Reveling in Victory
Or, perhaps more appropriately, Shivering in Victory. The associated press calls this game "Berkeley's worst game-day rainstorm in a decade." I'm not sure if it was any worse than last year's USC game, which was definitely colder, but it was close. Regardless, I feel a lot better now than I did after USC last year, and I doubt any Cal fans are complaining about the win. And besides, RemorsefulBruinBabe reports that the ESPN crew gave a nice shout out to those of us who toughed it out in the rain: "If you are still in the stands right now [~45 seconds left in the game], you are a great fan."
There were 8 turnovers in the game, not including a snap out of the endzone for our long coveted safety (finally! it seemed impossible that the refs could call anything else, but I was holding my breath and looking for a flag). It was a pretty volatile game with a number of rapid, intense swings, especially in the second quarter as the teams tried to out-turnover each other. Yet the biggest play of the game wasn't one of our four (!) lost fumbles, or even Worrell's huge interception at the end of the second half. In a game full of huge plays, the biggest was a 5 yard false start.
via www.dkimages.com
He's no Ed Hochuli

Oregon had cut the deficit to 3 on an embarrassingly easy touchdown drive (3 plays, all of them runs of more than 15 yards) in the third quarter. After a Cal 3 & out, Oregon marched right down the field and was poised to take their first lead since the opening touchdown. But on 3rd and 1 from the Cal 10, an Oregon player jumped early, one of only four duck penalties for 36 yards on the day. The 5 yard penalty made it 3rd and 6 instead of 3rd and 1, and their third down QB draw netted only 3 yards. On the next play, kicker Matt Eversen missed a 29 yard field goal.
Cal would manage only one first down on the next drive, but Oregon fumbled the punt return and resident Duck assassin Marcus Ezeff recovered at the Oregon 6.
via imgs.sfgate.com
Sorry duck fans, he's only a junior.
Cal scored 2 plays later to make it 26-16. What looked like a duck touchdown drive and a 23-19 Oregon lead became a Cal touchdown less than five minutes later. The false start, and the fourteen point swing which ensued, determined the game.
Of course, recovering fumbles (and intercepting passes) is only part of the story. Teams need to be able to capitalize on opposing turnovers, and Cal, despite losing the turnover battle by two, was the victor in this area. Of the three Oregon turnovers, two (the Williams interception immediately before halftime and the Ezeff fumble recovery) led to quick Cal touchdowns. The Oregon very-long snapper gave Cal 2 more points on the long awaited safety. The only turnover that Cal did not convert into a score was a second quarter interception by Sean Cattouse deep in Cal territory, immediately following one of Jahvid Best's two fumbles. Oregon, on the other hand, capitalized on the early Riley INT for a touchdown, but failed to score after any of Cal's 4 (!) lost fumbles, including the aforementioned Best fumble at the Cal 17. That's a 16-6 Cal advantage (Oregon missed the extra point following their touchdown) and, not surprisingly, the Cal margin of victory.
This was a nice victory over a decent conference opponent, which puts Cal back into the conference race for exactly 1 week. Win at USC next Saturday and Cal is in great shape to win the Pac and go to the Rose Bowl. Do I expect this to happen? No, considering the injuries and ineffectiveness of our offense (when Best was on the bench, presumably due to his 2 fumbles, we were down 6 of our 11 offensive starters - Riley, Best, Calvin, Guarnero, Malele, & Tepper, and 7 if you count Teofilo instead of Schwartz) and our less than stellar road appearances. If we get some of our offensive players back (namely Riley and some modicum of depth on the o-line), we'll have a shot against a USC sqaud that has seemed vulnerable at times (not today, though: 49-0 USC after three. Then again, it is the Huskies).
Regardless of the outcome next week, there were plenty of encouraging signs today. Nasty Nate did not throw ANY interceptions (not even a back-breaking fourth quarter INT just for fun) and our receivers did a much better job of catching the ball, all the more surprising since they were playing in a bit of a rainstorm. Our defense continues to look very, very strong (at home), creating turnovers and for the most part (excepting two drives in the 3rd quarter) making life tough for the duck running game. Our three senior linebackers all made huge plays (as they do pretty much every week) and Syd was generally Syd. Perhaps most encouraging to me, defensively, is the continued strong play from Cameron Jordan and Darian Hagan. Jordan has looked good for a while, but he's been great since taking over for Rulon Davis. I think we're getting more production from his defensive end position than we did before Rulon's injury. At cornerback, Hagan keeps breaking up passes and making strong tackles in run support. Both of these guys are rock solid right now and look like potential stars: Hagan looks better than Syd did at the beginning of last year (GULP I STILL LOVE YOU SYD) and Jordan is our most explosive defensive end since Ryan Riddle in 2004. And they're both sophomores.
via graphics.fansonly.com & grfx.cstv.com
That said, the biggest surprise to me was our offensive line. I was not confident in our chances today, and much of that hinged on our banged up o-line: we were missing our 1st, 3rd, and 4th offensive tackles and our top 2 guards, which would be damaging in any game but especially so against the top pass rush in the conference. Aside from one play when all-conference DE Nick Reed destroyed LT Mitchell Schwartz and blind-sided Nasty Nate, the offensive line gave our QBs enough time to throw and opened up some holes for our running backs. Our O line hasn't been consistently great this year, but they stepped up to the challenge and then some today.
GO BEARS! All aboard the Pain Train!
via d.yimg.com
Comments
TOOT TOOT! ALL ABOARD THE PAIN TRAIN!
When our team had some problem with executing tackles, Pain Train was there to solve that!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 6:53 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
at least three tackles behind the LOS that I counted. Pain Train is ALWAYS On time.
by sec119 on
Nov 1, 2008 8:19 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
We would yell “ALL ABOARD!” or “TOOT TOOT!” and wave our arms like we were pullinga steam whistle.
Also, I think it was the last Cal TD when we were at like the 2 yard line. Or it might have been the Cal TD when we got the interception returnt o the 1 yard line at the end of the halftime. But on like 2nd and Goal, Follett ran out and started yelling something to the offense. I was hoping theyd put him in as a fullback and knock it in William Perry style.
