Where Does Shane Vereen's Effort Rank Among Greatest Big Game Performances?
by Avinash on Nov 22, 2009 4:16 AM PST
in Football
152 comments
Add Shane Vereen to the list of greatest Big Game performers, perhaps the best of the Tedford era. 42 carries, 193 yards, 3 touchdowns, gutted out first down after first down after touchdown. Like Hydro says, he runs dirty, and he got plenty mud on his boots tonight. We needed every yard tonight and Shane delivered the most thrilling Big Game win in ages.
But beyond the numbers, what really encapsulates his performance is this quote from Okanes.
After Cal linebacker Mike Mohamed clinched the victory by intercepting a pass with 1:36 remaining, the Bears needed only to take a knee three times. Vereen spent that time encouraging the Cal contingent in the back of the end zone to celebrate. When time expired, Vereen soaked up the on-charging crowd while pointing to his family in the stands. "I needed to do anything I could do to help our team win," Vereen said, his voice choking with emotion. "I've never carried that many times, and I never thought I would carry that many times. I came into the game prepared for anything."
Wow. If you don't get a little misty-eyed reading that, Moscow might be the place for you--I hear Russians dig the heartless.
Defensive performance goes to Mike Mohamed, who showed us how fierce he can be with a a solid linebacking corps anchored with him. 10 tackles, 1 for a loss, and an interception punctuating a forgettable night for Andrew Luck. This picture makes me as happy as a 10 year old girl winning Jonas Brothers tickets (HT royrules).
What are your favorite Big Game performances through the ages, offensive, defensive, special teams? Where do Shane's and Mike's efforts rank for you overall? And who are the other players (Riley, the offensive line, ) you felt deserved some, if not equal dap?
There'll be deeper insights about the Big Game coming up during the week (maybe some griping too, because, you know, we're Cal fans and all), but for now and the rest of this weekend, MORE REVELING!
Runner-up for Big Game MVP goes to the amazing Cal fans, for helping cause the most unintentionally hilarious acceptance speech in recent memory by Tiger Woods (someone needs to put that clip on YouTube, stat). For the first time that I can remember, he looked baffled and rattled, as if the chorus of boos from Cal fans and dead silence of Furd fans was as foreign as if he were addressing a group of berating Wookies. From that point on I knew the Bears would win; if you can rattle Tiger, you know something special's happening.
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More! More about Tiger Woods!
Avinash! For those of us who weren’t at BIG GAME please elaborate on Tiger’s “unintentionally hilarious acceptance speech”. [We were there in spirit at a joint Cal-Stanfurd alumni viewing party in Waikiki – and yes, we out-yelled, out-sang and out-revelled the old Furds]. Thanks!
by OldBlue78 on Nov 22, 2009 5:50 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Miss it, Noonan!
I wonder if it sounded something like this, with awkward silence replacing the applause at the end.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Nov 22, 2009 7:14 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’ll give the quick rundown…
Beginning of halftime, the drag out this small wood stage and velvet ropes. Up steps the Stanford president (or someone similar) with Tiger. President says a few words, but the mike is really quiet. Then he gives the mike to Tiger, and the boos from the Cal section come raining down. I never heard what he said, but he was clearly rattled. I think he expected universal applause. So it sounded like he cut what he was going to say short and then he finished with some sort of “Beat Cal” line that got a cheer from the crowd, but you could tell he was disappointed.
Shame on Stanford, seriously. Tiger should be ticked off at them.
Any administration should have known that the Big Game is the worst time to do that. There are tons of Cal fans who if they were at a golfing event would cheer Tiger. But this is the Big Game and there will be no mercy. I simultaneously felt sorry for Tiger and mocked Stanford for their ignorantly stupid decision. Tiger deserved a joyous day and Stanford took it from him.
by kencraw on Nov 22, 2009 8:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. Almost as bad a decision as the Philadelphia Eagles trotting out Santa Claus back in ’68. That had no chance of ending well.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Nov 22, 2009 8:51 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Spot on.
I cheer for Tiger in golf (over Mickelfat), but I would boo ANYONE in a Stanfurd sweatshirt at the Big Game. The chanting of “drop out, drop out” was priceless.
