I think Spavital said earlier in the week we’re going to rotate bodies on offense a lot and I expect our depth will help us tire out their D in the second half.
Agree in a hopeful sort of way... Besides just the tiring there's the question of quality of depth vs. depth when both 2's are on the field. I know a little about UNT but nothing about the second row on their 2 deep. Maybe Morris et al will leave the starters in to (literally) sweat out the game, but I'm willing to bet that our fill ins will kick ass on theirs when the starters are getting a blow.
I wrote elsewhere that I think the game will be closer than the final score. I think the Bear will growl against UNT and save the teeth for Auburn. Having consistent strength up and down the 2 deep is going let Wilcox feel comfy in his usual 'get a small lead and turtle' approach (which IMO sucks against weaker teams). The depth will show and the score will eventually go up (tired UNT D in 2nd half as you say) but CAL coaches will never bother trying to put it away when they probably can earlier.
I will say... I disagree with Wilner but I love how he thinks and how much coverage he provides.
I really like coach Morris, but he's new to UNT and...
UNT made a bowl game last year (6th in 7 years) but ...
Fired their coach because he could never get any better. They lost all 6 bowl games. They made a bowl last year even though they did not win a single out of conference FBS game (as I recall).
On top of that, they were net hurt by graduation/portal.
They want to get better. I lived nearby so I know something about the program. They will get better (unless they keep losing too much to the portal). I like Morris. I think this will look like a better win for CAL by the end of the year but it's not the time to pick an upset. I also agree with OldSoCalBear below that the heat is the real enemy. If Wilcox & co. can't overcome that then I say can him on the tarmac.
I think Spavital said earlier in the week we’re going to rotate bodies on offense a lot and I expect our depth will help us tire out their D in the second half.
Agree in a hopeful sort of way... Besides just the tiring there's the question of quality of depth vs. depth when both 2's are on the field. I know a little about UNT but nothing about the second row on their 2 deep. Maybe Morris et al will leave the starters in to (literally) sweat out the game, but I'm willing to bet that our fill ins will kick ass on theirs when the starters are getting a blow.
I wrote elsewhere that I think the game will be closer than the final score. I think the Bear will growl against UNT and save the teeth for Auburn. Having consistent strength up and down the 2 deep is going let Wilcox feel comfy in his usual 'get a small lead and turtle' approach (which IMO sucks against weaker teams). The depth will show and the score will eventually go up (tired UNT D in 2nd half as you say) but CAL coaches will never bother trying to put it away when they probably can earlier.
Interesting preview which fuels a bit of optimism going into the contest tomorrow.
Hmm... Basically a less than top 100 defense that lost virtually all of its LBs. Take it to them Bears!!!!
I'm more worried about the heat than anything. The rule change with the clock may help some in this game.
https://www.ncaa.org/news/2023/4/21/media-center-football-timing-rules-approved-for-divisions-i-ii.aspx
Good thing there is more depth everywhere to rotate in and out.
Thanks for the background on their defense. You guys always do a good job. Time for Cal football very soon. Go Bears!
Another key to winning. Keep the defense on the field.
I think Wilner likes Cal, but tends to be skeptical that Cal can do much.
I will say... I disagree with Wilner but I love how he thinks and how much coverage he provides.
I really like coach Morris, but he's new to UNT and...
UNT made a bowl game last year (6th in 7 years) but ...
Fired their coach because he could never get any better. They lost all 6 bowl games. They made a bowl last year even though they did not win a single out of conference FBS game (as I recall).
On top of that, they were net hurt by graduation/portal.
They want to get better. I lived nearby so I know something about the program. They will get better (unless they keep losing too much to the portal). I like Morris. I think this will look like a better win for CAL by the end of the year but it's not the time to pick an upset. I also agree with OldSoCalBear below that the heat is the real enemy. If Wilcox & co. can't overcome that then I say can him on the tarmac.