They didnt, but he was PUMPING them up! Follett is the best!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 8:21 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
He came back to the bench a few times and did a steam whistle pull to the crowd. It was great.
ಠ_ಠ
by Berkelium97 on
Nov 1, 2008 8:31 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
my friend and I got a small Pain-Train-Whoo-Whoo-Pain-Train-Whoo-Whoo chant going in the student section.
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:10 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I hope Riley is ok and I hope that he starts against U$C. But Longshore played well. He held it together and didn’t melt down.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on
Nov 1, 2008 6:55 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Someone needs to teach him to slide!
He looked fine on TV in the second half, but he was definitely woozy upon first examination.
I bet his status right now is up in the air.
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 7:14 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Two perspectives
(1) in person at the game I saw him try to get up and was stumbling around like he was on his eigth beer bong;
(2) a friend who watched it on TV said that the announcers claimed he didn’t know where he was (not sure how the announcers got that information, but I wouldn’t be surprised)
by LovinBlue on
Nov 1, 2008 7:17 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I have to agree that Riley seemed seriously out of it. It looked to me like he fell down onto a knee (and freaked out some of the offense) when he went into the huddle.
by paleodan on
Nov 2, 2008 12:16 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
The best part was when he was coming off the field, he started waving his arms like “Cheer cheer on the team!” He’s a great leader, he’s a great team-mate and he seems like a great person.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 7:19 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Someone needs to teach him to slide!
Especially after you’ve already made the first down and there are more of them than there are of you.
BTW, I completely agree that the O-line rose to the Occasion. Good protection and in the one case where Longshore got sacked from behind, he held onto the ball.
It was a very good win and I’m very happy with how the team played. Props to the Ducks; they’re tough.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on
Nov 1, 2008 7:30 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Riley's status
I don’t have any info, but I would say Riley would be thoroughly questionable for USC if he sustained a concussion – as since more and more medical research shows concussions take longer than one week to heal.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on
Nov 1, 2008 8:17 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
That would suck. Props to NL for playing solid, but I would really like to see Riley back there. After that first INT, he made some really nice throws on that TD drive and had a good running gain before that hit.
I may not be a funny bastard, but at least I'm a bastard.
by OskiMonsta on
Nov 2, 2008 4:36 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Mad respeck for Nate. God knows I have laid into him big-time these last twelve months, but he came on in a bad spot today and held it together nicely. I hope he can keep it up, as I am not sanguine about Riley – concussions are no joke.
That said, I’m still glad I sold my tickets, because if I’d been there in person and seen those uniforms, I would have died of shame. I turned the game on in the second quarter and MY EYES MY EYES THE GOGGLES DO NOTHING!!!
by VandyImport on
Nov 1, 2008 9:23 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Ironically enough, many of us who attended today’s game DID wear goggles!
And it helped protect our eyes from the Banana Suit!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 9:28 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Was it hurting your eyes two states away?
It’s times like this I wish they’d never discovered CougCenterium.
by Maharg on
Nov 2, 2008 7:36 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
this post frightens me. are we nearing the apocalypse?
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:11 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Ok, ESPN sucks
ezeff didn’t recover that fumble on the punt. I’m pretty sure.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by CBKWit on
Nov 1, 2008 7:33 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
It was Matt Russi on the recovery. Ezeff was nearby, though.
Go Bears!
by Ohio Bear on
Nov 1, 2008 7:43 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
ok, maybe it was Ezeff
Cal linebacker Matt Russi fell on the ball, but Ezeff came out of the pile with his latest game-changing play in this rivalry. Ezeff also forced Oregon receiver Cameron Colvin’s last-second fumble through the end zone in the Bears’ win at Eugene last year.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by CBKWit on
Nov 1, 2008 8:20 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
It was Russi. Ezeff fell on the ball first but it squirted out… then Russi fell on it and secured it.
by danzig on
Nov 2, 2008 10:22 AM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Lonshore still doesn't look past his first read.....
did it 1x today, I applaud him for that! Bring on $C.
by 33SwisherSweet on
Nov 1, 2008 7:35 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Swish
I don’t know where your seats are so perhaps you don’t have the greatest view of Longshore, but today I clearly saw him going through his progressions on many many separate plays.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on
Nov 1, 2008 8:18 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Joking......
sarcasm doesnt come out so well over the internets…………
by 33SwisherSweet on
Nov 2, 2008 12:50 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Hydro doesn’t know that you’re seats are in fact on the field as you ARE Kevin Riley! You had the best seat in the house.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 2, 2008 12:55 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
today was the rare (and quite possibly the only) time that oregon’s unis were NOT the ugliest ones on the field.
i'm here to clean your pool but i don't have a pool *bowchica bowow*
by ch0ster on
Nov 1, 2008 7:46 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Dude I loved the yellow on yellow. MUSTARD POWER!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 7:48 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Dude, the yellow jerseys and the yellow pants so didn’t match! It was such a fashion faux pas.
What was Tedford thinking?
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on
Nov 1, 2008 7:53 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I'm pretty sure
the team captains choose the uniform combo.
by LeonPowe on
Nov 1, 2008 7:58 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
It looks good on the Cal basketball team. Not sure what the difference is.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 8:07 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Basketball players
Are better looking.
I’m just saying.
by LeonPowe on
Nov 1, 2008 8:11 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
especially sam cassell
i'm here to clean your pool but i don't have a pool *bowchica bowow*
by ch0ster on
Nov 1, 2008 8:13 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I was hoping we’d go with an alternative yellow helmet. Then, it’d be BANANA SUIT ATTACK!!!!!!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 8:07 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
The Oregon players looked a lot bigger than ours. It might be b/c it’s true, but it could also have been those glaringly white helmets.
by sec119 on
Nov 1, 2008 8:21 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
The only way they could have possibly justified the radioactive-urine look is if they were thinking about maximizing visibility in the bad weather. Maybe. Possibly.
And it was still heinous.
by VandyImport on
Nov 1, 2008 9:25 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
See Twist, I told you they need to try the yellow-on-yellow
by Tedfordisgod on
Nov 1, 2008 8:16 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I’m somebody. And I’m bitter!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 8:22 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I just wonder…we busted out the gold jerseys last time vs. Oregon, this time it was gold pants/jerseys. What could possibly be next? Gold jerseys/pants/helmet/shoes/socks/jockstrap?
sweet!