Gary Darling, go DIAFF.
by The Enchanter on Nov 22, 2009 9:30 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It was the stanfurd athletic director Bob Bowlsby (stanfurd link – but now officially in bear territory)
He didn’t say anything interesting, ‘blah blah blah honored’, showed clip of tiger wearing red and fist pumping, he ended with “The Second Half is Ours”. Which, I believe the first half was and after the game showed just how good was his understanding of football.
I'm not playing with you, T-bred!
by AndBears on Nov 22, 2009 9:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I never heard a single word Bowlsby or Tiger said the entire time. Hell, Cal fans were making noise when Stanfurd trotted out their sideline reporter lady to amuse the fans on timeouts, so I never heard a word in those segments either. This was perhaps the best Cal crowd I’ve been in (non-student section division)
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Nov 22, 2009 9:35 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That “reporter” was the dumbest blonde that ever blonded. She couldn’t get through her segments without the ‘wow, I’m on the big screen’ grin. This is the best you have?
I'm not playing with you, T-bred!
by AndBears on Nov 22, 2009 9:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
And thankfully I didn’t hear one damned word out of her mouth.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Nov 22, 2009 9:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I know at least one blonde that could give her a run for her money! ;)!
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 9:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
pics?
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 22, 2009 11:00 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
His final words...
“The second half us ours.”
HA!
by 1988goldenbear on Nov 22, 2009 9:16 AM PST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Um, that would be "is"
Damn iPhone touchscreen!
by 1988goldenbear on Nov 22, 2009 9:19 AM PST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Um, that would be "is"
Damn iPhone touchscreen!
by 1988goldenbear on Nov 22, 2009 9:24 AM PST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Damn iPhone slow browser automatic refresh!
by sec119 on Nov 22, 2009 9:24 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Damn OAK wifi! Suck it, Tiger!
by 1988goldenbear on Nov 22, 2009 11:37 AM PST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
Campanile goes where?
photo from BWNQ.
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 22, 2009 7:46 AM PST reply actions 5 recs
"Let me demonstrate how hard we sucked against Cal"
Costs assessed against Twist
by CALumbus Bear on Nov 22, 2009 7:54 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
"Go ahead Jeff, just like last year."
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 22, 2009 8:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think I’ve finally figured out why Jim wears that whistle on the sideline. It must be his substitute for a safeword.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Nov 22, 2009 8:33 AM PST up reply actions 2 recs
That’s just Harblow being all blue collar and not hubristic. Or, since he’s a Furd, maybe that should be bleu collier?
Whose Axe?
OUR AXE!
by SoCal Oski on Nov 22, 2009 11:41 AM PST up reply actions 1 recs
bleu collier
Rec’d. Beautiful !
I wonder if he’ll still be blue collar next year when he’s coaching Notre Dame?
I'd like to smell the Roses before I die.
by BTown85 on Nov 22, 2009 2:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think the poll question is tough for fans on this blog to answer, as their Big Game history might not go back far enough.
Was this the best Big Game since The Play?
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 22, 2009 7:48 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Well, it depends on your perspective
Last night’s game was a tremendous college football game. But if I’m not wearing blue and gold colored glasses, the 1990 game (27-25 for the bad guys) might get the edge as the best game since The Play. I would elaborate on the details, but why the fuck would I want to?
The 2009 Big Game is up there, though. I’m enjoying this one for a long time.
Praise be to Tedford!
by Ohio Bear on Nov 22, 2009 8:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Just in terms of rushing performances by a Bear you could make an argument for Joe Igber back in 2002
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Nov 22, 2009 8:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
2002! 2002! 2002! 2002!
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 9:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Big Game performances
Shane Vereen’s performance is up there. And given the magnitude of the game, you could make the case that this was the greatest of the last 25 years (from the Cal perspective). Here are a few from my Big Game memory bank:
- Lindsey Chapman, 1993: 4 TDs in a 46-17 win
- Tyrone Edwards, 1994: 205 yards and 2 TDs in a 24-23 win
- Joe Igber, 2002: 226 yards rushing in an epic performance in a game that ended the streak from hell.
- Geoff MacArthur, 2003: A shitload of receiving yards and a TD in a 28-16 win, which made us bowl eligible
- The Cal defense in the 27-3 win at stanfurd in the 2005 Big Game. Two words: Beat Down.
- Jahvid Best, 2008 Big Game: ’nuff said.
- Zack Follett, 2008 Big Game: see Best, Jahvid.
