I've got 5.75 wins for Cal this season. I only favor them in five games (and all those except Idaho are barely favored, around 60% or so): North Texas, Auburn, Idaho, Arizona State, and Big Game.
I expect the team to be better than last year, but the conference is absolutely stacked this year so moderate improvement will not necessarily translate into more wins.
Schedule is just too tough to predict a bowl-caliber season with any confidence based on 6 years of data on Wilcox. I know it’s obvious, but 9/2 at North Texas will tell a lot…is it more of the same with silly penalties and stalled drives, or is there a spark to the squad we haven’t seen, other than for short stretches in 2019? If they show up and cover the 9 point spread in Denton, then maybe they have turned a corner…at least that’s the hope.
I am really hoping Spavital gets the O moving in the right direction…it’s just a lot of pieces to cobble together in an offseason…
It’s a litmus test for sure. Let’s take care of business, limit the mistakes, and play a solid game.
Just fear the narrative snowballing in such a negative manner if we stumble in the heat at the Mean Green. It’ll likely be one of the bigger upsets in week 1 at a time when Cal needs all the forward momentum it can get.
An 8-4 season would be terrific. It can be done. Now, I need to go online and find a reasonably priced gold long sleeved shirt for that big game with Auburn. All I have is a bunch of blue stuff. Funny, I never thought about it before. I really am an old blue, and I mean old baby! Go Bears!
Am doing the gold thing because I thought I saw something about it being a Gold Out game. You are right, the gold does show better on the screen. Heck, I am just happy the season starts soon, and we have some good games to attend. I need some good stuff to shed the willeys from that dispiriting Colorado game last year.
Just give me 6 wins in the regular season, plus the bowl win. Even if they sweep the OOC, it might be hard to pull off. Who knows, we might end up with potent Bear Raid + improved defense = 8 or more wins. Grrrrah!
Agreed. My worst fear is them stumbling out the gate and allowing north Texas to stick around and that doesn’t bode well for Cal when it’s projected to be 101 degrees with 30% humidity. The weather will be a factor. The spread was initially -14 and now it’s only -7. But I’m pumped to see Jackson and ott in the backfield. The cal offense will be fun to watch even though it will be rough sledding and lots of growing pains with Jackson.
Late into fall camp and still no clear leader at QB? OL projects to have 3 starters from last year, one of whom was contemplating retirement due to injuries?
Still not much to like abut Cal's offense, makes one sad for all the talent at the skill positions.
I've got 5.75 wins for Cal this season. I only favor them in five games (and all those except Idaho are barely favored, around 60% or so): North Texas, Auburn, Idaho, Arizona State, and Big Game.
I expect the team to be better than last year, but the conference is absolutely stacked this year so moderate improvement will not necessarily translate into more wins.
5-7.
Schedule is just too tough to predict a bowl-caliber season with any confidence based on 6 years of data on Wilcox. I know it’s obvious, but 9/2 at North Texas will tell a lot…is it more of the same with silly penalties and stalled drives, or is there a spark to the squad we haven’t seen, other than for short stretches in 2019? If they show up and cover the 9 point spread in Denton, then maybe they have turned a corner…at least that’s the hope.
I am really hoping Spavital gets the O moving in the right direction…it’s just a lot of pieces to cobble together in an offseason…
I think the north Texas game will be the most important game in Wilcox’s tenure.
It’s a litmus test for sure. Let’s take care of business, limit the mistakes, and play a solid game.
Just fear the narrative snowballing in such a negative manner if we stumble in the heat at the Mean Green. It’ll likely be one of the bigger upsets in week 1 at a time when Cal needs all the forward momentum it can get.
An 8-4 season would be terrific. It can be done. Now, I need to go online and find a reasonably priced gold long sleeved shirt for that big game with Auburn. All I have is a bunch of blue stuff. Funny, I never thought about it before. I really am an old blue, and I mean old baby! Go Bears!
So, like, when the other is team has dark blue, you go gold? Same. Hopefully all the fans do. Lighter colors look way better on TV.
Am doing the gold thing because I thought I saw something about it being a Gold Out game. You are right, the gold does show better on the screen. Heck, I am just happy the season starts soon, and we have some good games to attend. I need some good stuff to shed the willeys from that dispiriting Colorado game last year.
Ah yes. It is a gold out. Thanks for saying so. Stay Golden!
https://calbears.com/news/2023/5/31/football-cal-opens-home-slate-under-the-lights-against-auburn.aspx
8-4 The "Mad as Hell" Season!!!
Yup. Hopefully the guys will be motivated to have a great year and enter into their new conference affiliation on a high note. Go Bears!
Just give me 6 wins in the regular season, plus the bowl win. Even if they sweep the OOC, it might be hard to pull off. Who knows, we might end up with potent Bear Raid + improved defense = 8 or more wins. Grrrrah!
Five wins
Right now, 8-4. I reserve the right to re-adjust to 5-7 after OOC games are played. 😆
Agreed. My worst fear is them stumbling out the gate and allowing north Texas to stick around and that doesn’t bode well for Cal when it’s projected to be 101 degrees with 30% humidity. The weather will be a factor. The spread was initially -14 and now it’s only -7. But I’m pumped to see Jackson and ott in the backfield. The cal offense will be fun to watch even though it will be rough sledding and lots of growing pains with Jackson.
Late into fall camp and still no clear leader at QB? OL projects to have 3 starters from last year, one of whom was contemplating retirement due to injuries?
Still not much to like abut Cal's offense, makes one sad for all the talent at the skill positions.