Reveling in Victory
by CBKWit on Aug 30, 2008 10:29 PM PDT
in California Golden Bears Football
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PrintThe first in (hopefully) a 13 part series, this is a quick summary of a few keys to the game.
That was intense. I thought we had it sewed up with Hagan's second interception, but apparently he didn't actually catch it. It looked great in person and on the video screen, so there must have been some camera angle I was missing. In any case, it did add a lot of drama to the last 3 minutes of the game (I had visions of UW '06 at the very end), but with Nate Longshore's help we were able to pull it out. At least that's how I remember it.
1) Run Defense.
I was quite worried that MSU was going to be able to overpower us at the line of scrimmage and allow Ringer to run wild. The lack of depth at nose tackle as the game approached (Kane and Hill were both banged up) compounded my fears. But starting on the very first drive, the Cal defense showed how stout it would be against Ringer throughout the game. I haven't seen any stats, but I doubt Ringer got 100 yards and I'd bet his yards per carry average is between 3 and 4. For a defense that just moved to a base 3-4 (with banged up nose tackles) to play this well against a Doak Walker candidate in Ringer is phenomenal. Not surprisingly, with Ringer unable to get on track for much of the game, MSU struggled to move the ball. Our defense essentially held them scoreless for the first 3 quarters of the game, with the only points coming on the (horrible, horrible) pick 6 and the bad snap recovered deep in our territory.
2)Sean Young and Cameron Morrah.
We didn't get much out of our receivers, with the giant exceptions of Sean Young and Cameron Morrah. Calvin played only a limited amount and I don't recall a pass thrown his way. I do recall a couple of passes thrown to Nyan Boateng and those didn't work out too well. Young and Morrah caught everything, including a bomb down the sideline (Young) and a critical adjustment on 3rd and long in the 4th quarter (Morrah). Seeing Sean Young perform so well is especially sweet, considering he's been in the program for 6 years and this is his first real action. I hope he stays healthy, because it looks like he'll play a much larger role than many of us were anticipating.
3)Running Backs
Cal was able to control the ball for much of the game, thanks to Jahvid Best and Shane Vereen. And I think Jeff Tedford knew something this spring when he said we'd like Vereen. Uh, yes.
3)Kevin Riley.
He made a huge throw to Sean Young in the 3rd quarter, when MSU had pulled to within 3. He made an even bigger throw to Cameron Morrah on 3rd and 13 in the 4th with an MSU defender dragging him down. Frankly, after that throw and the pass to Stevens in the OSU game last year, I'm getting a little greedy and am starting to expect at least one of these per game. But most importantly, no turnovers. No delay of games. No procedure penalties. He played within himself for the entire game and out of body in a few crucial moments - what more can you ask for from a quarterback?
But these are just my views. What are your views on the game? Use this as an open thread for immediate post-game reaction. Don't forget, we have a lot of content coming up, such as HydroTech's views and TwistNHook's photos. So, keep it locked here for all your Cal v. MSU analysis!
GO BEARS!
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I just got back from the game. SydQuan was a total stud. Just a god out there. He is already great and if he sticks around for next year, he is going to be amazing. Just unbelievable.
There is a lot more to discuss, but I wanted to make quick mention of Longshore. Goddamn, that sucked. A lot. Let’s look at the silver lining here. It ended the QB controversy VERY quickly. If Longshore had played well and Riley had played well, we would have had questions going for a while now. But with Longshore throwing 2 picks on 2 drives, including a disastrous pick six, I don’t think we will be seeing Longshore anytime soon (unless there is an injury). This is probably the best thing going forward. It sucked at the time, though. A lot.
Man, lots to talk about, but I got photos to sort! GO BEARS!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
If not for Best's speed...
it could very well have been 2 pick-sixes.
The only reason Best didn’t stop the second pick is that he was in the middle of preventing two bank robberies in the South Bay during the return. Jahvid is committed to using his superpowers for both good and football and I respect him for that.
I heard Jahvid ran to get some tea in Beijing, then ran back to the game just in time to make the tackle.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Syd was awesome
Strong against the pass and also dealt some blows on the run. I think we’ll see a lot of teams picking on Hagan. I thought he looked promising. A few bad plays, but he also could have easily had 2 picks – they we’re really close on the replay.
Ezeff looked great too. Hicks less so. Horrible lack of tackle on that last TD. Maybe Johnson will get more run? Crappy PI call on Mohammad.
We still need more pressure – no sacks but a couple of good hurries. My man Rulon was silent but not injured.
Riley v Longshore
Gee. why did Nate have a hard time? Why did he throw a Pass for a TD Interception and retrurn for a TD? I am so stunned that Riley played better! Aren’t u too!
Hey Olsonist...
Olsonist, are u stunned by Riley’s play? I know back in the day u thought Riley was trash!
