Previewing the Season : Michigan State
by ragnarok on Aug 1, 2008 10:32 AM PDT
in Football
64 comments
This is the first in a series of 12 roundtable-style previews for the upcoming season.
vs. 
Game #1 : August 30 vs. Michigan State, 5:00 PM (televised on ABC).
ragnarok: For the second straight year, Cal will host the season-opening edition of ABC's Saturday Night Football. Last year's two-touchdown victory over Tennessee brought the Bears tons of media acclaim and vaulted them squarely into national title contention. Though expectations for Cal (and their opponent) are decidedly less ambitious this year, it's still a prime-time opportunity to demonstrate to the nation that last year's collapse was just a hiccup in Cal's rise to national prominence -- if the Bears can win.
So, what are the Bear's chances of starting 2008 the same way they started 2007? Well, here's a couple of encouraging trends: Tedford's Bears are a perfect 6-0 in home openers, and they're a perfect 4-0 vs. Big 10 teams. Sure, OK, one could quibble with the meaningfulness of such statistics, so here's a trend that might bear a little more weight (via Black Shoe Diaries): since 1980, the Big 10's road winning percentage when playing a regular season game vs. the Pac-10 is a mere 22% -- 11 wins vs. 39 losses. Even more startling is when you look at just matchups involving teams that finished the season with a winning record (as we all expect Cal to do), the Big 10's winning percentage drops to just 15% -- that's just 3 wins (against 17 losses) in the last 28 years. There's lies, damn lies, and statistics, but that right there is a trend, and there's gotta be something substantial behind it.
Please, before I get to cocky, someone build up Michigan State. Why might the Spartans buck these trends?
HydroTech: HydroTech is going to sleep now. He'll respond later.
TwistNHook: Still acting the diva, eh, Hydro? Classy all around!
(4-5 hours later...)
HydroTech: I'll build up Michigan State. Here's something we should be concerned about: 6.1. What's 6.1? Michigan State's starting runningback, Javon Ringer, is averaging 6.1 yards per attempt in his career. This just so happens to be the same average that BEAST MODE had his senior year although BEAST MODE averaged 6.6 yards per carry in his career. If we do a little math, and divide 6.1 by 6.6, we can see that Javon Ringer is about 92.4% as good as BEAST MODE. Look, nobody is as good as BEAST MODE. But if you're 92.4% as good as BEAST MODE then you're sort of good. So we Cal fans should be ready for #23 Javon Ringer and his 6.1.
Let's talk QBs. (Vote Brock Mansion for QB in 2008!!!) MSU's returning QB is Brian Hoyer. He threw for 26 TDs and 14 INTs last year. He also had a 59% completion percentage which leaves a little to be desired. Nevertheless, this guy appears to be a servicable QB. But who is Hoyer throwing to? Well, MSU lost their top two receivers from last year. Actually, their top receiver that is returning this year is runningback Javon Ringer. Ringer has 75 more yards receiving and 15 more receptions than MSU's top returning WR Mark Dell. So it looks like both Cal and MSU will be breaking in fairly green WRs in the first game of the season.
As for defense, well, MSU has a bunch of guys on their 4-3 defense whom I really know nothing about and none seem to be Sunday talent. So uh, as for building up MSU, I'm a tad worried about this Ringer running back dude but other than that I can't really find anything to be overly afraid about. Here's a fun little fact though. In the last 8 years when MSU is an away dog, they are 15-11.
TwistNHook: My focus is clearly on the Running Back Javon Ringer. He averaged almost 6 yards a carry last year. This will be a good test for the new 3-4 defense. This could be a very running oriented game, which I think will suit Cal just fine. But Ringer can definitely do a LOT of damage out there.
Yellow Fever: Why, I just hope he's a DEAD Ringer! Oh ho ho ho!
TwistNHook: HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHHAAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHHA
HAHAHAHAHAHAHHAHAHAHAHAH
Wait, wait, I just hurt my knee. Slapping it so hard. Oh god, it hurts so much. HAHAHHAHAHHA. BUT I CAN'T STOP LAUGHING!