I didn’t see it myself, but Chuck Muncie’s performance in the 1975 Big Game (a 48-15 Cal win) is one for the ages, according to many Old Blues who witnessed it.
We’ve had some great Big Game performances over the years in losses, too: Russell White 1990 (epic duel with Glyn Milburn), Sean Dawkins 1991, Tony Gonzalez 1995, and Deltha O’Neal 1999 come to mind. But those were losses, so necessarily have to take a back seat to the performance that got us victories.
Praise be to Tedford!
by Ohio Bear on Nov 22, 2009 8:17 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Gale Gilbert in the 1982 Big Game, which is often forgotten because of The Play, but he did duel Elway quite effectively, and his TD passes on the opposite sides of the end zone to Wes Howell and Mariet Ford were classics…
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is
research."
by Auricursine on Nov 22, 2009 12:44 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t know how the TV watchers felt, but Shane’s performance was odd in that those at the stadium didn’t realize how absurdly awesome it was until we came home and looked at the stats sheet. I knew he went well over 100 and had a ton of carries, but 42?!?! There was only I think one run longer than 20, so you never got that dominating sense – but every run was positive.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Nov 22, 2009 8:25 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Shane’s exploits were definitely more apparent on TV. But even there, it took the Versus crew about three-and-a-half quarters to realize that there was another tailback out there not named Toby Gerhart. There’s no question that Gerhart’s a great player, and he had a pretty nice game himself, but it was getting Tebow-esque the way Versus kept fawning over him. After all, Toby is not just the greatest multi-sport athlete in the history of athletic competition, he’s also the greatest student in the history of higher education. Did you know he’s taking 21 units? Yes, twenty-freaking-one, although all his classes seem to be a variation on How to Make Gobs of Money 101 (e.g., Investment Science). And did you also know that he’s got this really cool dad who is the world’s biggest football expert and gives Toby hand-signals and text messages during the game from the stands?
I’ve got nothing against Toby—other than the whole Stanford thing—but it was Shane who wore the hard hat last night.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Nov 22, 2009 8:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I liked “Introduction to Optimization.” What kind of bullshit is that?
November 20, 1982 - a date that will live in famy.
by CalBear81 on Nov 22, 2009 12:00 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I think that’s where they learn to hand out pink slips.
by GBB4188 on Nov 22, 2009 12:02 PM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Looks like it’s introduction to linear/dynamic programming, like a small slice of CS 170
by Kai on Nov 22, 2009 3:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Looks pretty weak, but I guess impressive for a jock
by BerkeleyChris on Nov 23, 2009 2:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
10:1 I couldnt figure out shit in that class.
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 23, 2009 8:44 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That shit is actually pretty hard, depending on how in-depth it is. But I don’t get how Toby can take that class and Calculus simultaneously. Seems like the latter should be a prereq for the former
by BerkeleyChris on Nov 23, 2009 2:04 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
That is, not a literal prereq, but I don’t know how you could understand a lot of the concepts without the mathematical maturity of at least Calculus
by BerkeleyChris on Nov 23, 2009 2:06 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Seriously
Integral Calculus? Unless he’s doing multivar that shit should be done in HS.
PS: multivar calc kicked my ass. But I kicked it’s ass when I got Math 54. Take that Calc!
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Nov 23, 2009 9:18 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
math 54 is Linear Algebra and Differential Equations. I’m not sure what you mean?
(and multivariable calc kicked my ass too)
…and some of us didn’t do calc til math 1a :)
CGB: Wasting Your Potential, Your Time, & Your Life Since 2006.
by BearStage on Nov 23, 2009 12:46 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Differental Eqs had the slightest of Calc in it. It was enough to declare my victory over Calc.
I skipped 1A and 1B thanks to AP Calc ;)
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Nov 23, 2009 1:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. I felt as if he had a really good game, but had NO idea it was that amazing. You miss so much information being there in person, but IT WAS WORTH EVERY PENNY!
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 9:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Worth every penny....
…..just to be able to rush on that field at the end of the game.
