CAL-USC 2003 Not-So-Live Blog
by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:08 PM PDT
in California Golden Bears Football
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Last offseason weekend. Let's watch old football! Cal-USC 2003, going on RIGHT NOW on Comcast Sports Bay Area!
I'm bored, so I'm liveblogging the game. Gotta practice for this season anyway.
EDIT: Now that I've watched it, quick thoughts about the game after the jump.
- Aaron Rodgers was just as impressive in the first half as he was during the whole of the 2004 game. I'd argue if he didn't get injured, Cal would've won that game a little more comfortably than triple overtime. The Bears were on the verge of a three possession game before the ankle injury; he threw a pick on the very next play, and then the worst INT of his life in the third quarter.
- People say Tedford and Cortez's gameplan versus USC in 2004 were their best (and the execution just came up a little short); I'd say the gameplan was just as good here. Other than that Tatupu pick-six, it went according to plan. Which goes to show you the gap between those two teams--everything nearly went perfectly and the Bears still needed triple overtime to get the upset.
- Leinart looked really really bad. Other than one or two series, he was throwing balls all over the place. It's hard to believe he became one of the sharpest quarterbacks in Pac-10/college history over the next two seasons, or whether Bob Gregory's defenses really muddled his thought processes (he had a very tough game in 2004 too).
- Credit to the Cal defense. One of the best games I've ever seen Gregory's crew perform. I'd put it up there with Oregon 2006 and USC 2004 (or almost any game in 2004), perhaps even higher because Cal was a notably inferior team than the BCS-bound Trojans.
- Mike Williams was a beast. BEAST. I shudder to think what he could've done with a more talented Bush, Leinart and White in 2004. Thank goodness [for us, not for him] he hired an agent.
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Holy crap they're going fast
They just covered the first six minutes of the game in nine minutes. Let me see if I can summarize this.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:09 PM PDT reply actions
Man Rodgers was so beautiful with that handoff
One of his best attributes is his ability to sell the fake.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:11 PM PDT reply actions
Damn, Leinart's accuracy is a little off..sounds familar?
And now block punt holy crap this is moving fast.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:13 PM PDT reply actions
I voted no, just because I think there have been several great games, and its hard to choose just one.
Having said that, considering all the factors….Tedford’s second season, some uncertainty at quarterback, the craziness and unpredictability of three overtimes….I could see this being seen as his greatest game ever.
Interested in seeing if you still feel this way after watching the game, if it was the coaching that won the game, or if we just got a lot of good breaks in the game.
At CGB, we whine because we care
That’s a good point. Getting to triple overtime is a little fluky, really doesn’t have that much to do with coaching.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:19 PM PDT up reply actions
2003 might be considered Tedford’s best season though, given that we won 5 of our last 6 games. There’s something to be said for beating a top opponent and then avoiding losing those let-down games following a big win. The fact that he continued to coach the team to victories after USC is a good example of his leadership…..plus a huge 52-49 victory over VATech in the Insight Bowl.
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by dballisloose on Aug 29, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Ugh, I take that back…..we lost the two games (ORST, and @UCLA) following the win against USC.
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by dballisloose on Aug 29, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh yeah, weren’t we like 3-5 at one point? I remember we lost to Colorado State at home that year too.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s probably between that and the 2002 season. Taking a one win team to what would’ve been a bowl eligibility if possible with another guy’s recruits…unless Holmoe was a great recruiter.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Announcers having trouble pronouncing Echemandu
Especially after that fumble.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:15 PM PDT reply actions
Whoa, two Rileyesque 08 overthrows by Leinart
Was way off on the flea flicker, then misses Colbert completely.
Then he finds Byrd for the touchdown. Figures.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:17 PM PDT reply actions
Great job by Cal's O-line giving Rodgers all that protection on that drive.
Lots of misdirection, even a Carroll favorite, a USC bootleg! He’s 7 for 8.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:23 PM PDT reply actions
Can't say enough about Rodgers ability to fake the handoff
Finds Cross on the play action to make it 14-7. Can’t wait to see what Aaron looks like this season in the NFL.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:31 PM PDT reply actions
Lorenzo Alexander with a nice stop on 3rd down
What happened to him after 2003? Injury?
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:33 PM PDT reply actions
People talk about Rodgers's 2004 performance against USC
They should have seen this coming after the way he started thee first half of 2003. 11-14, 113 yards, 2 TD, 1 rushing TD.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:39 PM PDT reply actions
Whoa, Leinart 2003 looks like Riley 2008 so far
Airmailed a screen pass, interception.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:42 PM PDT reply actions
So, what you’re saying is, Riley is about to mimic Leinart of 2004?
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
I didn’t say that.
But wouldn’t that be nice?
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:55 PM PDT up reply actions
I dunno dballisloose
Tedford and Cortez seemed to call a masterful start to this game, and Rodgers and the Bears executed an A+ game, although they were helped by Leinart throwing one horrible pick and another tipped INT. Rodgers started the game 16 for 19, which rivalled his 2004 start.
The only reason the Bears seemed to falter was because Aaron got a gimpy ankle on the rushing TD, Cal got that holding penalty on the TD, and Aaron threw a wobbly pick. Assuming he doesn’t throw that pick, at worst it would’ve been 24-7 at halftime.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:48 PM PDT reply actions
I voted No
If we’re talking about Tedford’s performance as a coach, USC 2004 was his best game ever. The gameplan was perfect. Player execution was almost so.