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:14 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
It was a TEAM GOLD OUT!
I liked it. The GOLD STREAK is still alive. Oregon has now felt the golden love 2x!!
I may not be a funny bastard, but at least I'm a bastard.
by OskiMonsta on
Nov 2, 2008 4:40 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
“Now that’s a real football game,” said Cal defensive lineman Cameron Jordan, who had 10 tackles and a sack. “If you don’t love being on a field like that, you don’t love football. Everything about the rain and the weather fired us up.”
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 8:11 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
I love Cameron Jordan
just no more DUIs, ok?
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by CBKWit on
Nov 1, 2008 8:15 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I think he had the sack up the middle? That was textbook — his man turned a little and then BAM he Michael Phelpsed his way to a sack.
by sec119 on
Nov 1, 2008 8:33 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Some thoughts:
1. The North Endzone and surrounding area was WILDLY more watery than the Southern section. Now, Oregon was driving in the end of the 3rd quarter. They were driving towards the Southern section. So, then the quarter ends. They are now going into the Crocodile Mile at the North endzone (I’m totes doing a post involving Crocodile Mile on this game, SO DONT STEAL MY IDEA BITCHES!). That, I believe, was when they started to slow down a bit and we got that key false start.
I think that them switching over to the North endzone section was key for our D stopping them. It was a lot tougher to move the ball towards the endzone. Luckily, we had the drier one to ourselves in the 4th quarter (Southern).
2. They rushed for over 200 yards. Blount had like 4 yards according to the box score, which doesnt seem right to me. So, I dunno. But if the box score is to be believed Masoli and Johnson each had a little over 100 yards rushing. But they had 85 yards passing. A chunk of that is Roper, who only played in like the last 2 minutes. Masoli had 44 passing yards! 44. That’s not enough to make the defense play honest.
So, yes, they had 200 rushing yards and averaged 4.1 yards a rush. But, still, I think that the Cal DBs were able to hold their offense in check. I thinkt that they were only able to move the ball well on a few key drives (the first one off the interception and a few in the 3rd/4th quarters). All praise be to our D on this one.
Some photos from SFGate:



Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 8:19 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
When I say “I think the Cal DBs were able to hold the Oregon offense in check” I have no idea what exactly i was saying. I think something about Cal LBs holding the Oregon RBs or just Cal D holding Oregon O. I’m stupid after standing out in the rain for 8 hours today!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 8:23 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Lyle Moveao jammed his shoulder against ASU
Canfield in.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 8:20 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Love which one?
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 8:22 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Yah!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 8:23 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
He deserves it.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on
Nov 1, 2008 8:39 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I heart you, Olsonist!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 8:44 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Please, I straight and you’re married. It would never work.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on
Nov 1, 2008 10:58 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Yes, you straight!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 11:01 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I’d be even more straighter if I had editing privileges. You get me editing privileges and then we’ll talk about sex.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on
Nov 1, 2008 11:05 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Looks like Nate is pulling the Pain Train whistle too!
I may not be a funny bastard, but at least I'm a bastard.
by OskiMonsta on
Nov 2, 2008 4:42 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
ALL ABOARD!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 2, 2008 6:51 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Props to the Oregon o-line for all the pancake blocks they had. I begrudgingly admit that I was in awe of how often the ball would be snapped and then all the linemen would end up flat on the ground, so that Masoli could look downfield for as long as he wanted. Luckily, their run blocking wasn’t as effective against our 3-4.
Anyway, awesome game. MVP goes to the entire defense, from the D-Line to the safeties. Anytime you give up as many turnovers as we did and still win, you gotta credit the D.
by sec119 on
Nov 1, 2008 8:29 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
You sure you were seeing pancakes or cut blocks? Today, Oregon used lots of quick cut blocks to chop down our OL which gave their QBs some time to throw.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on
Nov 1, 2008 8:31 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Huh. Maybe it was cut blocks then, most of the time I saw them it was from section Q on the other side of the field. I called it pancake b/c I could never see the D-linemen, and I assumed they were under the O-linemen. Damn you Parallax!!! Either way, it looked really effective to me.
by sec119 on
Nov 1, 2008 8:36 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Yeah, when they cut block our DL on pass plays it worked pretty well and gave their QBs plenty of time to throw.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on
Nov 1, 2008 8:39 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Oregon is a chop blocking team...
…worse than the denver broncos.
How is it spelled?
It's spelled S-h-u-V-3-0-0-0.
by CV3000 on
Nov 2, 2008 3:32 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I'm a bit confused
You’re talking about chop blocking? We’re talking about cut blocking. Are you confusing the two? Or are you moving the subject to chop blocking?
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on
Nov 2, 2008 3:40 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
They do both
Cut blocking is their primary pass blocking strategy; this leads to a team-wide block below the waist mentality.
bada bing.
How is it spelled?
It's spelled S-h-u-V-3-0-0-0.
by CV3000 on
Nov 2, 2008 3:56 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I agree, there were a lot of cuts.
Masoli was able to dance around on pass plays because Cal only rushed 3 (vs. 5-6) most of the time.
I may not be a funny bastard, but at least I'm a bastard.
by OskiMonsta on
Nov 2, 2008 4:44 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Major props to the WRs for solving many of their dropsies problems, ESPECIALLY in the rain. There were some drops, but given the rain no more than anybody would expect. They caught two TD passes and did EPICALLY better than Oregon’s passing attack.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 8:34 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Longshore’s 17 yard (?) 4th down completion…or maybe it was 3rd down … ? And I don’t even remember who it was to …
ANYWAY the guy made a diving catch, and it was exactly the same type of catch that was a drop last week.
by sec119 on
Nov 1, 2008 8:37 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
4th and 14
Ross, Tucker, Boateng, Morrah….
I like the looks of that
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 8:40 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I agree. Those look like our guys at this point. Cunningham made some plays earlier in the year, but he had a horrible TD drop today and hasn’t made many plays lately. Tucker seems to have the best technique, Boateng and Ross both very athletic.