I'd like to smell the Roses before I die.
by BTown85 on Nov 22, 2009 2:47 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yeah, when I saw the number my jaw dropped.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Nov 22, 2009 12:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I thought they kept us pretty updated on how many carries he was getting throughout the game, and once he started racking up the yards, they took notice and started updating us on that, too…
So I wasn’t really surprised by the end numbers at all.
by Missing Barry on Nov 22, 2009 12:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Noooooooooooooooooooooooooooo!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
An Oregon cheerleader was carted off the field and taken to a hospital after being hit in the head by a water bottle at the end of Oregon’s 44-41 double-overtime over Arizona on Saturday night.
http://sports.espn.go.com/ncf/news/story?id=4678882
Oregon officials identified the cheerleader as Katelynn Johnson, a senior. There was no immediate word on her condition or whether she had lost consciousness.
Oregon athletic director Mike Bellotti told The Associated Press that Johnson had been hit with a full water bottle.
STAY CLASSY ARIZONA! Hope Katelynn’s OK. Should we send flowers?
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 22, 2009 8:30 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Stay classy Arizona. I hope this hurts their recruiting or something similar.
by sec119 on Nov 22, 2009 9:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
You Tube clip of UofA fans after the game.
I hope this hurts their recruiting FOREVER or something similar LIKE THE DEATH PENALTY.
Gary Darling, go DIAFF.
by The Enchanter on Nov 22, 2009 12:53 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Arizona has some pretty crappy fans and a pretty crappy coach (I’m still bitter about 2006). I was glad to see them march back up, off the field, and into the stands as Oregon ruined their Rose Bowl dreams.
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
by Berkelium97 on Nov 22, 2009 9:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I there video of this? I have GOT to see it.
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 9:37 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
it should be on 360.
Go Bears Go
by Rocksanddirt on Nov 22, 2009 9:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I don’t like Stoops 2006 also pisses me off) but he’s gone a long way in terms of being nice. He was extremely cordial in losses to Cal and Oregon and went out of his way to meet and talk to Tedford and Kelly and spend time with them despite heart-wrenching losses. It was a very very classy move, something Tedford would do.
Total opposite of Harbaugh
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Nov 22, 2009 2:26 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Wow, major major fail by Arizona fans. Rushing the field early, sending cheerleaders to the hospital…pathetic
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Nov 22, 2009 9:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Talk about priceless !
Watching the Zoners climb BACK into the stands when Oregon scored. OOOOOPS !
I'd like to smell the Roses before I die.
by BTown85 on Nov 22, 2009 2:50 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Well the Thanksgiving turkey is going to taste a little better this year with that great win last night. Hey Hairball, how’s your turkey going to taste? Go Bears!
by GreekBear39 on Nov 22, 2009 9:10 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I’ve forgotten how much I hate this holiday.
by turkey on Nov 22, 2009 12:15 PM PST up reply actions 5 recs
When was the last time we beat a ranked Stanford team at Stanford stadium?
When was the last time we had 4 road wins in a season?
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 9:21 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
2004 is the answer to your second question, but that’s the only time since probably 1991, if not further back.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
by ragnarok on Nov 22, 2009 9:59 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
2nd question
I believe the answer is 1951, during Pappy’s time.
Praise be to Tedford!
by Ohio Bear on Nov 22, 2009 10:34 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
what a weird season, tho I suppose not so weird in the context of Cal Football.
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 22, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The rule for the season is that it’s permanent opposite day. Tell us we should win, and we lose. Tell us we haven’t a prayer, and we win.
by sec119 on Nov 22, 2009 12:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Except Washington State. I guess they’re the exception that proves the rule.
November 20, 1982 - a date that will live in famy.
by CalBear81 on Nov 22, 2009 12:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Hey Avi
What effect do you think that incredible game last night had on recruiting, since the backlash after our lackluster performance in the UO and $C games?
"You are the Tim Tebow of angry articulation!" - TwistNHook
by Maisbikkja on Nov 22, 2009 9:25 AM PST via mobile reply actions 0 recs
was just thinking about this as well
was scanning the rivals site…we have only 10 commits, but a very high average score…most other topt eams are in the 20 commit range…what’s it all mean….insights aficiandos?
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Nov 22, 2009 10:05 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
typically Tedford doesn't like real early commmits.
he prefers to wait until after the HS season to really work the kids.
