OT - Cal Looks Good
I have been listening to everyone talking up Cal for the past six months and have just laughed to myself when they say that Cal will give USC a run this year. But I saw their game last night and they looked really good on both sides of the ball. And they have much more than Jahvid Best. They could be a sleeper for the NC game given their schedule. Anyone else see the game?
September 7th, 2009 at 4:59 AM ^
I saw some of it from going back and forth between a couple games last night. I knew Cal was going to look good this year but I really wasn't expecting them to look that good. I thought Maryland would at least put up a fight, but they really didn't. I'd like to see them take USC down, but I feel that way about every team.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:24 AM ^
Haha me too. Go Cal. FWIW Jake Locker and Washington looked respectable too, even though they lost.
September 7th, 2009 at 8:53 AM ^
tOSU is going to get thrashed
September 7th, 2009 at 9:37 AM ^
Amen. I wouldn't mind seeing Cal in the NC game. They have a respectable schedule and definitely have the skill. With Oklahoma essentially out, this only helps their cause. But yeah, Phil Steele also said Cal could be a sleeper.
As for Washington, they look better coached this year. Sarkisian could be just what they needed.
September 7th, 2009 at 5:24 AM ^
[Moved]
September 7th, 2009 at 8:54 AM ^
After watching their game they could definitely knock off USC this year.
September 7th, 2009 at 8:59 AM ^
Best looked really good that night. And their QB played a bit better than I would have expected. I'm not sure how much I've bought into their D just yet. Maryland looked lost on offense, and I'm not entirely sure how much of it was CAL and how much of it was Maryland. The games at Minnesota and at Oregon (I have to imagine they wake up a little bit) should be telling enough.
September 7th, 2009 at 10:27 AM ^
in Minnesota, and I'm absolutely frightened that Cal is going to put up 60 on the Lolphers after what I saw from both teams on opening weekend.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:11 AM ^
...they're going to absolutely murderfy Minne$ota. It will not be pretty.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:09 AM ^
...I usually go to a game or two a year in Strawberry Canyon and I cheer for them pretty hard.
I too think they've got a chance to beat USC. HOWEVA, it should be noted that Riley's tenure has been remarkably inconsistent and Maryland appears to be pretty crappy. Best is a freak of nature, but depth is another concern.
I guess I'm skeptical because Cal is perpetually one of those "maybe THIS is their year!!!!" teams and then they go and lose to Arizona or whatever and that leads to them sleepwalking through three straight losses until they get to paste Stanfurd and whichever crappy ACC team they end up playing in their bowl game.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:24 AM ^
His consistency is a bit of a question mark, but last year was kind of a unique situation with Longshore and the complete lack of returning receivers.
September 7th, 2009 at 11:20 AM ^
The main thing that Cal has to prove this year is the ability to not drop a random road game or two to an inferior team. Last year it was Maryland and Arizona. This year the road schedule looks manageable on paper and I wouldn't bet against them in any particular match up, but I would be mildly (and pleasantly) surprised if they don't lose one somewhere that they shouldn't, whether it's Minnesota or UW or ASU or wherever.
On the other hand they are a more balanced team all around than they've been in the past few years, so hopefully that will be the key to consistency on the road.