California 35 Minnesota 21: Postgame Thread + Grade the Bears
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 9:17 PM PDT
in California Golden Bears Football
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In the words of Jean Paul Sarte, 'au revoir gopher'.
This is solely for postgame discussion of the Cal game. If you want to discuss the rest of the Saturday games, go to this thread by clicking here! We'll have more formal writeups from our Marshawnthusiasts about the game later this weekend.
Quick thoughts on the game, I'd suggest you do the report card before reading this.
- Kevin Riley had an up-and-down game. Yes his completion percentage was high, but some of his throws were elevated, others weren't on target. I recall Tucker having to come back and catch a pass instead of catching it in stride, Miller had to make a spectacular grab on an elevated throw. Good job by the receivers adjusting to make those throws.
- But he delivered when it mattered, making the big throws of the game to Ross and Miller down the stretch. He also made the correct read and quick-snapped/rushed it straight up on that 4th and 1. Nice job there.
- I was surprised with how much Cal ran the ball up the middle. Jahvid Best is not a down and distance guy and they kept on putting him into the hole. And Minnesota was stacking the box; the O-line didn't have the ability to seal them off late like they did in the second half. I see the Bears having lots of trouble with Pac-10 defenses who can seal the edge and the middle (Oregon State, UCLA, and of course USC come to mind).
- I thought Ludwig had a great first two or three drives, then kind of got lost with his playcalling near the end. You could see the sort of things that Ducks and Utes fan got frustrated with, lots of running up the middle and not utilizing his talent in the way you would've liked him to use it.
- Darian Hagan had his worst game as a Golden Bear. He was directly responsible for ALL of Minnesota's touchdowns. And I'm not even sure if it was his injury; he was faked out playing the run, played an intermediate receiver when he should've been on Decker and got beaten by Decker on another.
- On the flip side, Cal's zone coverage wasn't very impressive either. Weber was smart enough to find the receivers on 1st and 2nd down, and he was precise enough to break the zone, using the elevated throws and relying on Decker and other receivers to bring them down in the middle of the field. It nearly paid off with an upset.
- Okanes reports that Boateng has a fractured foot, which is why he didn't play much in the second half. Jeremy Ross stepped up big in his absence though.
- If they keep on playing the way they've been playing, the special teams is going to lose us a game this year. We need to prepare ourselves for that.
Since the game ended earlier then the last two weeks, we're going to move up the report card deadline just a little. Get your grades in by Sunday night at midnight for them to count in the final stats. That way we can get your thoughts about the game summed up a little earlier than Wednesday, when most of you have probably already moved on. You can click the link here or go through the jump and fill out the form right out on the site!
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Seriously, how healthy is Best?
1. He looked winded/tired/worn out towards the end of the game.
2. Knee brace? what the hell?
3. Lost half a step?
4. Ankle issues?
5. Shane Vereen getting a lot of the carries, especially in the first 2 games.
6. Limping after TDs and on the sidelines.
Best carried the rock 26 times.. . when was the last time that happened? I’m not worried about him being tired. As for the limp…. or perceived limp… I’m worried.
What did we do wrong?
From 2nd Quarter with 3:47 left till 4th Quarter with 10:59 left, we didn’t do much.
DRIVE TOTALS: Cal drive: 3 plays 5 yards, 01:13 Cal PUNT
DRIVE TOTALS: Cal drive: 3 plays 9 yards, 02:09 Cal PUNT
DRIVE TOTALS: Cal drive: 3 plays 8 yards, 01:38 Cal PUNT
DRIVE TOTALS: Cal drive: 4 plays -5 yards, 00:49 Cal PUNT
Total: Cal drive: 13 plays 17 yards, 5:49, 4 Punts
Stopped being able to run the football. The coaches will have to look at the film to see why things stalled. The way Riley responded in the 4th quarter, though, suggests to me we’ll see him throw the ball more and more as the season goes on.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Sep 19, 2009 3:33 PM PDT up reply actions
Also there were some dropped passes by open receivers and missed passes by Riley.
"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
ABC announcer just said he thinks Locker is the best qb in the Pac-10. Really? Really?!
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
if you take out barkley from the equation, that’s not that farfetched.
i'm here to clean your pool but i don't have a pool *bowchica bowow*
I think Locker might be the QB you would most want to be your QB. But I don’t think that functionally he is the ‘best’ – he pretty much had no coaching up until this season from what I can tell
by Tedfordisgod on Sep 19, 2009 12:53 PM PDT up reply actions
Where are our areas of weakness?