Go Bears Go
by Rocksanddirt on Nov 22, 2009 1:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
likes to review senior year tape too. places a lot of importance on that too
for instance, yarnway’s senior year tape was 1000x better than his junior stuff
WHAT'S YOUR DEAL?
by Thoroughbred on Nov 22, 2009 4:37 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Depends on how many recruits were at the game last night
I’m happy we won, but the relatively small fallout we had from the Oregon/USC games makes me think on-field success is secondary to relationships with the coaching staff. In other words, let’s just wait for what people have to say.
Email: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash on Nov 22, 2009 7:22 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
exactly. exciting winning team is good, but if you think the coach is a douche....
it’s a tough sell.
Go Bears Go
by Rocksanddirt on Nov 22, 2009 9:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
My friend and I were trying to think of a similar comp for Vereen. I thought Marshawn, due to Marshawn’s sense of timing in-between the tackles. My friend thought JJ Arrington, since JJ had incredible balance.
Thoughts?
by sec119 on Nov 22, 2009 9:26 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
The only thing I could think of is Marshawn had a baby with Arrington and his name was Shane Vereen.
Oh, and that baby got a heart transplant from Justin Forsett.
Ridiculous yes, but impossible?
by nickle on Nov 22, 2009 9:31 AM PST up reply actions 3 recs
Rec'd
"You are the Tim Tebow of angry articulation!" - TwistNHook
by Maisbikkja on Nov 22, 2009 9:32 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Yes, it is impossible.
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 9:38 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cal has secret athletic cloning facilities. Because if any school could, it’s Cal.
I'm not playing with you, T-bred!
by AndBears on Nov 22, 2009 9:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Quick, somebody combine Max Zhang with Markhuri Sanders-Frison!
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
by Berkelium97 on Nov 22, 2009 9:40 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Osmosis party!
"You are the Tim Tebow of angry articulation!" - TwistNHook
by Maisbikkja on Nov 22, 2009 9:46 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
THERE AINT NO PARTY LIKE AN OSMOSIS PARTY! BECAUSE AN OSMOSIS PARTY DONT STOP!
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 9:52 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually, I think once both sides reach an equilibrium of water potential, the osmosis party stops.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
by ragnarok on Nov 22, 2009 10:01 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
If you wanna get funky, there’s always the reverse osmosis party.
by sec119 on Nov 22, 2009 10:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The party never ends!
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
by Berkelium97 on Nov 22, 2009 10:08 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A conversation that only happens at a Cal blog.
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 11:07 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Actually even during equillibrium, there is still plenty of movement. It’s just the movement is happening at the same rate in both directions. That partY ain’t stoppin!
by goldenbayer on Nov 22, 2009 11:49 AM PST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
YAY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 11:55 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Vereen reminds me of a college version of Frank Gore. He’s not the fastest, but he’s easily fast enough to break a long one. He’s not the shiftiest in space, but he seems to wiggle through traffic in between the tackles. They’re both patient and efficient with their runs. I’d say Frank is a little more powerful and Vereen is a little more explosive, relatively speaking, but I think their running styles are very similar.
by Missing Barry on Nov 22, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I’m pissed we are behind Ole Miss, North Carolina also has no business in the top 25. Beyond that, I think Stanford should still be ranked, and Arizona should be either first in receiving votes or a close second to Nebraska (but really first)
by chowder on Nov 22, 2009 10:31 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It’s a bunch of bull to only have 3 Pac-10 teams ranked. Coach’s poll = MASSIVE FAIL
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Nov 22, 2009 10:42 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I know…unfair advantage?
11 coaches in the Big Ten
12 in both the SEC and Big 12
400 in the ACC
throw in Notre Dame and however many the Big East have
and remember what the ‘E’ in ESPN stands for.
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 22, 2009 11:10 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Edutainment?
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
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by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 11:21 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
East
as in east coast bias.
Go Bears Go
by Rocksanddirt on Nov 22, 2009 1:04 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I was referring to E now standing for E. ESPN officially hasn’t been an acronym for some time.
by GBB4188 on Nov 22, 2009 1:06 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The Coaches’ Poll has been a massive fail all season long. Seriously. Sometimes the AP does strange things, but the coaches have been collectively only slightly smarter than your average InstaPoll on ESPN.com.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
by ragnarok on Nov 22, 2009 11:11 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I just don’t understand who thought it was a good idea to give coaches a poll. Aside from the conflict of interest it gives us, they have so much else to worry about during the season they can’t do the research necessary to do a decent poll…
by Missing Barry on Nov 22, 2009 11:58 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
LSU @ 17 is horseshit.