I may not be a funny bastard, but at least I'm a bastard.
by OskiMonsta on
Nov 2, 2008 4:47 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
i guess at a certain point the WR corps was going to have to “get it,” and that things would start clicking. hopefully today’s uptick in performance wasn’t just an abberation.
i'm here to clean your pool but i don't have a pool *bowchica bowow*
by ch0ster on
Nov 1, 2008 8:38 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I wonder if Tedford will put Jahvid back on kickoffs
I think the kicker for USC kicks it out of the endzone anyway
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 8:42 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
I thought if we werent going to play Best on offense (which we didnt for large stretches of the game) we should put him at gunner again. Hes the worlds greatest gunner!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 8:44 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
OH MY GOD
Was Crabtree inbounds???
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 8:46 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
What a catch
Dear god. Michael Crabtree is a man among boys.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 8:49 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Wow.
Great catch.
Officials need to watch push-offs more though. I’ve seen over 9000 of them this game.
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 8:50 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I can't believe that guy didn't pick it off a few plays ago...
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 8:52 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
There has been some sketchy officiating on those catches. At first I thought they wanted Texas to win, but now I think they’re just all poor in vision.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 8:53 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
lolz, texas tech students = hella dumb
My heart skips a beat every time I hear the band strike up 'Our Sturdy Golden Bear'.
by oskisunbear on
Nov 1, 2008 8:50 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
lol seriously. not once do they run on the field in error, but twice
i'm here to clean your pool but i don't have a pool *bowchica bowow*
by ch0ster on
Nov 1, 2008 8:51 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
HAHA FUCK MACK BROWN!
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 8:53 PM PDT
reply
actions
1 recs
IAWTC. Also: Les Miles, more Tedford.
by paleodan on
Nov 2, 2008 12:25 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
also, lolz to bell ringer
My heart skips a beat every time I hear the band strike up 'Our Sturdy Golden Bear'.
by oskisunbear on
Nov 1, 2008 8:57 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Who wants to play Mac and Colt in Pasadena?
by GoldenTorero on
Nov 1, 2008 9:04 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Don't want to alarm anyone
But Arizona State pick sixed Canfield. 13-7 ASU.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 9:11 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Nice!
An Oregon State loss would be huge for us.
ಠ_ಠ
by Berkelium97 on
Nov 1, 2008 9:13 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Then
U$C and Cal would be the only teams that control their destinies
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:15 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
ABC News keeps saying Longshore turned the ball over once. i cant remember this. When was it?
Also, they showed the game of WSU against Stanford. NOBODY was there. NOBODY.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 9:11 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
When he fumbled the snap on the field goal probably
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:12 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I think they’re talking about the fumbled snap on the Tavecchio field goal. The picture of that lone Stanford fan inspired me to look up the attendance: a whopping 26,662
ಠ_ಠ
by Berkelium97 on
Nov 1, 2008 9:12 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
At Memorial????
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:13 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
No, at the Stanford game.
The Cal game had a little over 61k.
ಠ_ಠ
by Berkelium97 on
Nov 1, 2008 9:14 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
yeah, stanfurd sucks
the views of the empty stadium was pretty sweet. now, how in the heck is Stanfurd only 1 win away from being bowl eligible??
by OskiWeeWee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:10 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I dunno I find it kind of (really) sad.
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:17 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Well
They still have to play Oregon, Cal, $c
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 10:18 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
No, I mean the empty stadium.
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:23 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
And us. At home. We want revenge.
I may not be a funny bastard, but at least I'm a bastard.
by OskiMonsta on
Nov 2, 2008 4:49 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
(very wet) Gameday observations
-Good Cal fans and bad Cal fans. The bad was all of the people who bailed on the game because of the rain, including my parents and apparently 33-50% of the students. It was sad to see the lowest number of students since around or near the Holmoecaust for a game against ranked Oregon. The good: The fans who did come generally stayed for the whole game and were in excellent voice. Everybody in the endzone was making noise, which doesn’t usually happen. Probably because all the weiners who don’t like standing up and yelling never came because of the rain.
-We were a section or two away from the Masoli clan, who were very loud for the first quarter and non-existent after that. I actually felt bad for them by the end after Masoli got pulled. Rough homecoming experience.
-How many big 3rd down conversions did Cal’s offense get, especially when we were deep in our own territory and needed space for field-position and punting safety. Special teams scared the crap out of me every time they went on the field
-The line backers are so critical against Oregon, and our veteran crew gave us bar-none their best performance of the year. The unit collectively gets my gameball.
by norcalnick on
Nov 1, 2008 9:15 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
I agree about hte 3rd downs. And 4th down! We had some rather ballsy conversions there.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 9:21 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I blame a lot of the student no shows on halloween. damn drunks
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:18 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
There were a lot of missed tackles, Oregon’s runners are very good, plus the rain. But fortunately we had a lot of guys swarming the ball to limit the damage.
I may not be a funny bastard, but at least I'm a bastard.
by OskiMonsta on
Nov 2, 2008 4:52 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
The times when Oregon moved the ball, our D looked like the Arizona game out there. We could get to the point of the tackle, but couldnt execute. Generally, we were executing pretty well (except some times we nearly sacked Masoli and he squeezed free, includng one time where Worrell nearly bodyslammed him but Masolis omehow got out!), but when we failed to execute, Oregon moved the ball.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 2, 2008 6:53 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
True
In their two TD drives, and the FG/missed FG drives they looked unstoppable – lots of 5-10 yard runs, few if any 3rd down attempts. But in all of the other drives their were many tackles for losses and lots of 3 and outs.
by norcalnick on
Nov 2, 2008 9:40 AM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I think that since the Oregon fanbase consistently travels so well, they tend to bring out the best in the crowd in Memorial stadium.
by sec119 on
Nov 2, 2008 7:30 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
My perfect day!!!!
CAL WINS!!!!!!!!!!
texas and the BIG CRYBABY (mac brown and texas) LOSE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
n. d. goes down!!!!!!!!!!!!
michigan falls to 2-7 and NO bowls for you michigan!!!!!!
Yes life is good!!!!!
Go Bears!!!!!!!!!
by calas on
Nov 1, 2008 9:16 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Good game Nate!