"Feva, that joke was terrible! I'm comin' for ya!" - Image via montaraventures.com
Yellow Fever: I've gotta be honest, I'm a bit surprised by the amount of hype that Michigan State is getting. Not that it's a lot of hype, mind you, but that they're getting much hype at all. After all, the most memorable Michigan State game to me in the past few years (aside from our Boller-led win over the Spartans, of course) was their EPIC FAIL game against Notre Dame. Come on guys! You're better than that!
/Mark Jackson
I still don't feel particularly threatened, though. Most of what I've seen has said that the Spartans could surprise and finish as high as fourth in the Big 10/11, behind Wisconsin, Illinois, and Ohio State. That isn't too bad, but isn't the failure to meet those kinds of expectations one of the recent hallmarks of the Spartans program? Just saying.
ragnarok: It is, but I think it was a hallmark of the John L. Smith Spartans [insert Demolition Man reference here]. Instead of the stunning upset/stunning collapse yo-yo of the past few years, Mark Dantonio's first season as head coach was pretty much 'steady as she goes' through the middle of the Big Ten -- no big upsets (they lost to all 4 ranked teams they played -- Michigan, Ohio State, Wisconsin, Boston College), but no inexplicable losses either (their worst losses were to 6-6 Iowa and 6-6 Northwestern. Even more encouraging for Sparty is the fact that all 6 of their losses were by a touchdown or less; these guys were not getting blown out by anyone.
Oh, and in case you were wondering, Dantonio comes from a defensive background, including having served as defensive coordinator for Ohio State from '01 to '03 -- which, by the way, includes the Buckeyes' 2002 Mythical National Championship team. Though Michigan State isn't on that level yet (they gave up more than 30 points 5 times last year, including 48 at Northwestern), it's probably the lack of NFL talent that Hydro mentioned that is holding them back.
Yellow Fever: I don't know if it's a lack of NFL talent holding them back. They had Drew Stanton. They had Charles Rogers. I'm sure they've had other NFL players that I haven't heard about. Now, granted, the guys that I just mentioned are guys who were around during the John L. Smith years, but still...
CBKWit: Charles Rogers...didn't he start the dynasty of highly drafted terrible receivers in Detroit? I do remember him almost singlehandedly beating Spurrier's last Gator's team in some crap bowl and destroying my bowl pick 'em. Wait, that might have been Plaxico Burress.
TwistNHook: Do you find it difficult to keep track of all the different terrible bowl picks you have done?
CBKWit: Nope! Each one is a unique and painful memory (damn you Tebow how could you lose to Michigan they lost to App St!)
I think this will be a great barometer game for our defense. Ringer appears to be the Spartans' best player, so if our nose tackle duo of Derrick Hill and Mika Kane can step up and help shut down him down, I'll be a lot more confident about our run defense for the remainder of the year. On the other hand, if Brian Hoyer (a pretty so-so quarterback from what I've seen) and his completely untested receivers can sit back and pick our secondary apart, it would contradict all the post spring ball optimism I have for our pass rush and pass defense. Let's hope that our pass defense performs is as strong as I think it should be and the run defense is a strong as I hope it could be.
TwistNHook: Yknow, the more I read about MSU, the more similar they seem to Cal. They:
a) had a lot of close and brutal losses last year to take them out of elite team territory.
b) lost all their WRs
c) have a stud RB with health issues. I just read that Ringer (HAHAHAHAH, OH MAN REMEMBER YELLOW FEVER'S JOKE, THAT WAS KILLER!) had surgery and has missed a lot of time in the spring. He apparently will be healthy by the game, but who knows?
d) had trouble last year with the Bend Don't Break philosophy.
Yellow Fever: I think we win on one important count, though:
We're not in Michigan. HIYOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO!
TwistNHook: YF, you grew up in New Jersey. And now you live in Brooklyn! Who are you to mock others for living in terrible, terrible places?
Yellow Fever: Actually, I live in Queens, but whatever. Anyway, I'm calling another 35-21 win. That is what our Bears won by in 2003, right? I always enjoy nice, poetic endings.
Cal's Matt Nixon recovers a fumble at the one-yard line during Cal's 2002 victory at Michigan State. Image via cache.gettyimages.com
ragnarok: Actually, we won by the unlikely score of 46-22 back in 2002. Tedford's third game, and first road game.
I'll call it at 34-24. I think they keep it reasonably close, but the Bears get a late field goal to go up two scores, and MSU can't get anything going in their hurryup drives.
