next year Nando really breaks out like the 1990-1 Pawlawski teams
Both were underestimated coming out of high school. Both make up for it in leadership and toughness, and get better every year.
yeah I'm buying you a drink too.
Sums things up extremely well, balanced blend of emotion and fact, thank you!
Of course, we will ride with them. The team is great. Their love for one and other and exuberance for the game is infectious. I just want to dismount and slap the horse on the ass when the coaches take us down the duck and cover, run up the middle trail in the 4th quarter. It just doesn't go anywhere good. The Syracuse game is going to be another rock fight. Go Bears!
I understand your point of view, but i respectfully disagree. I think they win the last 4 games and go to the Sun Bowl nationally ranked. The big one will be nationally ranked SMU and this game coming up
Bartender, I'll have five shots of whatever he's having.
If the Bears do as you say, drinks all around.
Deal! 😀
That'd be great!
I won't eat dog poo, though.
Yes, and we love them!
I am a Golden Bear for life, even when they break my heart (which hopefully will not happen this Saturday). GO BEARS!!!! FOREVER!!!!!
Your short comment was so perfect for us old Bears. I first entered Cal in 1956. I will never lose my loyalty to CAL. I go to every home game. I Love Memorial and the beautiful campus.
Wow. I entered in 1976, knowing little or nothing about Cal sports. I I became a permanent fan when, apart from becoming my alma mater, Cal upset $C.