Huh?
I’ve been the biggest Riley booster on this site period. End of sentence. You might be thinking of someone else but I was amazed by him in the Oregon State game and I’ve said so at length ad nauseam at every opportunity. For the record, I think the guy is Oski Jesus. He simply amazes me and I’m really looking forward to watching him for three more years.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
Riley is the white Joe Montana!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Just messing with u buddy! Back in the day all of the established Cal Golden Bears bloggers thought he was trash. Now we know he is the FUTURE! Twist relax!
Run Game!
Seriously though, the defense needs serious work. The run game had too easy a time. Anyone agree?
No. I thought they contained a premier running back well. That said, it is a first game.
Now the special teams played magnificently and pathetically. Anger, oh my. Do punters turn pro early?
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
WE NEED TO FEEL GOOD!
Guys, we have to thank Tedford that he has finally seen the light. Gustav be damned! Our football season is more important!
Contributions Wanted
I am taking up a collection to buy a real mean dog. The dog will be chained to the Cal bench and trained to bite Longshore if he reaches for his hemet.
Jahvid Best is the fastest father-mucking running back I have ever seen in my entire hyperventilating life and he will beat the evangelical Hell out of run-stoppers for most of the year.
Anger is a killing machine and as long as nobody snaps over his head, life will be good. He averages 48.5 yards per punt tonight, and that was including that ridiculous shank at the end. UNreal.
Also sold on the 3-4, as our defenders were getting into the backfield and moving laterally in containment. Even if we didn’t kill and eat the QB, he was definitely pressured into bad throws, and the pass defense stepped up in some key spots.
I didn’t realize Darian Hagen was the son of THAT Darien Hagen?? I will now light myself on fire as I am a fossil.
now, now, Longshore was excellent as a holder tonight.
i knew Best was ridiculous fast. i didn’t know Vereen was ALSO ridiculous fast. me likey.
Anger is amazing. I’ve been on this train for awhile.
and i had no idea there was some other Darien Hagen.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
A real Bear.
Support our Bears before u support his psychotic Dog! This year is going to be special!
Best catching that guy on the interception
was one of the most amazing plays of the game. even though it was a depressing interception, it was awesome to see Best come flying down the field after that guy and bear-hug him into the ground.
SPEED!
seriously!
i know Idaho is terrible, but dropping 70 on anyone is impressive. ’Zona might make a bowl game and save Stoops job.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
Seen from the Student Section
1) Student section was loud, one of the loudest I’ve been in after the simultaneous catch call. Also very damning of Longshore. The freshmen were cooperative. The pom-poms were nice too.
2) Oh God special teams. Was this like the first time EVER that Sundberg messed up a long snap? Tavecchio (sp?) was extremely underwhelming, but mildly understandable for a first start. Kickoff coverage was terrible, and Young wasn’t all that great at returns, but he was swarmed anyway so I won’t blame him
3)O-line good, and I’m less worried about the nose tackle situation. I think the DBs will warm up as the season goes on, and it will be nice to face WSU to have some relatively easy practice. Hoyer throwing hella slants and outs also made it hard for them.
4) WR is right now the most pressing issue, but Morrah and Young are still serviceable.
5) F YOU PAC-10 REFS
All in all, a nice showing by a team that answered most of its questions. Once the team gels together, expect for
AAAAAAAAWWWWEEEESOOMMMMEEEEEEEE
Sundberg is the best long snapper in the nation, with that one botched snap, his record falls to something like 230-2, the only other exception being in U Dub in the rain, slippery ball. He’s also a really nice guy. I was most excited, I think, when Follett made good on his promise to hit again and SMACKED 23 (whatever his name is) right on his ass. Yes, it was killer. So, does anybody here listen to The Who?
by GoldBlooded on Aug 31, 2008 12:04 AM PDT up reply actions
Zack smacked who in the ass? Pls explain how Zack’s ass-smacking relates to the WHo?
Sundberg has been a lock for two years (or 3?) and we’ve never talked about him… meaning he was perfect… so I can’t knock one bad snap… he’s still the best in the nation, bar none.
Sorry Sundberg, I guess it was Anger’s fault.
"One of the problems with having such a great snapper like Nick Sundberg is he snaps it so fast and so hard that you really have to be a great athlete to catch it," said Tedford. "That thing was smoking when it got to Bryan (Anger) on that last one and it went through his hands. Obviously, we don’t want that to happen again."
The Marching band did The Who as their halftime show. That is probably what GoldBlooded was talking about.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Love the Band but what were they thinking. That went over about as well as Shane Vareen’s halfback pass. On the other hand the 24 cheerleaders were the best I’ve seen Cal put out on the field.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
Not a fan of The Who?
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
You should contact the band and tell them to only play songs from musicians you like, independent of how popular and/or legendary the band might be.