TwistNHook: My prediction:
4-0 Cal victory.
ragnarok: Mmmmm, a bold move. Two safeties, eh? You must be very confident in the quality of our pass rush, given the switch to the 3-4 defense.
HydroTech: Cal 31, MSU 24
CBKWit: 24-21 Cal.
ragnarok: Wow, a consensus. BTW, I just looked up the current betting line on this game, and Cal is favored by anywhere from 5 1/2 to 7 points. I wouldn't call this an easy victory by any stretch, but I'm fairly confident Cal will pull it out, especially if the fans can kick the home field advantage up a notch by GOLDING OUT MEMORIAL STADIUM.
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d) had trouble last year with the Bend Don’t Break philosophy.
I wish college football would retire the Bend Don’t Break. Every time I see a team that claims to adhere to it, it looks like the defense makes stops only when the offense messes up somehow. This works against mediocre offenses, but just barely, and it loses big time against the elite offenses.
by sec119 on Aug 1, 2008 11:00 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I guess but we have essentially employed the bend but don’t break since 2002 and we have only surrendered 22 points per game, second to USC over that time span. I also don’t think it ever cost us that many games except perhaps Texas Tech and last year against Washington.
http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/
by BeastMode on Aug 1, 2008 11:19 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Every time I see a team that claims to adhere to it, it looks like the defense makes stops only when the offense messes up somehow.
Sec, that’s exactly the point of the BBDB. I mean, of course the defense would like to stop the offense themselves with an interception or fumble recovery, but if not, then the D is hoping for the offense to make a mistake. This is the point of the BBDB: play a fairly conservative defense that doesn’t give up big chunks of yards, and force the offense to drive the length of the field without making a mistake.
So when you say you see teams who play the BBDB and stop a drive b/c the offense made a mistake, it’s because (a) the offense made a mistake; and (b) the BBDB worked.
Vote Brock Mansion for QB in 2008!
by HydroTech on Aug 1, 2008 6:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
furthermore
Although fans don’t notice when it works, coaches do. It’s much easier for a casual observer to remember a bad defensive stand than numerous three-and-outs during the course of a game, especially if the defense gives up a big play at a crucial time. And collectively, coaches aren’t that dumb.
I remember reading a story a while back about a SEC defensive coordinator defending the BBDB by saying that it was the only way to contain a proven playmaker – this was in reference to Hines Ward when he was down at Georgia, but I’m willing to bet that if you examined the defenses played against our Bears last year, a lot of it was BBDB in an effort to contain THA1 and force Longshore into mistakes. Of course, we all know how that turned out.
I'm still wondering why the Nets didn't draft Leon Powe.
by yellow fever on Aug 1, 2008 6:59 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
...force the offense to drive the length of the field without making a mistake.
What bothers me is when it doesn’t look like the defense is ‘forcing’ the offense to make a mistake, but instead is just ‘waiting’ for the defense to make a mistake. Maybe this is a personnel issue then, not a philosophical one. Certainly I don’t think anyone in the NFL could employ BBDB.
by sec119 on Aug 2, 2008 10:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Nah, you are kinda right, it is very much a “wait for the other guy to f up” philosophy. I hate BBDB. I think defenders hate it too. They want to be out there forcing the action… It’s like when teams have a lead late into the game and they go into a prevent defense. How many times have you seen an offense just shred that prevent, picking up 10-15 yard chunks at a time, drive down, and score.
by Itchy25 on Aug 2, 2008 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I’m not a fan of the Prevent, but you can’t run a 4-3 against a Spread.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on Aug 2, 2008 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
True enough. But then we damn well better be pressuring the hell out of whoever is QB. Its way too easy for receivers to sit in space all day long if the QB isn’t rushed.
by Itchy25 on Aug 2, 2008 12:36 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Twist clearly followed me in watching Arena Football, and believes Jordan Kay will hit a 4 point drop kick field goal.
For an actual prediction, Cal 27, MSU 14
http://mymindgrapes.wordpress.com
by 408 on Aug 1, 2008 11:07 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I think the 3-4 is particularly effective against speedier backs like Ringer, though I have absolutely no statistical support to back that assertion. I also think Cal will be better offensively than last year, primarily because of better QB play but also because we will have better depth at running back. Add to that the home field advantage and MSU having to travel a very long way, I see a 31-17 Cal victory.
http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/
by BeastMode on Aug 1, 2008 11:21 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I always thought 3-4 was bad against running teams…?