I think some congratulations are in order for Nate! I was very pleased to see Nate play mostly mistake free football. Granted the offense really sputtered out there at the end, he avoided any game ending mistakes. Riley had a beautiful TD pass before he was knocked out of the game. Silly guy really needs to learn to slide. I am not sure what he was thinking…
Will be very interesting to see who starts against USC…
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 9:17 PM PDT
reply
actions
1 recs
CaliSeth and Olsonist
closet Longshorites? =D
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:19 PM PDT
reply
actions
1 recs
No no. I still think we should go with Riley. However, something tells me his concussion is pretty serious. He looked really, really out of it from what I could tell. Poor guy…
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 9:27 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
No one have ever said that it was a bad thing that if had a decent backup quarterback should our starter get hurt.
If Riley can’t play against ’SC, everyone obviously will be huge Longshore fans.
by Tedfordisgod on
Nov 1, 2008 9:38 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Nat eLongshore. Nations greatest backup QB?
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 10:43 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
If Riley has a concussion and if he needs to heal, then he should sit. No questions asked. At all. Period. Frankly, until someone says that he’s 100% I don’t even want to entertain the notion of him playing.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on
Nov 1, 2008 11:00 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Agreed 100%.
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 11:05 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
The fact that we ar all together on the Riley/Longshore situation now brings a tear to my eye!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 2, 2008 6:54 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I demand Mansion gets the ball now. Let the age of Mansion/Longshore debate begin!!!
It’s times like this I wish they’d never discovered CougCenterium.
by Maharg on
Nov 2, 2008 7:44 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Which side does Spazzy take? We mneed to know!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 2, 2008 9:53 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I hope we bring the rain with us to LA
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:22 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
I'm not sure what to think
Oregon State winning tonight would mean OSU still is in the driver seat. Oregon losing puts USC back in front of the Pac-10 pack.
Either way, we control our own destiny and we probably have to beat both anyway. But do I want to see the Beavers in the Rose Bowl if we lose or the Trojans?
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 9:23 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
If not us, I would like any team but USC at the Rose Bowl. Then again, it seems likely that if USC doesn’t go tot he Rose Bowl (and the NC game) then theyd at worst go to HOliday bowl. So, that hurts our chance of getting there.
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 9:26 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I'm just scared the Pac-10 will get an even worse rap if
a non-USC team gets clobbered by Penn State or fill-in SEC/Big12 team…
This could cause big name west coast recruits to leave the conference because of constant media hounding.
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:33 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Yeah, I’m seriously afraid of who we’ll face if we make it to the Holiday Bowl or (incredibly) the Rose Bowl. It would be a huge upset if we won, though.
ಠ_ಠ
by Berkelium97 on
Nov 1, 2008 9:35 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I believe in our seniors on defense against any offense. For once, we have a deep team on that side of the ball. I know we can lay eggs (AZ), but I really think this is the best unit we’ve had.
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:37 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I think it’s better than the Hughes-Mebane team…
Well, maybe not :)
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:40 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I really don’t think the media impacts recruiting as much as we think.
Just the psyche of fragile fanbases like ours.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 9:36 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I'm pretty sure I want OSU to lose
because in the unlikely scenario that we beat the Trojans and lose to the Beavs, we will have a much better shot ar the Rose Bowl, given the Civil War game and OSU’s travel to Arizona
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:27 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Anyone watching ASU v OSU?
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 9:27 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Channel?
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 9:28 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
This game is surprisingly close thus far…
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 9:40 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
This is pretty much ASU’s season. It’s going to be very difficult for them to win out, even with the Washington schools on deck.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 9:43 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Does anyone else just hate Rudy Carpenter? For some reason I really hate that guy. I know it’s bad to hate someone, but I hate him.
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 9:45 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
He lacks the passion of one Brett Favre. Is that why you hate him? Not enough Favre-like qualities?
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 9:46 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I hate Favre also! More so than even Carpenter. Nice try Avi.
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 9:53 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I can give you one guy who hates him...

...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:46 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I hate the guy. I didn’t think it was possible to like Pain Train more than I already did, but after he flattened Carpenter I fell in love. I wonder if we will ever find out what sweet nothings he whispered into Rudy’s ear as he lay motionless on the turf.
P.S. Was anyone else just amazed with Folletts play today? I mean there was one stretch there where I think he made four tackles in a row. He was out there knocking down passes, getting in the way, flying to the ball. I think we are looking at someone who will be playing on Sunday’s for quite some time into the future. Guy is just a freaking monster!
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 9:52 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I have loved that guy since he had the zebra hair against Tennessee, I knew he was going to be an animal this year. He is an unquestioned leader. He encouraged Kevin after his big hit and I was jumping up and down and screaming like a little girl when he ran over to the offense and told them to get their shit together and get the god damned ball in the end zone. What a bad ass.
by CountDuku on
Nov 3, 2008 8:40 AM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
It’s ok Seth. I am in on you on this one. Fuck Carpenter. Tough guy, but maybe if he weren’t such a jackass, he wouldn’t need to be so tough.
by CaliforniaBone on
Nov 1, 2008 11:09 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Jacquizz Rodgers is the scariest midget I've ever seen
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:49 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
He’s going to give us all sorts of trouble in two weeks.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 9:55 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
two weeks
and then three more years…
visions of a keola antolin/yvenson bernard hybrid mosterback are giving me a tick
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 9:59 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
This fool is just sick really
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 10:04 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Will someone banter about upcoming '$C game with me?
Longshore and Ezeff are total duck assassins. Longshore is now 3-0 against the Ducks, and those were some of Cal’s biggest wins in the past 3 years. Longshore really deserves a tremendous amount of cred for this year and last.
I expect Cal to lose next Saturday, but the Bears definitely have a shot. The Trojenz and Cal are so similar this year — very stout defenses, and very sluggish offenses. $C is soooo beatable this year. I really think the game is gonna’ come down to 1) Riley remembering to slide, 2) the Italian Stallion (Giorgio Tevecchio), and 3) Mark Sanchez’s tackling ability (after the 3-4 INT’s he is going to throw to the Cal D).
by RickySanchez on
Nov 1, 2008 9:57 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
You guys are killing me tonight! Even if you think Cal is going to lose against USC, you don’t say it! And what the hell kind of fans do we have voting in the poll tonight? How do you think that makes the team feel? To know that their own fans voted that they would lose! Look guys a little advice, even if you think Cal is going to lose, you don’t SAY IT! Gosh darn you guys!