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 22, 2009 11:17 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
So is Penn State above Iowa.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
by ragnarok on Nov 22, 2009 11:20 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A thought
Last night we were in sec 238…what I noticed is that it was a great mix of cal fans, from young alum types to sour old blues…but there were enough of us crazy screamers to whip up he troops…my point is I wonder if we don’t actually get better fan participation,noise, etc, when folks are mixed up like that…even my normally quiet old blue neighbors got into it…very sweet older woman next to me was on her feet and INTO it…bet she never gets that hyped at Memorial when surrounded by her quiet pals…just a thought
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Nov 22, 2009 10:15 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
I noticed this too. Enthusiasm is definitely infectious, and Big Game is a time where everyone is more likely to get into it. At other away games there is always the drunk guy trying to lead cheers and failing. Instead, I think, last night the older folks were cheering way more than we usually get out of the Alumni side.
But with everyone mixed up, there are still going to be wet blankets. There was a couple in front of us who were much more interested in making out then watching football. (GROSS AND LAME.) The lady obviously didn’t want to be there, and she gave me a couple dirty looks when I was making noise.
by paleodan on Nov 22, 2009 10:43 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The guy with the letterman-type jacket over in section… 240 was it? was really good at leading cheers for our area of Cal fans. (I was in 238 also).
CGB: Wasting Your Potential, Your Time, & Your Life Since 2006.
by BearStage on Nov 22, 2009 7:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
yup, 240 had a few people really step up. the old guy, the letterman jacket dude, and the guy in the AR jersey.
by turkey on Nov 22, 2009 10:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
240 was a great section.
My buddy tried to start a fight with furdies who had the audacity to step into our section.
by CaliforniaBone on Nov 23, 2009 4:25 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
All too true
I sit in sec F and scream like hell, but the AZ game is the only time my sec got riled up this year.
by Cugel on Nov 22, 2009 10:50 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed. I’ve been pushing fo young alums (and the occasional Old Blue) to sit/stand to leave the student section and make their own section EPIC.
Also, what about 4 mic men (and I’m talking 4th quarter ’zona game style) at the 4 quadrants of the stadium?
"We lose to Stanford in many sports, but if you want to make a Cal team quit, bring a weapon."
--Coach Clark
by carp on Nov 22, 2009 11:16 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Your ideas are TOO CRAZY to ever be taken seriously. At least not until after you die.
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 11:22 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Your first idea is not enough! It’s much easier to yell and stand when everyone else is. If you want to be the person to get a section riled up throughout the game, you’ll spend more time explaining why you’re standing/(always yelling) than watching the game. What we need is a way to get fans around the stadium to see the value in supporting the team for every down.
by Yes We Cannon on Nov 22, 2009 12:28 PM PST via mobile up reply actions 0 recs
agreed…on the point of the mic men, above, who controls that?? Is it the students through the rally folks, or cheerleaders or what…I’ve always felt if we had a kick ass mic man to rally folks it could make something of a difference, particlualry when folks start to lose focus in games that seem to be slipping away…remember, we were down 14 last night in their house, but the vibe was never defeatist, and the crowd was totally into it…would that have been the case at Memorial…too often, the answer has been no
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Nov 22, 2009 2:14 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Cal athletic department
has a spirit group advisor who oversees the flag guys, rally comm, mic men, dance team/cheerleaders and oski comm.
by LeonPowe on Nov 22, 2009 3:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
what I noticed is that it was a great mix of cal fans, from young alum types to sour old blues…but there were enough of us crazy screamers to whip up he troops
I think that’d be more important than getting the mic men more involved. The mic men are great for organized cheers (Hey Cal fans, go!), but they have an understandably tough time trying to get people to start and keep making noise irrespective on whether or not there’s a swing in our favor.
by Yes We Cannon on Nov 22, 2009 4:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
I control that.
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 10:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
TwistNHook is the soloist/the soul controller/TwistNHook gets stronger as he gets older
"Let me tell you a story. I was a political prisoner for two years. The instant I was released I ran to McDonald's. I had a Big Mac and a Coke.
It was fantastic."
-Toyama Koichi, US Presidential candidate from Japan
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uGZqOkeYbB0
by AERose on Nov 22, 2009 11:52 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Was everyone in 238?