The gameplan seems to be pretty similar in both of them, as far as I see
A lot of it was dependent on Rodgers’s adapatability. And man is he adaptable. That shovel pass on 3rd and short, genius! Play action on 3rd and goal, sweet!
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:52 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess I’m also assuming SC 04 was a better team then SC 03, plus having out team ready to play in that hostile environment on College Gameday with all the hype that goes along with it.
by CalBandGreat on Aug 29, 2009 3:53 PM PDT up reply actions
True. But Cal 04 was a much much better team than Cal 03.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:58 PM PDT up reply actions
And, it wasn’t just the masterful offensive execution. The defense completely shut SC down.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
Until Norm Chow told Leinart to throw it downfield. Crazy catches by Byrd over the helmet of the defender and Colbert juggling around.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Oh, we're talking about different games
Yeah, USC 2004 did little but take advantage of turnovers.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions
What do you guys think about Echemandu?
He seems to slip through the cracks among best Tedford running backs. He rolled over USC that game.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 3:58 PM PDT reply actions
That performance alone gives me fond memories of the guy. Not blessed with the talent of Jahvid, Marshawn, or Arrington, but made the best of his faculties, like Igber and Forsett.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
He actually started his career in 1999. Then had a bout of academic ineligibility. Impressive that he came back from that.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Weird seeing Lendale White and Reggie Bush as young whippersnappers
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:04 PM PDT reply actions
Whoa, Rodgers threw the worst pick I've ever seen him throw
Did they pull him for Robertson? He didn’t look the same after he got injured on that rush.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:09 PM PDT reply actions
Not sure why I asked that
Since I get the answer thirty seconds later. Hi Reggie!
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:10 PM PDT up reply actions
Love Reggie. He played really well every time he got a chance that year. He is just as much a part of that win as Rodgers.
It'll be just you, me, and Peter Nincompoop.
Pretty smart decision to go with the more experienced guy. Wondered what would’ve happened last season if Tedford let Riley start all the games and Longshore play in relief. Probably would’ve been a healthier experience for everyone involved.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions
*in that situation with Rodgers losing control of his command
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I forgot how much of a monster Mike Williams was
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:15 PM PDT reply actions
Reggie Bush on 3rd and short when you have Lendale White?
Shades of the title game…
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:17 PM PDT reply actions
Damnit!
The Bears are going to blow this game!
by CalBandGreat on Aug 29, 2009 4:21 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Rec'd
I dunno if they can pull it off!
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:23 PM PDT up reply actions
Nice nice play by Robertson to Macarthur
And then a tough tough catch by Makonnen!
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:22 PM PDT reply actions
I like this Pac-10 officiating crew
Now I know it’s 2003.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:23 PM PDT reply actions
Yeah, what on Earth was Cignetti teaching Riley last year?
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Hydro must be so proud.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:31 PM PDT up reply actions
How many photos you take? I took 206. I’m gonna have like 4 posts worth of crazyness. Fun times. Happy I didnt get into the Best line.
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Wow, didn't see this on here
At this point, my head is about to explode trying to drive through all those people. Absolute nightmare for the Hydros today. We had several thousand dollars worth of medical equipment and an injured Robert Mullins we could not get off the field because of the crowds.
Alright, fine, I admit it! "Hydration Technician" really DOES just mean "water boy!"
How did Mullins get injured during the Fan Appreciation Day??
ALL HAIL SUPREME LEADER AVINASH!
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They practiced beforehand, Twist! Don’t you know anything about Cal Football??
Alright, fine, I admit it! "Hydration Technician" really DOES just mean "water boy!"
Leinart's accuracy was way off in this game
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:30 PM PDT reply actions
Blocked punt, now blocked kick!
That O-line got bowled over on that one.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:34 PM PDT reply actions
Beastly catch by Williams on 4th down
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:36 PM PDT reply actions
Petie got conservative at the end
I guess he figured he’d win in overtime.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:39 PM PDT reply actions
I watched the game a few weeks ago and thought the game really hinged on that blocked field goal in regulation. If USC had been forced into a touchdown-or-lose situation, I really feel like they would have gotten the touchdown.
"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
Fumble at the 3, crazy
Blocked game winning FG, crazier.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:43 PM PDT reply actions
i see why they made getting a running start on jumping to block the kick illegal. Looks real dangerous when you topple over.
But blocked kicks are so entertaining!
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions
I disagree, I think the The is totally capable of being helped. Its the This that is a lost cause.
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Aug 29, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions
My signature is solely a discussion of physical location, not possibility for guidance or assistance.
The The is above help.
I need a map
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Aug 29, 2009 5:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Imagine for a second that your previous comment is help. My comment is The The.
The The is above help.
The The is above help.
so its “The The” and not the “The”
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Aug 29, 2009 5:23 PM PDT up reply actions
And here I thought the Maharg was above distinguishing….just like I coined you the catchphrase “the Maharg is above catchphrases”. Maybe your new one should read “the Maharg is above distinguishing”…but then one might infer that the Maharg cannot be distinguished or is indistinguishable.
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Aug 30, 2009 8:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Beautiful throw.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Damn, nice fake out by Colbert
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:51 PM PDT reply actions
Did he pass it to Jon Stewart?
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Aug 29, 2009 4:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought he was the #1 threat to America.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Fredrickson for the win....
I’m going to say he makes this.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Aug 29, 2009 4:54 PM PDT reply actions
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Oregon Ducks
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USC Trojans
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UCLA Bruins
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5 | 4 | 6 | 8 |
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Utah Utes
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Arizona St. Sun Devils
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