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:01 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Back in '03 I told everybody I thought Cal would lose to USC
And darned if they didn’t win.
by norcalnick on
Nov 1, 2008 10:05 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
you know who else did?
HydroTech. On the morning of the game, everyone (myself included) was saying that we had no chance, but HydroTech kept saying “I have a good feeling, I think we have a shot” or something like that.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by CBKWit on
Nov 1, 2008 10:09 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
That morning my then-gf asked me if I needed anything. I responded “a Cal win and a cupcake.” Only instead of “cupcake” I actually said something much more crude. I was really shocked to see which of the two I ended up with (and not exactly disappointed, under the circumstances).
by Tony M on
Nov 1, 2008 10:15 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
You’re still waiting for that cupcake, aren’t you?
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 10:45 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Your memory serves you well.
I did have a very good feeling about Cal’s chances against USC in 2003.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by HydroTech on
Nov 1, 2008 10:18 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
CBKWit is known for his amazing memory. What an unbelievable memory!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 10:45 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I have a good feeling about his memory.
by sec119 on
Nov 2, 2008 7:32 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I have a good memory about his feeling.
It’s times like this I wish they’d never discovered CougCenterium.
by Maharg on
Nov 2, 2008 7:45 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Agreed!
If you didn’t vote blowout $c on a stupid blog poll, you’re on my list!
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 10:07 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Realistically, if Cal can split these next 2 road games and hold court at home, they will have exceeded expectations for the year. Remember we were generally picked 4th. If our D can play well on the road and we get our offense healthy, we’ve got a good chance.
I may not be a funny bastard, but at least I'm a bastard.
by OskiMonsta on
Nov 2, 2008 5:01 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Imagine a crazy scenario...
Cal pulls off the huge upset…OSU holds on to beat ASU and beats UCLA next week…
All of a sudden, Cal @ OSU in a pseudo Pac-10 title game.
Likely? No. Fun to imagine? Very
by norcalnick on
Nov 1, 2008 10:03 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Oops
Supposed to reply to Ricky S.
by norcalnick on
Nov 1, 2008 10:04 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
What the hell just happened in Corvallis?
Rodgers brothers looking out for each other.
Dennis Erickson looks like he wants to go to bed.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 10:05 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Seth, Seth, Seth
Dude! I say that because it’s classic Cal football psychology. If I say “Cal is going to b*@t $C”, then it pretty much guarantees a Cal loss. I have found that the only way Cal can win in really big games is for me to predict a loss. So, basically, I’m trying to get the team’s back. The reality is that this may be Cal’s best shot at the Roses for a really long time.
by RickySanchez on
Nov 1, 2008 10:08 PM PDT
reply
actions
2 recs
Good point Ricky. A very good point indeed!
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:16 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Rec'ed
It’s like a bunch of you don’t understand the rules. I voted “USC forfeits” – I"m not going to predict Cal loses, but you don’t go out and just PREDICT a win. Damn. It doesn’t work like that.
Stand the whole game, stay to the end, and start yelling while they're still in the huddle. GO BEARS
by JerrottWillard45 on
Nov 1, 2008 11:20 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I respecfully disagree
A lot of Old Blues, so stung by years of false hopes and shattered dreams, have become overly pessimistic, and we clothe our lack of faith in a naive gesture to some sort of sporting karma. I know this is hard to believe, but our predictions—and even our pre-game woofing (or anti-woofing)—have absolutely nothing to do with the outcome.
I’ve boldly predicted (“guaranteed”, even) huge Cal victories before, and things have played out in just that manner: 1991 Citrus Bowl, freshman Jason Kidd beating Duke in the NCAA tourney, 2006 Holiday Bowl, 2007 wins over Tennessee and Oregon, and the big 2008 victory over Dumpster Muffin. But I’ve also gotten a lot of games wrong, with the Bears winning a few when I thought they had no chance (e.g., 2003 vs. USC), and losing more than a few when I was certain they would win (2006 vs. USC). Believe me, there is no correlation between my predictions and the games’ actual outcomes. It there was, I’d quit my day job, head to Vegas, and retire early.
We all claim we want the Bears to advance to the “next level”, that of a true championship-caliber program. And what do all those teams have in common? Obnoxious fan bases who always “know” their team will win. Sure, this season is far from over, and the Bears still might find themselves headed to El Paso or Las Vegas for their bowl game. But why not dream of Pasadena—not just as some unspoken guilty pleasure, but out there exposed, for all the world to see? The last three seasons have been ones of too-lofty expectations, and the reality has been hard for all of us to stomach. I’m beginning to think that 2008 might be just the opposite: a excessively pessimistic fan base that (almost) misses the bandwagon as it makes an historic trip to Pasadena, precisely 50 years after the last journey. How bad would it suck if Cal actually DID win the Pac-10 this year, but we were so busy complaining about the ineffectiveness of the QB, the OC, or whomever, to enjoy the ride? Hop on board, because the Pain Train is heading to Pasadena, with stops at Los Angeles and Corvallis along the way!
You Gotta Believe! Keep Hope Alive!! Sí se puede!!! Beat L.A.!!!! Being an irrationally exuberant zealot is what being a fan is all about.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on
Nov 2, 2008 12:09 PM PST
up
reply
actions
2 recs
Si se puede!
All aboard the Pain Train. Toot toot!
by paleodan on
Nov 2, 2008 5:10 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I..I..I..want to believe...
But, in the immortal words of Captain Kirk, “I NEED my pain!.”
I see where you’re coming from, and look, I have a Ph.D. in astrophysics, I’m not REALLY superstitious, but it’s just so painful to say out loud my highest expectations when they aren’t reached (especially when they’re missed by a mile). That doesn’t mean I don’t go out EVERY home game and cheer my throat out (my family always gives me a hard time for croaking through Sunday…) and BELIEVE we can do it every kickoff.