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Aug 1, 2008 11:22 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, here’s my thinking: I’d rather have an extra linebacker than a slow defensive lineman trying to chase sweeps and pitches.
http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/
by BeastMode on Aug 1, 2008 11:29 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I am worried about teams gashing us up the middle
and I probably will be until we prove we can prevent it. A lot of it depends on the NT occupying blockers, and I’m not sure if we have the required combination of talent and experience in one player to do it.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by CBKWit on Aug 1, 2008 11:31 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ideally that one person should be Derrick Hill, but we just don’t know yet (re: talent). Right now the only thing we have to go off of is what we saw in spring ball. There not only did the defense do a great job creating pressure but it also did a good job keeping the backs in check (though, without Jahvid and sometimes Vereen). Anyway, it isn’t like we are going to run the 3-4 all the time, there are a lot of packages they will use to counter the other team’s strengths.
http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/
by BeastMode on Aug 1, 2008 11:38 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'd say with Hill, the issue is experience
he was very highly touted coming in, but he’s only a redshirt sophomore, and he didn’t get into playing shape until the season was underway last year. Defensive tackles take some time to develop. Kane is pretty unspectacular to me, but he might be the short term solution until Hill can really assert himself. It will be very interesting to watch the NT position in fall camp.
In the spring, the pass rush was superior to the run defense. I felt that the run d was ok, not great, but not terrible. And it’s true that Best did not play against it, and Vereen only briefly.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by CBKWit on Aug 1, 2008 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
How was Mika Kane in the spring camp?
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Aug 1, 2008 11:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s the general idea behind the 3-4, get faster players out there and rely on a nose and ends to occupy multiple blockers so the linebackers can pick up runners/blitz off the edge.
http://mymindgrapes.wordpress.com
by 408 on Aug 1, 2008 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
3-4 vs this?
... I know, I know… we won’t run 3-4 vs this particular formation but we should be thinking about this play in particular. I know Coach is because nobody in the Big10 could stop it. And they run it at least 4-5 times per game in any short yardage situation. They even run it back to back… these two pictures are separated by only one play.
First, this is what they call a ‘Power Stacked I’... although it’s more of a ‘Stacked I’ formation. Two full backs and Jehu in the back… only two variations… either run left… or right. I hear Hoyer throws sometimes, but I’ve personally never seen it.
It’s near impossible to stop because the second fullback always takes out the first safety and you don’t know which direction it’s going to come from so the second safety never gets there in time to square up to tackle Jehu properly.
Plus, they use it to control the clock. They are almost guaranteed the 1st down in a short yardage situation because of it so they get a TON of first downs and control the clock.
Any thoughts? (and yes, I know Jehu graduated)
by danzig on Aug 1, 2008 11:46 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
The only thing I could think of would be a tight 46 using the inside line backers to pick up the fullback and relying on a good safety.
And that would work like 5% of the time.
http://mymindgrapes.wordpress.com
by 408 on Aug 1, 2008 11:53 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
they should just run that play every single down. hello BCS title game!
by Itchy25 on Aug 1, 2008 1:10 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
This clip shows this same formation but with Hoyer throwing a short pass for a TD.
by Berkelium97 on Aug 1, 2008 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Oh snap! That’s the mich game that I have on my computer and I didn’t even notice. They run it so often that it starts to look all the same to me.
Anyways, that makes it even more dangerous… this is their signature play I assure you they run it 4-5 times per game, sometimes more. Heck with Berkelium’s clip, that makes it three times just on this page from the same game!
Everyone except OhioSt had trouble stopping it and I hope Tedford has some good ideas to try on them.
by danzig on Aug 1, 2008 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Well, if our line can get a solid push, and force the action, rather than getting knocked back forcing everyone to go into reaction mode, we should be able to minimize the effectiveness. I know it sounds basic, but still…
by Itchy25 on Aug 1, 2008 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
That’s exactly what OhioSt did, but even they failed on a few of them… I think it’s easier said than done and needs good LB play.