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Well, I was disappointed that after the show one of the tuba players didn’t smash his instrument onto the field. Very disappointed. The only music I can think of as being more cliche for a marching band to play than The Who would be Hawaii 5-0. But hopefully The Who won’t be returning to Strawberry soon.
When I used to stalk Stanford Womens Volleyball games, their band played White Punks On Dope. Now that would be awesome.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
Bop
The Band should play Bop. Hard core bop. Maybe St. John Coltrane. Or perhaps Cecil Taylor. Something really abstract. Or Weather Report. Yeah, Weather Report.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
Weather Report
I think we had a show with Birdland in it a while back. Request fulfilled!
by GoldBlooded on Aug 31, 2008 11:10 AM PDT up reply actions
I think it was the first time Sundberg ever messed up a long snap. I remember reading an article last season about how he had some obscene number of consecutive, successful long snaps.
I didn’t like the pom-poms, but that’s mostly because people kept holding them up so that people behind couldn’t see anything. Some plays I saw went snap, handoff to (OH GOD YELLOW AMORPHOUS OBJECT) tackle by Rulon, gain of two.
by Berkelium97 on Aug 31, 2008 12:06 AM PDT up reply actions
Same thing I posted in a now-defunct reaction post:
Best was a beast: 277 all-purpose yards. He was great in all positions out there.
Everyone loved Riley, and with good reason: he played fantastically. His ability to complete passes under heavy pressure is remarkable.
Our receivers have potential, but need to pull in those passes. Despite their collective inexperience, they played decently.
Our defense was great. For a long period in the first half, we held MSU from getting any first downs. To be able to hold Ringer to 81 yards spoke tremendously about our run defense. I was disappointed by the lack of QB pressure, though. I was hoping they would have worked more on that in the offseason. They gave up a lot of passing yards, especially the relatively short range (10-15 yds). Some of the defense’s faults with passing were completely excusable, though. Some crucial momentum killers (two interceptions called off, that roughing the kicker penalty, a blown snap on a punt) seemed to discourage everyone, especially the defense. Syd was the man, though. He had a lot of great plays. It has been great to see him develop over the years.
Nate’s first pass was beautiful. His next one was okay. The next two were intercepted. I really wanted to see him perform like he did in 2006, but he’s right where he left off in 2007. I hope he can redeem himself in the next game or two (if he’s put in).
I’m glad we have three games against cupcakes to get some of the kinks worked out before we play ASU.
Cupcakes?
Let’s not get ahead of ourselves here. The only game that looks like cupcake potential is CSU at home. Road games are always dicey, especially WSU.
True, but that was in Seattle. Never underestimate the Palose or whatever they call that god-forsaken place. Anyone going?
Good point. I commented a couple of weeks ago that even though the game is in early September I expect rain. Their defense looked very feisty. If their offense can “manage” the game things should be close for a while.
Didn't see the game
I did catch part of the Maryland game. Wasn’t particularly impressed, but young team on the road is always a challenge.
The weather should be fine
Remember that Pullman is in eastern Washington, which is a desert compared to Seattle. Especially coming the first week of September, the weather will most likely be great—no rain, and no snow. Still, it’s a road trip to a traditionally hostile place, so I agree that “cupcake” is not the right word. (Nonetheless, it’s hard—at least as a fan—not to start looking ahead to October and what could/should be a HUGE showdown against the Sun Devils.)
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Aug 31, 2008 7:57 AM PDT up reply actions
Maybe cupcake wasn't the right word
But I still was far from impressed by either of our next two opponents yesterday.
by Berkelium97 on Aug 31, 2008 11:26 AM PDT up reply actions
I respect Riley for this
After Nate threw his pick-six the student section started chanting crap to him and Riley came up to the section and waved his hands as if to ask us to stop.
In other words, Go Bears!
yeah, my roommate is one of the dumbasses who started with the anti-Longshore chants. I’m all for pro-Riley stuff but never anti one of my guys, on any of my teams. Except for Mike Dunleavy when he was on the Warriors, fuck that douche.
http://mymindgrapes.wordpress.com
WOW WOW WOWWOWWOW
THAT IS SO COOL OF HIM… for real. I’ve not only got tons of respect for his play… but his conduct is blowing my mind. He’s starting to earn that title of ‘hero’ so many of us attribute to him.
Riley really likes Longshore. It shows. I’m sure he’s learned a lot from him. I saw RIley warming up on the sidelines during the game throwing with Nate.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
Poor Nate
It is really mind-boggling how far he has fallen. Has he set the Cal record for pick-6s? And please don’t tell me the receivers ran the wrong routes. Both times he threw into coverage.
That said, he doesn’t deserve to be booed, that looks bad for our fans.
I defended Boateng a bit yesterday. Oops!
