Cal’s chances hinge on the fact that Miami’s players (no matter how talented) will be dealing with both a 3 hour time change and not starting until 1030pm their time. That’s weird, and bodes well for Cal in the 2nd half. But Me does and the offense need to get brave and go for it when in the red zone (not play to avoid a mistake). I just watched highlights of Miami’s win against VT. Vt’s running backs brought thru the front 7 and into the open field on multiple occasions, but weren’t explosive enough to “take it to the house”. I predict Ott (now healthy) will take it to the house at least once. If Mendoza can properly lead his receivers we will also have a few big gainers from a talented receiving group. If Cal believes it will win it will do so……but that’s been the open question for most of the past 50 or so years. Perhaps the new start in the ACC will bring a new “I believe” attitude. What say you Ted Lasso????
So right, dude! It is hard to win on the road (and the note on the VT RB's is spot on). So many people have made so much about all the miles CAL will log they keep ignoring how weird it will be for other teams to come here rarely. To quote Kranz, "Let's get weird!"
Love that it's a GameDay. Too bad the GameDay matchup is so lopsided. Hard to see Cal winning the game. Hopefully they can at least avoid getting blown out which could negate the GameDay benefit, but that is entirely possible with how good this Miami team has looked. Only way Cal wins this is if they pull a stunner like they did vs USC where they get so personally offended and sick of losing they go berserk like someone is threatening their Mama. Not sure Wilcox or Miami inspires that kind of animus like Tedford and USC did. But we will see. If they were to pull off the upset it could be a turning point for the program just like that USC game was.
I personally wouldn't bet on a Cal win, but the game is not as lopsided as you're implying. I think Miami is overrated as a national contender, and they're only 10.5-point favorites in Vegas. Cal overcame longer odds just a few weeks ago (14.5-point underdogs to Auburn at Auburn). And Wilcox teams have punched above their weight a number of times before, such as those defensive rock fight wins against Washington teams.
Oh, and for the PE-hating folks that just can't imagine the importance of campus pride and spirit supporting our football team, the presence of College Game Day will showcase our beautiful campus and raise further interest in our school. There is a synergy of campus academics and athletic spirit that both aspects profit from. Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, and UNC are a few examples of such synergy.
Dampening our expectations?! Cool aide says that, while we may be FSUs only win, they’ll be our only loss. Season starts in Berkeley.
My bet is Miami 38 - Cal 17
Yeah!!! What Nick Kranz, Rob Hwang & TD_24 said!!!! Yes, give me some of that delicious Kool-Aid! It always tastes the sweetest before kick off!!!!
How about predicting the GameDay predictions?
My prediction prediction: 4-1 for Miami.
Also, Cal will cover the spread. And, take the under.
Rob comes closest by predicting that Cal would score 38 points!
I did correctly predict that Cal would cover the spread!
However, the prediction prediction was off. 3-2 instead of 4-1. Thank you Pat!
And we were way way over.
Take the points at least.
Cal’s chances hinge on the fact that Miami’s players (no matter how talented) will be dealing with both a 3 hour time change and not starting until 1030pm their time. That’s weird, and bodes well for Cal in the 2nd half. But Me does and the offense need to get brave and go for it when in the red zone (not play to avoid a mistake). I just watched highlights of Miami’s win against VT. Vt’s running backs brought thru the front 7 and into the open field on multiple occasions, but weren’t explosive enough to “take it to the house”. I predict Ott (now healthy) will take it to the house at least once. If Mendoza can properly lead his receivers we will also have a few big gainers from a talented receiving group. If Cal believes it will win it will do so……but that’s been the open question for most of the past 50 or so years. Perhaps the new start in the ACC will bring a new “I believe” attitude. What say you Ted Lasso????
So right, dude! It is hard to win on the road (and the note on the VT RB's is spot on). So many people have made so much about all the miles CAL will log they keep ignoring how weird it will be for other teams to come here rarely. To quote Kranz, "Let's get weird!"
I'm still drinking the Kool-Aid. Cal wins 16-14.
Love that it's a GameDay. Too bad the GameDay matchup is so lopsided. Hard to see Cal winning the game. Hopefully they can at least avoid getting blown out which could negate the GameDay benefit, but that is entirely possible with how good this Miami team has looked. Only way Cal wins this is if they pull a stunner like they did vs USC where they get so personally offended and sick of losing they go berserk like someone is threatening their Mama. Not sure Wilcox or Miami inspires that kind of animus like Tedford and USC did. But we will see. If they were to pull off the upset it could be a turning point for the program just like that USC game was.
Miami has not played anyone super impressive. Florida is not too good, they were lucky to beat VA Tech.
Remember- Cal beat Cam Ward last year!
I personally wouldn't bet on a Cal win, but the game is not as lopsided as you're implying. I think Miami is overrated as a national contender, and they're only 10.5-point favorites in Vegas. Cal overcame longer odds just a few weeks ago (14.5-point underdogs to Auburn at Auburn). And Wilcox teams have punched above their weight a number of times before, such as those defensive rock fight wins against Washington teams.
The good and/or bad thing is the game starts at 10:30pm ET so if we start getting worked in the 2nd half not as many people will see it.
SUNSHINE PUMPING ONLY for this game
Cal 16 - Mia 14
This would require Cal to make 3 field goals or be successful with two 2-point conversions.
Unless Cal attempts 6 field goals in the game, both seem improbable.
Or 2 TDs, 1 FG, and a missed PAT.
More like
2 TDs, 1 FG, missed PAT, 2 missed FGs
OK, now I'm a believer.
Too many "moving parts" i.e. CG Day, shiny happy people, Charlie Brown lining up to kick, etc.
The win, here, is a sell out or nearly so of CMS.
Revitalized fan interest.
Cal Legends NIL on the brink of raising $2 million in one week.
Renewed determination to bring back football to an excellence worthy of our academic reputation.
Here's a running record of the NIL fund:
https://www.spotfund.com/story/5bbfc2ff-a186-44b2-a4e3-65609e323b81
Oh, and for the PE-hating folks that just can't imagine the importance of campus pride and spirit supporting our football team, the presence of College Game Day will showcase our beautiful campus and raise further interest in our school. There is a synergy of campus academics and athletic spirit that both aspects profit from. Michigan, Texas, Wisconsin, and UNC are a few examples of such synergy.
GO!
BEARS!
It's all field goals and 2 point conversions. Cal 16-15.
Win or lose — one thing can make us all smile: the USC fans are spewing anger/jealousy that Cal gets to host GameDay
Yes, and the Miami fans are confident that the day is about them, alone. Their tears and jeers make a sweet tonic.
Almost as delicious as winning
It's Berkeley after all, is there any other way for Cal to be? Get weird, roll on!
Perfectly written, Nick! I say, too, “Let’s get weird. Go bears, win this game!”