If you can stop an opening from forming in the LOS, then you’re good. If not, its like guessing between left or right in a soccer penalty kick… you have to choose to defend one or the other… even then it’s not guaranteed.
by danzig on Aug 1, 2008 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ah, i get ya… and wow i can see now how on 4th and short and goal line situations this formation could prove verrrry tricky to stop.
by Itchy25 on Aug 1, 2008 2:28 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ah, now I see the confusion… I forgot to mention…
== They never run this up the middle
It’s not meant to go up the middle, but rather slightly offset to either the right or left…. ie the B gap.
by danzig on Aug 1, 2008 2:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
the bastards, i thought this was just some A Gap head down leg drive pray you get a yard deal.
by Itchy25 on Aug 1, 2008 2:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ok I admit I don't know much about football formations but...
would it make sense the blitz the CBs from either side while the safeties edge forward? I understand this could potentially burn us if the QB passes but more often than not it’s a run
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Aug 1, 2008 1:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Seems like the thing to do and teams do, do that… but I noticed that any edge blitzing is too slow… the ‘train’ is already at the LOS by the time the blitzers come around the corner…
One obvious thing everyone does is stack the box, but that in itself poses problems. The ‘Train’ chooses a single lane through the LOS (left or right you dont’ know)... FB1 goes through and takes a LB and pushes him back… FB2 hits the first safety… this all happens near the opening in the LOS… by the time Jehu is coming through there are so many bodies near the opening preventing a second safety from getting a clean hit on Jehu and he just fits through.
Why not run this every play?...It just guarantees them 2-3 yards, no more. But it’s almost a lock.
by danzig on Aug 1, 2008 2:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
So will Brent Musburger be back in Berkeley?
I will feel much shame if Brent comes back and we still have hippies in the trees. Are he and Kirk Herbstreit doing Saturday nights again?
And has anyone ever played the Brent Musburger Drinking Game?
by CalBandGreat on Aug 1, 2008 1:15 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
i hope it doesn’t involve taking a shot for every stupid thing Musburger says.
by Itchy25 on Aug 1, 2008 1:24 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The game does come with this disclaimer:
WARNING!Play at your own risk. It is conceivable your whole party will be passed out with 8 mins remaining in the 1st quarter.
by CalBandGreat on Aug 1, 2008 1:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
lol, alright i wanna try it, sounds good.
by Itchy25 on Aug 1, 2008 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The complete rules
Note: Partner is spelled “Pardner,” because that’s the way Brent says it.Rule #1: “The Pardner” A person is picked to be the Pardner at the beginning of the game. The first time Brent says “Pardner,” the Pardner has to take 1 drink, and then picks someone else to be the Pardner. The next time Brent says it, the new Pardner has to take 2 drinks, and then pick a new Pardner, and so on and so on. The Pardner must wear a special “Pardner” hat.
Rule #2: “Folks” Everyone drinks 1 when Brent says “Folks.” However, if Brent says “Hold on Folks”, everyone must drink once but the first person to drink has to finish their drink for not holding on.
Rule #3: “It’s a foot race!”. Whenever Brent says “It’s a foot race” everyone has to finish their drink. The first one done becomes “That Man” and gets to punch the Pardner in the arm.
Rule #4: “There’s that man again”. After someone becomes “That Man,” they get to give away 3 drinks to someone of their choosing the next time Brent says “That Man.” That person then becomes “That Man.” If Brent says “That Man” before “It’s a footrace,” The Pardner becomes That Man. If The Pardner becomes That Man first, he gets to punch the new That Man in the arm twice after giving away the 3 drinks. There must also be a special hat for “That Man.”
Rule #5: “Dr. Pepper”. Every time Brent says “Dr. Pepper” everyone has to yell out “I’M A PEPPER!” and take 2 drinks. Afterwards, each person must give out a satisfied “AAAAAAAHHHHH!”, as if in a Dr. Pepper commercial. Anyone who fails to do so must drink again.
Rule #6: “Jack Arute”. Whenever Brent says “Our ol’ buddy Jack Arute” everyone has to say “AROOOOOOT!” Last one to do it has to do a shot. If everyone does it simultaneously, the Pardner must do a shot.