The guy dropped the only 2 passes thrown his way, and both were critical 3rd downs that forced Cal to punt. I’m starting to understand that “inconsistent” means the guy drops a lot of balls. The WRs looked underwhelming. Let’s hope Calvin is healthy for next week.
A lot of slop on both sides, but we managed to hold on.
I’ll defend him today. With the exception of 6th year Young, the WRs are still green. They’ll get there. Boateng thought he was there and I’m pretty sure he knows he’s not. But they will get better. Patience.
Stanfurd Delendum Est.
Arash Markazi of SI.com
checking in here on how Riley separated himself.
I'm still wondering why the Nets didn't draft Leon Powe.
Perfect 1st Game
The Bears certainly didn’t play perfect but I think the game was an ideal experience of our guys. While we dominated it was a close game. Considering that our next two opponents look mediocre, it’s good that we got to play a game like this where both the defense and offense were tested. If we had blown out Michigan St., I think most of us would still have a lot of questions about the team and the quarterback controversy probably wouldn’t have been solved. If
This team has strong character which was probably best exemplified by Riley quieting the Longshore heckling. Tedford has confirmed that he is truly a great coach, not just an offensive genius. Regardless of what happens this season I will never doubt him again. Although it’s probably too soon, I’m officially back to worrying about how much longer we can keep him. The message was clear today: you come to Cal to play as a team and grow as an individual, you go to U$C to find an agent.
Pretty much agree 100%. We got the W but made enough mistakes that the coaches will be able to scream and yell all week. I don’t think anyone will be getting complacent!
Also, let’s not forget that MSU is a great team. This isn’t like we BARELY beat WSU or something (which could happen, too). MSU had some great players that exposed weaknesses within our team. That is why I am happy we have these challenging OOC schedules. None of this Coastal Carolina BS (although I love Coastal, but still).
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
i can't wait for people to start posting the best places to find cougar in the Bay Area
I'm still wondering why the Nets didn't draft Leon Powe.
by yellow fever on Aug 31, 2008 7:05 AM PDT up reply actions
MARINEWORLDAFRICAUSA! I can’t believe that shit got bought out and is like an amusement part. It was sick like fuck back in the day!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
PS Does anybody else remember that weird dip in the freeway? You’d take a field trip and then on the way back, everybody in the bus would jump at just the right moment as the bus was dropping. Probably the stupidest thing ever to jump up as the bus was going down. But who cares?
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
That’s Memorial in the background!
That run was sick, btw.
by CalBandGreat on Aug 31, 2008 10:04 AM PDT up reply actions
At the time we were all “Ok, so let’s have a long sustained drive, maybe score some points.” Then, that happened. So, Tedford clearly hates us!
"Save The Oaks: Overthrow Capitalism" said Dumpster Muffin sanguinely
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
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Golden Bears Football Schedule
| Fresno St. | Sat 09/03 | W 36 - 21 |
@
Colorado
|
Sat 09/10 | W 36 - 33 |
| Presbyterian | Sat 09/17 | W 63 - 12 |
|
@
Washington
|
Sat 09/24 | L 23 - 31 |
|
@
Oregon
|
Thu 10/06 | L 15 - 43 |
|
USC
|
Thu 10/13 | L 9 - 30 |
|
Utah
|
Sat 10/22 | W 34 - 10 |
|
@
UCLA
|
Sat 10/29 | L 14 - 31 |
|
Washington St.
|
Sat 11/05 | W 30 - 7 |
|
Oregon St.
|
Sat 11/12 | W 23 - 6 |
|
@
Stanford
|
Sat 11/19 | L 28 - 31 |
|
@
Arizona St.
|
Fri 11/25 | W 47 - 38 |
|
@
Texas
|
Wed 12/28 | L 10 - 21 |
Pacific-12 Conference Standings
(updated 1.2.2012 at 11:12 PM PST)
| North | Conf | Overall | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | W | L | |
|
Oregon Ducks
|
8 | 1 | 12 | 2 |
|
Stanford Cardinal
|
8 | 1 | 11 | 2 |
|
Washington Huskies
|
5 | 4 | 7 | 6 |
|
California Golden Bears
|
4 | 5 | 7 | 6 |
|
Oregon St. Beavers
|
3 | 6 | 3 | 9 |
|
Washington St. Cougars
|
2 | 7 | 4 | 8 |
| South | Conf | Overall | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| W | L | W | L | |
|
USC Trojans
|
7 | 2 | 10 | 2 |
|
UCLA Bruins
|
5 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
|
Utah Utes
|
4 | 5 | 8 | 5 |
|
Arizona St. Sun Devils
|
4 | 5 | 6 | 7 |
|
Arizona Wildcats
|
2 | 7 | 4 | 8 |
|
Colorado Buffaloes
|
2 | 7 | 3 | 10 |
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