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Nov 22, 2009 12:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Section 125!!!!
Gary Darling, go DIAFF.
by The Enchanter on Nov 22, 2009 12:38 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
No, I was in 225.
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 10:03 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Section 126 – endzone corner and low. Awful angles to watch a game, half the time was watching the video board to have a chance of understanding what was going on. But I wouldn’t have missed it for the world!
My section was largely old fogies and casual fans but they were into the game – unfortunately not in the making noise fashion, largely, but I had a good time with the interactions. I must say the efforts that some Old Blues go to against health and distance to make games is absolutely admirable, regardless of their lack of noise-making.
You go old dude in front of me who got to four games this year despite a bad (like really bad/broken) back and living in AZ!
by tmoran3020 on Nov 23, 2009 10:29 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed.
I came down from Portland for the OSU game and went with my son and dad and sat on the west side of Memorial. Made as much noise as I could, but almost no one in my section (older generation) made any noise. It was like they were watching on a big outdoor TV screen where they didn’t think their voices would be heard. Throw in 30-40 drunk college kids with Go Bears painted on their tummies and my section would definitely have whooped it up.
I'd like to smell the Roses before I die.
by BTown85 on Nov 22, 2009 2:55 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
This is the first game that made me wish I was back in California =(
by chowder on Nov 22, 2009 10:32 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Goooooooood moooorning my darling CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS!! I just wanted to say that I love you all today. VERY VERY much.
by since1997 on Nov 22, 2009 10:56 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Um. Well, we love you right back, and even harder. Almost jackhammer love, if you will.
Whose Axe?
OUR AXE!
by SoCal Oski on Nov 22, 2009 11:39 AM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Can’t wait for the BitTorrent to be posted. This one is to be saved FOR EVAR!!!!1
Gary Darling, go DIAFF.
by The Enchanter on Nov 22, 2009 11:01 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
Will personally be seeding at the speed of stupid when I get my hands on it.
"Today's weather, excessively violent with a chance of dismemberment. Tune in later for our 5-day forecast!"
~ Three Dog - Fallout 3
by Swamphunter on Nov 22, 2009 12:27 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Off Topic
According to the boxscore, Zack Follett has two kick returns for 12 yards today!
WHAT'S YOUR DEAL?
by Thoroughbred on Nov 22, 2009 11:58 AM PST reply actions 0 recs
do not doubt the power of the Pain Train
by DougOLis on Nov 22, 2009 12:19 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Way to go guys!
I have to admit it — I wrote you off for dead when you lost Best. But the Golden Bears are a helluva resilient team, and you guys just got a pretty sweet W. Congrats!
The Oregon Ducks: Sporting the single best fifth-string running back that college football has ever seen.
by ProbablyMonty on Nov 22, 2009 12:05 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
From my review of the Pac-10 standings this morning, it seems that the winner of the Oregon-Oregon State game goes to the Rose Bowl, and everybody else is eliminated. Is that correct?
November 20, 1982 - a date that will live in famy.
by CalBear81 on Nov 22, 2009 12:13 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Yep, that’s correct. The Civil War is for all the marbles.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
by ragnarok on Nov 22, 2009 12:16 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Thursday night, December 3rd.
Gary Darling, go DIAFF.
by The Enchanter on Nov 22, 2009 12:41 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
National Audience, no football competition, good for recruiting......
Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm.
I'd like to smell the Roses before I die.
by BTown85 on Nov 22, 2009 2:57 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Another thought on the last sequence
I’ve been critical of Tedford’s excessive caution in not even trying for the game-clinching touchdown and setting up a field goal.
But Harbaugh really did blow it.
After Gerhart’s catch-and-run, my biggest fear was that Stanford was use up almost all of the rest of the clock before scoring a touchdown, probably on a Gerhart run. They had no timeouts, but plenty of time. In fact, Stanford had too much time, and was going to leave us with plenty of time to drive the field (even with only a single timeout left).
But Harbaugh kept the pressure on his freshman quarterback, instead of going back to his stud running back who had just practically run over our entire defense. He should not have been in a hurry to score, or to put pressure on his young quarterback, or to avoid using his best offensive player. But he did all of those things.
