I mean, to summarize, yeah: QB runs + explosive plays + star WR (or two). And by most metrics, Virginia Tech should have handled Cal easily based on how the season had went so far up to that point (hence the ~2 TD favorites on the road). The fact that Cal did stop them, at least defensively, shows that our defense absolutely can compete with some of the best offenses in the ACC (and WF and VT are pretty close statistically). Alternatively, these east coast teams struggle in their cross-country trip on the road and perform below expectations, I am not sure.
We'll need someone to spy on Lopez. Crosby? Manutai?
I still remember 2010 Oregon game when Chris Conte effectively shut down Darron Thomas's run threat and we held them to season low. Otherwise we have not contained QB runs at all.
Always sobering. I agree with those saying we aren't likely to hold them below 28 or 30. Wilcox loses this game for that reason. Plenty of Cal knowledge about Dickert, given Rolo and Tosh, but they are not on the field. Can we turn them over and score 35? If so, we win. I'd say out of 10 games played, we win 4. I give us 40% chance. I'll be there. If we lose, I will come all the way down from Seattle for three home games and we would have lost EVERY single game I've attended. Come on Bears, play smart and tough and make them regret coming to the Bay!
That is dedication buddy, hell of a long way! I only come from backwater Kelseyville for these games, about a 2.5 hour drive. But, I do need to remember to be careful down there among them English though. This game will be a tough one. But now, at least we have a functioning offense to challenge Wake Forest with. Go Bears!
My wife is not wrong to tell me I need to care 15% less. There has never been a more Charlie Brown person with Cal football. I want so badly for them to be good. I care about our academics even more than our athletics, but shouldn't have to choose. With Lopa and JKS back, and especially if we got AM back, we certainly have a fighting chance. Our defense is legit. I'll take a 1 point win!
Defense will have their hands full this Saturday night for sure. Offense needs to keep the ball away from these prolific guys and score many more points than the season average thus far. Go Bears!
Great, detailed preview as always. VT has a prolific offense that Cal's D made look less than ordinary. Hopefully the Return of the King ston can be a difference maker in containing this offense. Good thing there is no more first half hold out for targeting so Tuitele will be on board the entire game. Mobile QB: going to be super challenging. Cal can still be aggressive if everyone does their job. Cal were I think 10.5 point underdogs to VT, and are roughly the same this week. We've got them right where we want them! Go Bears!!!
Let us remember that under Dickert, Wazzu seemed a sure loss for us.
Let's hope the team further congeals into the machine it can be.
And, hey, can we further reduce the Goddamnd penalties?
Do you think Cal D should have a shadow for Lopez? If so who's fast enough and takes good enough angles to be THAT guy?
Also Hernandez looks scary and Louisville how did you let that guy behind everyone!
Lopa should be spy.
this article went...
QB is awesome. QB Runs & Can Throw while on the run (cal's nightmare!).... (Nooo!)
... but even MORE awesome and scary is RBS. Runs Well... (NoooOoOo!)
...... but even MORE awesome and scary are the Receivers. They are the Stars... (NOOOOO!!)
trying to give me a heart attack?!!
But then at the end you say "they are probably on par with virginia tech" (who didn't impress me too much)..
so yeah went thru a lot of emotions there.
I mean, to summarize, yeah: QB runs + explosive plays + star WR (or two). And by most metrics, Virginia Tech should have handled Cal easily based on how the season had went so far up to that point (hence the ~2 TD favorites on the road). The fact that Cal did stop them, at least defensively, shows that our defense absolutely can compete with some of the best offenses in the ACC (and WF and VT are pretty close statistically). Alternatively, these east coast teams struggle in their cross-country trip on the road and perform below expectations, I am not sure.
Welp, clearly, heretofore, the team was not playing to potential. I like our under-the-radar reality, but still am anxious as Hell about tonight.
We'll need someone to spy on Lopez. Crosby? Manutai?
I still remember 2010 Oregon game when Chris Conte effectively shut down Darron Thomas's run threat and we held them to season low. Otherwise we have not contained QB runs at all.
Always sobering. I agree with those saying we aren't likely to hold them below 28 or 30. Wilcox loses this game for that reason. Plenty of Cal knowledge about Dickert, given Rolo and Tosh, but they are not on the field. Can we turn them over and score 35? If so, we win. I'd say out of 10 games played, we win 4. I give us 40% chance. I'll be there. If we lose, I will come all the way down from Seattle for three home games and we would have lost EVERY single game I've attended. Come on Bears, play smart and tough and make them regret coming to the Bay!
That is dedication buddy, hell of a long way! I only come from backwater Kelseyville for these games, about a 2.5 hour drive. But, I do need to remember to be careful down there among them English though. This game will be a tough one. But now, at least we have a functioning offense to challenge Wake Forest with. Go Bears!
My wife is not wrong to tell me I need to care 15% less. There has never been a more Charlie Brown person with Cal football. I want so badly for them to be good. I care about our academics even more than our athletics, but shouldn't have to choose. With Lopa and JKS back, and especially if we got AM back, we certainly have a fighting chance. Our defense is legit. I'll take a 1 point win!
It just mean more...like life itself.
Praise Oski.
Make prayers and supplications.
Defense will have their hands full this Saturday night for sure. Offense needs to keep the ball away from these prolific guys and score many more points than the season average thus far. Go Bears!
Ok I'm sufficiently scared
Defense needs to play a clean game. Expect acc refs to protect one of their few ranked teams. Don’t leave the decision up to them
Great, detailed preview as always. VT has a prolific offense that Cal's D made look less than ordinary. Hopefully the Return of the King ston can be a difference maker in containing this offense. Good thing there is no more first half hold out for targeting so Tuitele will be on board the entire game. Mobile QB: going to be super challenging. Cal can still be aggressive if everyone does their job. Cal were I think 10.5 point underdogs to VT, and are roughly the same this week. We've got them right where we want them! Go Bears!!!
It’s his second targeting so he’ll be out for half
Oh no, I may have seen that somewhere but it didn’t sink in. Geez, terrible timing
Yes, and I hope WF doesn't hit our inexperienced ILB's during the 1st half because of his absence.