Have to give JW some credit. He's had so many momentum killers (COVID in 2020/2021), narrow losses (esp. in 2024) but he somehow manages to dust himself off and generate buzz again. Really hope he can get over the hump. He may not be the greatest head coach in the world, but dude is resilient.
Whatever he sees in his candidates when he makes hires for his offensive staff simply does not translate.
Baldwin was not an awful choice as OC…he’d won an NC at EWU as an HC and coached one of the most prolific WRs in the history of the sport…likewise in Spavital - dude knew O.
But the Angus hiring was a mess; giving Bloesch duel OC/OL-coach duties a complete and total whiff; and his Oregon buddy Bill Musgrave, who had not coached collegiately in like 20-years, was an unmitigated disaster.
However, the Harsin/Rolovich/Anae hires should pay immediate dividends. They’ve proven already that they can recruit and mold at least functional units…if this troika face plants…
I think early JC hires where reaching for more senior, mentor-like figures. For example, Beau Baldwin was perceived to be a good hire because of his HC experience that could help Wilcox along. Problem is, he turned out not to be all that great of an OC. I would put Musgrave in a similar light...perhaps the thought was that players would be drawn to play under a legendary coach (not totally untrue), but, in retrospect, it was not a great idea. I'm not on the Spav train with you. Maybe more effective because of its simplicity, but, to me, his offense is basically RPO with school-yard routes Only reason it worked was because of Ott; otherwise, blah.
Yep, agree. And hey, I’m no real huge fan of Spavital, just thought his knowledge of college offenses was as good as any of the guys JW had hired.
My issue with Musgrave and Bloesch as playcaller was that they were suspect OC hires at the time…no Monday morning QB-ing was even necessary. Musgrave was a backup NFL QB with a mediocre track record as a pro coach and zero recruiting chops. And Bloesch showed in the Independence Bowl that he was woefully overmatched in his role as both….JW not hiring a dedicated OL coach was a questionable move at the time.
The fact that Wilcox has had a chance to hire 5 OC’s in 8 years despite being 20-games below .500 v conference foes remains one of life’s great mysteries…;-)
I hope Trond and Mavin return. Any word on Mason Starling post injury and will Kyion Graves get a medical redshirt? Merriweather as well actually (4 games or less)?
All of these transfer portal players look like a fantastic boom for Cal. I am appreciative of the effort Cal has placed in bringing in all these talented players. But, this does not make us a team . All I read is all these players will be competing for a spot . Competition is good for everyone. But, what We mostly need is the coaches to mold them into team on both sides of the ball. Maybe, I would feel more confident if Mendoza was still here for the Offense. Hopefully, the QB that came back to Cal from Oregon will be a leader. But, remember He will be only a Freshman. He came back because He had seen that He would not get playing time in Oregon. His expectations are high that He will be the QB of the future. Remember, these players can easily leave anytime if they don't they are not getting the playing time they think they deserve.
Have to give JW some credit. He's had so many momentum killers (COVID in 2020/2021), narrow losses (esp. in 2024) but he somehow manages to dust himself off and generate buzz again. Really hope he can get over the hump. He may not be the greatest head coach in the world, but dude is resilient.
100% agree...others would have faltered...shows character and an understanding of leadership
JW demonstrates the hallmarks of a great leader on many fronts, making his W-L record that much more perplexing.
Whatever he sees in his candidates when he makes hires for his offensive staff simply does not translate.
Baldwin was not an awful choice as OC…he’d won an NC at EWU as an HC and coached one of the most prolific WRs in the history of the sport…likewise in Spavital - dude knew O.
But the Angus hiring was a mess; giving Bloesch duel OC/OL-coach duties a complete and total whiff; and his Oregon buddy Bill Musgrave, who had not coached collegiately in like 20-years, was an unmitigated disaster.
However, the Harsin/Rolovich/Anae hires should pay immediate dividends. They’ve proven already that they can recruit and mold at least functional units…if this troika face plants…
I think early JC hires where reaching for more senior, mentor-like figures. For example, Beau Baldwin was perceived to be a good hire because of his HC experience that could help Wilcox along. Problem is, he turned out not to be all that great of an OC. I would put Musgrave in a similar light...perhaps the thought was that players would be drawn to play under a legendary coach (not totally untrue), but, in retrospect, it was not a great idea. I'm not on the Spav train with you. Maybe more effective because of its simplicity, but, to me, his offense is basically RPO with school-yard routes Only reason it worked was because of Ott; otherwise, blah.
Hope the new guys get it done.
Yep, agree. And hey, I’m no real huge fan of Spavital, just thought his knowledge of college offenses was as good as any of the guys JW had hired.
My issue with Musgrave and Bloesch as playcaller was that they were suspect OC hires at the time…no Monday morning QB-ing was even necessary. Musgrave was a backup NFL QB with a mediocre track record as a pro coach and zero recruiting chops. And Bloesch showed in the Independence Bowl that he was woefully overmatched in his role as both….JW not hiring a dedicated OL coach was a questionable move at the time.
The fact that Wilcox has had a chance to hire 5 OC’s in 8 years despite being 20-games below .500 v conference foes remains one of life’s great mysteries…;-)
indeed
The problem is, he generates so much buzz and then tanks and we are very disappointed.
Like just with Uluave, Jet and Ott returning, it created a huge momentum and a feel of win for the off season.
after that, he then somehow got JKS to transfer to Cal, and got commitment from half dozen offensive linemen.
Nice. Whoever plsys QB will have plenty of weapons. Both running and passing.
A stud QB would really complete this roster. I sure miss Nando.
Nando will be enjoying the sunny weather in …. oh wait
Yeah, Indiana is such a place of great weather, great culture, great academics...oh wait.
At least their school color is great... Oh wait
I hope Trond and Mavin return. Any word on Mason Starling post injury and will Kyion Graves get a medical redshirt? Merriweather as well actually (4 games or less)?
Merriweather was injured at the LA Bowl and hopefully has recovered.
Size and speed super! Let’s not forget about Trevor Rogers he has a lot of up side.
Welcome!
Excellent.
All of these transfer portal players look like a fantastic boom for Cal. I am appreciative of the effort Cal has placed in bringing in all these talented players. But, this does not make us a team . All I read is all these players will be competing for a spot . Competition is good for everyone. But, what We mostly need is the coaches to mold them into team on both sides of the ball. Maybe, I would feel more confident if Mendoza was still here for the Offense. Hopefully, the QB that came back to Cal from Oregon will be a leader. But, remember He will be only a Freshman. He came back because He had seen that He would not get playing time in Oregon. His expectations are high that He will be the QB of the future. Remember, these players can easily leave anytime if they don't they are not getting the playing time they think they deserve.
r u related to isabella??
Sorry, I don't know an Isabella.
Fastest Bear since Demetrius Robinson?
I think Ashtyn Davis was fast.
Yep, good call.