But there’s also something about claiming it in that obnoxious U$C kind of way I don’t ever want to be a part of. I want to be the National Championship team fanbase who was modest, but devoted, believed in their team when others said we sucked, stuck by them every game, and were rewarded through our team’s efforts on the field (not by a Coach’s poll vote or something).
And I do I dream of Roses in Pasadena falling on Blue & Gold Cal uniforms, every year, no matter what.
I guess it doesn’t make that all much sense: I BELIEVE, but I NEVER hope.
So there’s no way it would suck if Cal DID win the Pac-10, while I was complaining a few times about some things along the way. It would ROCK, and I’ll see you in Pasadena, happier than I’ve ever been.
P.S. In case you weren’t sure, ‘Pessimistic Old Blues’ like me (I’m not that old yet…am I?), still watch intently when down 2 scores with 2 minutes left because we’ve seen miracle comebacks and we believe Cal can do it, and deserves it no matter what. There are some lamer Cal fans out there, who just complain a lot and don’t have any positivity – but that’s not me. I do complain sometimes, but from a rock-solid base of belief that our team is always the best in the nation every year.
You’ll never get me to turn off a Cal game before the clock hits zero.
Stand the whole game, stay to the end, and start yelling while they're still in the huddle. GO BEARS
by JerrottWillard45 on
Nov 3, 2008 10:38 AM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Fair enough, JW. I still argue that hope is a good thing, but on this we agree: Cal in the Rose Bowl is a non-sucking scenario no matter how you look at it.
(And, no. I don’t really want us to become obnoxious loudmouths either. We just don’t have to always expect the worst.)
Go Bears!
by California Pete on
Nov 3, 2008 11:53 AM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I feel the love...
I think we can both keep doing our thing.
So do you anything really crazy like bet real money on Cal winning?
And do you strange things like pick Cal to lose but cover – what kind of hope would that mean?
Under my tortured philosophy, I have 2 options: A) bet Cal to win no matter what, but without ‘claiming’ we’ll win, just saying “I support my team”, or B) don’t bet at all.
Stand the whole game, stay to the end, and start yelling while they're still in the huddle. GO BEARS
by JerrottWillard45 on
Nov 3, 2008 2:24 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
It’s option B for me. There is absolutely no way I’d resist betting from my heart, not my head, and that’s no way to make money. If I was wealthy and had cash to burn, then I’d be all-in for option A. But I’m not, and I don’t.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on
Nov 3, 2008 3:09 PM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I threw up in my mouth after that last one...
We need to put in 5’7" LBs to tackle him
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 10:13 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Not even stegosaurus could stop him.
Jacquizz would run right under Stego’s belly.
ಠ_ಠ
by Berkelium97 on
Nov 1, 2008 10:15 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
No, I think Stego can handle him.
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:17 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
What a genius idea. Jerome Randle for linebacker!
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 10:15 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
and Nican Robinson at NT
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 10:17 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
and Max Zhang as the goalposts
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:21 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
awful call by the ref saying quizz’s progress had been stopped. Pac-10 officiating strikes again
by royb on
Nov 1, 2008 10:13 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
They saw outstanding football being played, both on the defensive play that was called PI and that run, and they simply had to put a stop to it. That’s their job.
by The Hombre on
Nov 1, 2008 10:15 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Why are Pac 10 refs pretty much consistently bad? I never see as much problems in the other conferences.
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:18 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
The Texas-Texas Tech game had about a hundred pushoffs.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 10:18 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Over 9000 was my count
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 10:19 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Good queston
They need to go to summer bridge
by RickySanchez on
Nov 1, 2008 10:19 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I was talking with a friend about this during today's game
I am always so uncomfortable during plays being reviewed because the refs are so bad that they can usually go either way, despite the existence of clear, unobstructed evidence.
ಠ_ಠ
by Berkelium97 on
Nov 1, 2008 10:19 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
it's because they hate america and they hate freedom
i'm here to clean your pool but i don't have a pool *bowchica bowow*
by ch0ster on
Nov 1, 2008 10:20 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
hey, I hate those things too, but at least I do my job properly
by royb on
Nov 1, 2008 10:21 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
well played royb, well played...
i'm here to clean your pool but i don't have a pool *bowchica bowow*
by ch0ster on
Nov 1, 2008 10:22 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
And what was up with them missing like 3 horse collar calls in the game today? Did they not see that page in the rule book?
by RickySanchez on
Nov 1, 2008 10:21 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Pac 10 refs = bad.
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:22 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
OH MY GOD! I HAVE A HARD ON!
Because the wretched 49ers have a bye week, we all get to see the Packers v Titans tomorrow on Fox! I think I could cry! GO PACKERS! YEAH!
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:21 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Bills-Jets on CBS
So you get to see Marshawn wreck Favre too.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 10:22 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Have I died and gone to heaven? God, thank you so much! I hope Favre get’s his head smashed in! YEAH!
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:23 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
head smashed in??
that’s a little extreme
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:25 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Quarterback manlove is always extreme. Especially for Aaron Rodgers.
Clap clap clap clap clap.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 10:26 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
1 recs
I think I’m going to name my second born son Quarterback Manlove.
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 11:15 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
My sister almost named her son Giganthony
as in “Gigantic Anthony”
True story.
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 11:17 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Whats it like to be Italian? I’ve always wondered myself. Do you keep many spicy meatballs around the house?
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 2, 2008 6:55 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
The key is, they might not all be spicy. You have to evaluate each one.
by sec119 on
Nov 2, 2008 7:34 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
True, true. For many non-Italians like me, I might just look at a meatball and think its just spicy. When, in reality, a complex spiciness test must be applied!
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 2, 2008 7:47 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I know, it is extreme, but Favre is a real jerk. It has always been all about Favre. Can’t stand the guy. I know I come off as being a miserable person quite a bit, but I swear I’m not. I just can’t stand Favre!
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:31 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Wow. Blatant PI there. “This gets frustrating.” – Jason Sehorn.
by The Hombre on
Nov 1, 2008 10:22 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
If you watch the highlights
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/recap?gameId=283060025
Announcer pronounces Cattouse as Cat-House. Yes, Sean Brothel intercepted a Masoli pass at the goalline.