For a $50,000 bathroom, I would expect more.
by bear88 on Nov 22, 2009 12:51 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
I still don’t get why Harbaugh took Gerhart out of the game, as far as gameplan went, in the last few drives.
by sec119 on Nov 22, 2009 12:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree completely. Gerhart up the middle would have won the game for the Trees.
by The Hombre on Nov 22, 2009 1:01 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Disagree
I think Cal did a good job of slowing down Toby. Lots of stops at the line, etc., and they needed a TD. Now, throw him a pass, and they win the game. Whew!!!
I'd like to smell the Roses before I die.
by BTown85 on Nov 22, 2009 2:58 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agree with this disagreement. Everyone knew all we tried to do all game was do whatever it took to stop Gerhart. We made Luck make plays all game in order to beat us and he was off all game until the very end. Even that amazing Gerhart ‘run’ was a pass. And Luck led his team to a lot of points at the end with very very accurate throws and made plays when he needed to.
I don’t agree with how conservative our play calling went, but those extra 3 pts at the end to force stanford to drive the whole field and get a TD instead of a fg to tie the game was a pretty important difference in the game.
by nickle on Nov 22, 2009 4:54 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
even more surprizing to me was the trees running the zone-read play
I nearly spit out my fries when I saw that. Not that they can’t, but they are not much of a zone running team EVER, and that’s a fairly complicated play to only whip out for big game.
Go Bears Go
by Rocksanddirt on Nov 22, 2009 1:10 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
They ran it the last 2 games against USC and Oregon, I’m fairly sure.
by rjnarayen on Nov 22, 2009 1:17 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
did they get any thing good out of it?
Go Bears Go
by Rocksanddirt on Nov 22, 2009 9:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Luck scored a TD vs SC with zone read keeper. There was one time I recall Furd running the zone read against us and he absolutely should have kept it. That tells me that the exchange is predetermined.
by Cali49a on Nov 23, 2009 12:29 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
It also doesn’t seem like a good fit for Gerhart’s running style. He’s a downhill runner you want to get his momentum going forward…
by Missing Barry on Nov 22, 2009 1:20 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
Agreed, except I thought it was a $70,000 bathroom.
Gary Darling, go DIAFF.
by The Enchanter on Nov 22, 2009 1:28 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
The problem is that Tedford tied Harbaughs hands. He couldnt really run much, bc if something DID go wrong then they had no time. That was the positive to Tedford’s plan.
President Emperor Warlord Of The Sun!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
by TwistNHook on Nov 22, 2009 10:05 PM PST up reply actions 0 recs
A Pure Cal Win
This is easily, for me, the most satisfying victory since the 2003 win over the Trojans. There were pundits out there arguing that Stanford was one of the best teams in the country and that Gerhart should be handed the Heisman. This team finally arrived in the 4th quarter of the Arizona game last week. The first quarter of the Stanford game felt like doom and gloom but these kids were not phased.
Cal football is back where it belongs. The national media thinks we’re frauds. We probably will enter next year ranked no higher than 15 in the national polls. Thank goodness. Riley, Vereen, and every offensive starter with the exception of our left tackle will be back. We lose some guys on defense, but it seems to me that if the O is rolling, the the D has no problems.
Any time we can get a victory like the one we had last night, I’ll be satisfied with an 9-3 season from JT. But I really think that this group of kids, this season, is going to pay dividends in the future.
by The Hombre on Nov 22, 2009 12:57 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Backup player who had a great BG, Kevin Brown coming in for an injured Troy Taylor in 86 was huge. 2009 BG reminded me how much fun it is to beat those arrogant “weenie-haters”.
by prd74 on Nov 22, 2009 1:28 PM PST via mobile reply actions 3 recs
Last night was just soo much fun!
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Nov 22, 2009 2:30 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
The game from the Cal Student Section was phenom. Heart-stopping, but so awesome.
7
by Rishi on Nov 22, 2009 5:54 PM PST reply actions 0 recs
Best Performance I Saw
The best was definitely Deltha O’Neal’s performance in the 1999 Big Game as Cal was trying to spoil Stanford’s Rose Bowl trip.
Our offense was so anemic, but he almost willed us to victory. 1 kick off return for a touchdown and 1 punt return for a touchdown and I believe an interception return for a touchdown. It was beautiful.
by Manwich on Nov 23, 2009 10:09 AM PST reply actions 2 recs
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