Rule #7: “In the college game”. Whenever Brent says this little gem, everyone must say “Shut the *
** up Brent”, drink 2, and punch the Pardner in the arm.Rule #8: Mentioning a Big 10 school during a Big 12 game. Whenever Brent does this, the first person who names the Big 10 school’s mascot gets to make somebody drink for 11 seconds, since there’s 11 schools in the Big 10.
Rule #9: Calling a touchdown before the player actually scores. For example, during an interception return, Brent says “It’s a touchdown!” before the player actually scores. In this case, everyone must start drinking and continue to drink until the player actually does score. If by some odd event, the player does NOT score, everyone must finish their drink.
Rule #10: “Gary, my man”. Whenever Brent says “Gary, my man”, the Pardner gets to choose someone to be Gary. From that point on, that person must be referred to as “Gary, my man” until the game is over. “Gary, my man” gets to give away 5 drinks the rest of the game any time Brent says “Gary, my man”. If someone talks to “Gary, my man” without calling him that, they have to do a shot. If there is someone playing the game actually named Gary, that person is automatically “Gary, my man”.
Rule #11: “The Major”. If Brent has a pet nickname for one of the players during the game, for example calling Major Applewhite “The Major”, everyone must drink 5 anytime Brent uses this nickname. However, “Gary, my man” does not drink but gets to give away 5 drinks since this person already has a nickname of their own.
Rule #12: “John Saunders”. The first time Brent quips with John Saunders, everyone must drink 1. The next time, everyone must drink 2, and so on and so on.
Rule #13: In the booth. Whenever there’s a camera shot of Brent in the booth, the Pardner must make a toast to Brent. After the toast, everyone must drink 1.
Rule #14: “My Friend” Every Pardner gets to choose a “Friend.” The friend must always get up to get the Pardner another drink (since the Pardner will be doing quite a bit of that). However, when Brent utters “My Friend” the friend gets to punch the Pardner in the arm for making him get up so much.
by CalBandGreat on Aug 1, 2008 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And if he says “Shake ‘n’ Bake” you have to down the bottle.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Aug 1, 2008 2:53 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
haaahahaaa! Here’s Desean, shake ‘n’ bake….
by danzig on Aug 1, 2008 3:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
THE WIZARD OF RETURNS!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Aug 1, 2008 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I think that is definitely in my Top 10 Moments in College Football.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Aug 1, 2008 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Electrifying.
I couldn’t believe it was happening when I was there. I was giddy. At that moment my expectations skyrocketed, I though Desean really could make a run at the Heisman, I thought Cal really could take a run at USC. When I came home late that night I watched the game on TV and loved Musberger’s performance, whether it was his soliloquy on the tree-sitters or his call of Desean’s return.
http://sportingcontrarian.wordpress.com/
by BeastMode on Aug 1, 2008 5:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Likewise. The culmination of like…9 months of hype on Tha1, and he STILL runs it back. Redonk. I remember that was LOUD.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Aug 1, 2008 5:48 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
What was important about that was that there was a lot of nervousness. What if DeSean wasn’t as good this year than last? What if it was all just hype?
Then, he blew us all away. And he was like right in front of our section, too. Very exciting.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Aug 1, 2008 7:02 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
My favorite part is when they say “He’s going to the endzone!” because it sounds like when Burglecutt said “He’s going back to the village!”
by joffle on Aug 3, 2008 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Ignore the Tha1, follow the River!!
I kissed Dumpster Muffin and I liked it. The taste of her hippie chapped lips.
by Maharg on Aug 4, 2008 9:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
LOOK AT THIS GUY!
cue: Herbstreit girly laugh.
But seriously though, I know we love to hate, and Mark May is a deusche, but which college football announcers do we even like at all?
Heck, I’ve even heard people hate on old Keith Jackson.
www.bearswithfangs.com
by bearswithfangs on Aug 1, 2008 3:31 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
I thought Musburger’s call of that play was great. Plus, it made up for Tha1’s punt return TD during the 06 Oregon game when we didn’t get the full BM excitement because of Rosario’s evil, unsportsmanlike, douchey, a-hole, blatant and deliberate personal foul that was never called.
“He’s going into the endzone!”
