This was definitely Mendoza's worst game yet. Most of his mistakes came through staying in the pocket too long when his O-line was overmatched - he needs to work on adapting his mental clock for the caliber of the defense. Tipped passes are something of a concern too. But hey, he's a freshman and Cal was so overmatched it didn't cost us the game.
Despite the eventual collapse, I thought the defense was largely improved in the first half. Coverage was tighter and tackling has dramatically sharpened since the Utah game. They got gassed when the offense couldn't stay in the field, but until then it was a reasonably competent performance against the best team in the conference.
Special teams no longer feel like a disaster but that doesn't mean we should be returning kickoffs.
We've got two very winnable games up next. Go Bears!
LOVE THIS!!!
Rose Bowl Oski: Drive to/from Eugene: 19 hours; hotel: $350; tickets: $148; weekend roadtrip with my daughter: Priceless.
A couple quick thoughts since I forgot to submit:
This was definitely Mendoza's worst game yet. Most of his mistakes came through staying in the pocket too long when his O-line was overmatched - he needs to work on adapting his mental clock for the caliber of the defense. Tipped passes are something of a concern too. But hey, he's a freshman and Cal was so overmatched it didn't cost us the game.
Despite the eventual collapse, I thought the defense was largely improved in the first half. Coverage was tighter and tackling has dramatically sharpened since the Utah game. They got gassed when the offense couldn't stay in the field, but until then it was a reasonably competent performance against the best team in the conference.
Special teams no longer feel like a disaster but that doesn't mean we should be returning kickoffs.
We've got two very winnable games up next. Go Bears!
Arizona beats 3 ranked teams in consecutive weeks. IT CAN BE DONE!