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:28 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
I love it when they call him Cat-house
The WSU game was the best for hearing announcers butcher our players’ names.
ಠ_ಠ
by Berkelium97 on
Nov 1, 2008 10:29 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Pretty much every local newscaster thinks Nyan is misspelled on the teleprompter and self-correct it to Ryan or Nylan.
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:31 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
The Memorial Stadium announcer called him "Nine" today.
ಠ_ಠ
by Berkelium97 on
Nov 1, 2008 10:32 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
You can look on the Bears site for pronunciations on all player names. Maybe that is how it is pronounced? Who knows….
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:33 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Thanks to the pronunciation guide
I can properly pronounce Brock Mansion’s name.
ಠ_ಠ
by Berkelium97 on
Nov 1, 2008 10:35 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
1 recs
“Gor-jus Man-can-dy”
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 10:36 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
3 recs
How is Bryan Anger pronounced???
Please disregard the above ramblings as those of a clearly delusional fan.
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on
Nov 1, 2008 10:47 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
“SMASH”
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 11:14 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
It looks French to me
So, my guess would be ahn-ZHAY. And taking my cues from the “Colbert Report”, whenever opposing teams retreat to field a Cal punt, they have entered the zone of ahn-ZHAY dahn-ZHAY (Anger Danger). Or something like that.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on
Nov 2, 2008 7:51 AM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Going further into the romance languages
My spanish step-mom refers to Cal as the ‘Osos Peligrosos’ – the dangerous bears. Has a great ring to it.
by norcalnick on
Nov 2, 2008 9:43 AM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I loved the bit where they had the “spore repore” (sports report).
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 2, 2008 10:19 AM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I’m always looking for a trick play from Anger. He played receiver in HS.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on
Nov 2, 2008 11:05 AM PST
up
reply
actions
0 recs
hm…maybe he just said the name real fast? Nyan…Nyn…Nine? At least it wasn’t Brian or Ryan or … Rudy.
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:34 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I was so psyched when he came here
because he’s on Sebastien Telfair’s team in that documentary
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 10:33 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
LMAO, I saw that earlier on ESPNEWS. There was another time during the season when an announcer pronounced it that way, then corrected himself. I was trying to think how I would pronounce it if I didn’t already know. Hmm…
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:29 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
How great would "Cat-house" be as a nickname, though?
by RickySanchez on
Nov 1, 2008 10:31 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
well considering it means whorehouse…pretty awful, I would think. maybe that’s just me though.
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:31 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Isn’t SF legalizing prostitution on Tuesday?
Perhaps there is cultural relevance to this nickname.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 10:33 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Good point
Maybe Sean Cattouse is secretly an advocate for Bay Area sex worker rights.
by RickySanchez on
Nov 1, 2008 10:34 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
If it passes… Get those poor girls away from the violent pimps! Vote yes on K!
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:34 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Next thing you know we’re going to recruit a kicker named Todd Syphilis.
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:34 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Oh the irony.....
Good job, syphillis, clap, clap, clap, clap, clap
by RickySanchez on
Nov 1, 2008 10:36 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
1 recs
paper headline:
Voters Itching to Award Heisman to Syphilis
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:36 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
1 recs
Can Syphilis get make a rosy comeback? It’s been 50 years since it was this hot.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 10:38 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
If Measles can make a comeback, I don’t see why not.
by The Hombre on
Nov 1, 2008 10:40 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
RUDY! RUDY! RUDY!
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 10:29 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
God these Pac-10 night games rarely fail to deliver!
by The Hombre on
Nov 1, 2008 10:33 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
This has been the best day of football all year.
by The Hombre on
Nov 1, 2008 10:38 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
Uh oh. The best day of football last year was USC losing to the ’Furd
We know what happened next week.
by BearsNecessity on
Nov 1, 2008 10:40 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Dennis Erickson always has that “I can’t believe how much you guys all suck” look on his face. I never get tired of it.
ಠ_ಠ
by Berkelium97 on
Nov 1, 2008 10:39 PM PDT
reply
actions
0 recs
now that we are bowl eligible...
here’s a look at the Pac-10 bowl games this year:
- - Rose in Pasadena on Jan. 1
- - Holiday in San Diego on Dec. 30
- - Sun in El Paso, TX on Dec. 31
- / #5 – Las Vegas on Dec. 20
- / #5 – Emerald in San Francisco on Dec. 27
- - Hawaii in Honolulu on Dec. 24
- - Poinsettia in San Diego on Dec. 23
I’m not sure the story with the #4 / #5, but I believe they alternate every year who gets to pick first. I think Emerald got to pick first last year… I remember because they wanted Cal if we were eligible, which we weren’t.
Sigh. If last year was this year, we would have been in Hawaii instead of Fort Worth… boo…
by OskiWeeWee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:41 PM PDT
reply
actions
1 recs
dang, this year…either we get wasted by a B12 team in the Holiday bowl or we have to go to El Paso Gaso.
This would have been a great year to finish 5th or 6th, in terms of bowl destinations.
Obviously #1 is my first choice…
Sheriff of the Welcome Team.
Welcome.
Now Go Away.
And Stop Arguing Nate vs. Kevin.
by Spazzy Mcgee on
Nov 1, 2008 10:43 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
I don’t understand…
The non-conference match-ups were pretty weak for Mizzou, Texas Tech, OK State,
Those teams moved so high up when other teams were losing to BCS conference opponents. Right now, we’re just watching Big 12 teams play each other… not a real great basis for comparison.
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 10:50 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
Big 12 is legit. IMO.
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:51 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
It's definitely legit
but not BEST CONFERENCE EVAIR Herbstreit slurp levels good
We’’ll see what happens in bowl season
...nuh nuh nuh gone
by Thoroughbred on
Nov 1, 2008 10:52 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs
certainly not the best conference evair! pac 10 is baby! yeah!
President Lincoln once said, "a house divided against itself cannot stand." So everyone get on board with Riley, lest we all fall!
by CaliSeth on
Nov 1, 2008 10:53 PM PDT
up
reply
actions
0 recs