“Ohhh Baby!”
by CalBandGreat on Aug 1, 2008 3:35 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, I never thought Musberger was that bad, and Herbstreit is great. By far the best are the ones on CBS who do the SEC games—Verne Lundquist and co.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Aug 1, 2008 3:38 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
For what it’s worth, I’ve always liked that BM and KH obviously have a lot of enthusiasm for the game and enjoy themselves in the booth, which comes through in their broadcast.
by sec119 on Aug 1, 2008 4:58 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
And my mother has always found KH dreamy.
by Itchy25 on Aug 1, 2008 5:22 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Charles Davis
... formerly on TBS… Clear speaker… smart as hell… no gaffes… plus his analysis actually made tons of sense. My favorite. 
If you can have Brent Musberger+Charles or Keith Jackson+Charles… with EA on the sidelines.. they would be called the dream team… but I’ll take the 2006 Holiday Bowl crew any day.
by danzig on Aug 1, 2008 3:43 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
but which college football announcers do we even like at all?KALX!
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on Aug 3, 2008 4:06 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
Thanks for the analysis guys...
You da best!!
by NorCalLonghorn on Aug 1, 2008 7:13 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
They’re #3! They’re #3! They’re #3!
I kissed Dumpster Muffin and I liked it. The taste of her hippie chapped lips.
by Maharg on Aug 4, 2008 9:17 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
hey, since that list was published, the top 2 cal blogs have become defunct…does that make us #1 by default?
DE-FAULT!! DE-FAULT!! DE-FAULT!!
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
by ragnarok on Aug 4, 2008 9:34 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
The two sweetest words in the English language!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Aug 4, 2008 10:16 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
2002?
The ES was at that game and it was a disaster, unexpected. It basically MADE the Cal season and ruined MSU for 7 years. MSU was ranked, I think, #17 preseason heading into the game. But we ended up going 4-8, firing our coach halfway through the season, and since then we fired another coach.
So, no comparison of 2002 team to 2008 team. I just hope MSU does the same to Cal what Cal did to MSU back in ‘02. You never know… we sure didn’t back then. I’ll be there on Aug 30 to see us whip your ass, anyhow.
And, if you think you’re gonna beat the spread, think again. Dantonio’s style is to run and stay close. If you win, or if we win, it will be close… no time for anything else but close.
With the first ever college football podcast, the Enlightened Spartan brings the beauty of Michigan State Spartan athletics to the masses!
by enlightenedspartan on Aug 2, 2008 11:28 PM PDT reply actions 0 recs
and the trash talk begins!
Alright, which sturdy Golden Bear is going to fire back a response to the Enlightened Spartan?
Vote Brock Mansion for QB in 2008!
by HydroTech on Aug 2, 2008 11:32 PM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
is the spread set? is it still cal -7?
by Itchy25 on Aug 3, 2008 1:15 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
I'm leaving that to you guys
I’m going to Eagles camp later today! Bringing along my digital camera, green sunglasses, Eagles cap, Eagles THA1 jersey, and my Cal THA1 jersey. I love me some THA1.
I'm still wondering why the Nets didn't draft Leon Powe.
by yellow fever on Aug 3, 2008 5:00 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
ES, welcome to Hell. We’re not sure what you did wrong to deserve to be here, but we’d like your stay to be as comfortable as possible.
About that 2002 season, some of us would like to think that it was the arrival of Coach Jeff Tedford which made it, because otherwise we’ve been living off that win for quite some time now. Perhaps you’ve heard of Coach Tedford, no? Does Michigan have the Internet? Cable?
Losses happen. Last year that other Wolverine State university with the correct colors, a good team to be sure, lost a national embarrassment of a game. But Michigan eventually picked themselves up, dusted themselves off and finished #18. Fortitude counts for a lot.
Sadly, it doesn’t seem that Michigan State will be on our schedule next year. It would have been nice to see the fall colors. But you might want to check with your friends from Illinois about what it’s like to play at Strawberry Canyon. We wouldn’t want the results to be unexpected and jar your tender sensibilities.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
by Olsonist on Aug 3, 2008 8:37 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
about that Illinois game
Our Bears kind of lost that one 44-17. Which was certainly unexpected, because if I recall correctly, we were favored in that game by 3.
I'm still wondering why the Nets didn't draft Leon Powe.
by yellow fever on Aug 3, 2008 10:10 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
olsonist is probably thinking of the Illinois game in 2005, which the Bears won 35-20, as opposed to the Illinois game in 2001, when Tom Holmoe was the coach, which the Bears lost, as you say, 44-17.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
by ragnarok on Aug 3, 2008 10:39 AM PDT up reply actions 0 recs
To Sparty
Spoken like a true underdog.
Whipping our asses huh?... Pretty bold statement given your team’s circumstances.
1) You lose Jehu… he’s the reason you got so many first downs, your play action worked and you were able to control the clock. You have no other RBs that even come close to the weight/size/force that Jehu brought to bear. Don’t expect your ‘stacked I’ formation to be as successful this year… in fact, I’d be surprised if your coach still decided to run it as often.
2) You lose Thomas AND Love… that’s a ton of offensive production and there goes yoru KOR and PR teams. Devin was awesome at KORs last year averaging about 30yrds per return… you don’t think that’s one of the reasons you were able to keep some games so ‘close’?? Thomas was a deep, shallow and almost an every-distance threat. Dell is no substitute. Curry is ‘okay’ at best. Plus, you think your return averages will rise or fall this year?
3) No Davis – he was a great TE… he was a carbon copy of Martin Rucker (mizzou)... a TE that could block but was really a modified and larger WR. Hoyer dumped off to him, he even went deep with him… often. Hell, I’ve even seen Davis take it on a reverse.. a TE on a reverse??! That’s some big shoes to fill… does Charlie Gnat have the feet to fill it… no even close. You lost a great one in Davis.
4) Jonal St Dic – my second favorite Big10 player after Mike Hart. You know what you lost here… damn was he good. He was the Trevor Laws on your team… basically unstoppable.. how many sacks?... how many errant passes did he cause… that’s a ton of chaos that won’t be there for you and Cal allowed the fewest sacks in the Pac10 last year (11)... Feeling confident about your pass rush are you?
5) You speak of Hoyer like he’s a god… he’s not… he’s just a very good quarterback. For his career he has a passEff rating of 127ish, completion percentage of 60% and a starting record of 7-7. The one road opener he started in was a win (albeit vs the worst team in the nation ND). Nate Longshore, whom 50% of us doesn’t even think he deserves to start has a career passEff rating of 136, 60% completion % and a starting record of 18-9. In home openers he’s a lock winning both times (MINN06 and TENN07), outscoring opps by avg of 19.5 points with an efficiency rating of 180 and no interceptions. Oh yeah, the same year Lonshore beat MINN 42-17, Hoyer lost to them 18-31.
6) The size of your corners not an advantage – sorry, the avg size of our WRs is 6-2, 218… so that secondary size advantage you have over many teams is gone.
=====
... So now that we’re both in touch with reality, let’s really examine the situation. I like Michigan St… I have family in Michigan, my cousin is a Chippewa and I’m a huge fan of LeFevour. I watched six of your games last year and was very impressed and know your team and coach well. Cal and MichSt are in the same boat. WE BOTH LOST PLAYERS AND THIS SEASON IS FAR LESS CERTAIN.
We lost 6 of our starters to the NFL last year and we have huge talent gaps… like you. We have brilliant coaches and great talent at QB and Running back. We have new talent at TE and will have new talent in the return game. Almost everything I said about MichSt can be applied to Cal. Except a few things:
1) We’re playing at home and we’re on a 5-0 home opener streak. Longshore is amazing in home openers. We fully expect our running game to IMPROVE over last year since Best is a better talent than Forsett was. Plus, wait till you see Vereen!
2) We have more raw talent that was waiting in the wings… we’re not rebuilding, we’re re-loading… Jordan/Jackson our starting WRs held those positions for 3 straight years. The talent that was waiting are not a bunch of Fish, they’ve been in this system a long time. And objectively speaking…. Boteng and Calvin are better pure receivers than Dell and Curry… they just are.
... Could this be a close game? If I were a betting man I’d say no given Longshore’s history and Tedford’s history in home openers. However, you forget to realize we don’t give a damn if it’s close or not or if we beat the spread. All we care about is the win. I really think you guys are a contender for the Big10 crown (you came back so well vs Mich last year), but from any logical perspective, the spread makers are right… we win and that’s all that matters.
by danzig on Aug 3, 2008 11:05 AM PDT reply actions 0 recs
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