1. Kickoffs?
2. Offensive Line (no inside runs after 1Q)?
3. Darian Hagan?
I’m not worried about #2 or #3 at all. Number one, though, is another question.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Sep 19, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
hmmm
i guess i’m gonna go against the grain here and say that i like them. i mean, they’re not beautiful or anything, but considering how hideous and over the top oregon’s uniforms usually are, these are relatively understated and elegant-looking.
by atomsareenough on Sep 19, 2009 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought I had seen the new Oregon uniforms at their ugliest…but this is even worse than I imagined.
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by Berkelium97 on Sep 19, 2009 12:38 PM PDT up reply actions
The gray pants and the white helmets combine for whole new levels of pain
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
All this talk about how Autzen has the best facilities in the Pac-10
But I’m pretty sure they forgot to install mirrors in there.
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
by Berkelium97 on Sep 19, 2009 12:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Fugly unis
What pushes over the top are the wings on the collarbone. It looks a lame tattoo an MMA might get.
"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb
by secret ASian man on Sep 19, 2009 12:42 PM PDT up reply actions
What a horseshit effort by the Bears. We played down to them. We deserved to lose. When does basketball season start?
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
No. I lost my voice by screaming at the TV. We played down to them. It was a terrible effort. I am angry and irrational.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Then you’re very wrong dude. When you lose 4 straight on the road no road wins are bad. We won by 14 against a pumped team and an amped crowd and frankly dominated both lines and most stats. If special teams didn’t suck it would have been a rout.
Perspective!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Sep 19, 2009 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
There were some very infuriating teams. Decker was open way too much. Usually, when they have one good skill player, you try to cover that skill player.
We are the far better team, yes, but we played down to them. That’s what is so infuriating. We should have won by 40.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 12:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I think you’re underestimating Minnesota, especially considering the road conditions.
As for Decker’s he’s legit. Almost certainly the best WR we’ll face. Did I wish we played him better? Yes. Am I freaking out about it? Nah.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I really like Decker (considering that he almost died in the first half and came back), but he was by FAR their best player, and he was left uncovered a bit too much for my liking. This game was just supremely frustrating. It was like every single Cal Pac-10 basketball game last year.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, it was frustrating. But in a way that’s a big step. We would have lost this game last year.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I guess that is true. But look at how we played in the first quarter. I was planning on writing a glowing evaluation because of how awesome we looked in that first quarter. But then the team lost focus. Hopefully we don’t play like this at a home game, because you will have to sit through my tantrums.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Just punch me in the face. I will understand.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
We would have lost this game last year.
Thinking back through my entire history of Cal fandom, I can say that we would have lost this game in 1988, 1989, 1992, 1993, 1994, 1995, 1996, 1997, 1998, 1999, 2000, 2001, 2002, 2005, 2006, 2007, and 2008.
Praise be to Tedford!
Which 2007 team? First half or second half?
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 20, 2009 3:36 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah I’ll be rooting for Locker in every one of their games going forward – did you see all that blood on his jersey? NICE! I’m definitely glad we were able to overcome his plays in today’s game.
How can you not love a team that does this?
I think Hagan was horrible today. They should not have scored before the half. He got burned badly twice. The third TD he was juust doing his job on the trick play. Mohamed was alone out there so he came up to support. I don’t blame him for that.
An excerpt from my evaluation:
Hagan was a dead horse today. He kept getting beat.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Decker was open a lot because he is a GOOD player. And he made catches when coverage was good, too. On the TD where Cattouse clobbered him, the coverage was pretty good; Weber and Decker made a play, that simple. Sometimes the other team makes plays. Minnesota isn’t a Rose Bowl contender, sure, but they’re going to be a bowl team; they’re not bad.
Praise be to Tedford!
When you turn 15 Twist, you’ll feel the same way.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I was weened on Tedford. I have high standards.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 4:15 PM PDT up reply actions
You’re talking to a 15 year old.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 12:43 PM PDT up reply actions
I just think Rollon reaction is based on how much he cares about this team… and lets face it, we didn’t play well today… we weren’t bad, but getting burned twice by someone who WE KNEW would get the ball is bad.
“Deserved to lose” is very strong. Most of these guys aren’t even 23, they’re allowed to let down.
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed Avi
they’re allowed to let down.
It will be good for everyone’s sanity to realize that they will let down. Cal will not go undefeated. They will not dominate every game. They will make bad plays, get beaten, commit penalties. Looking at the bigger picture will help maintain sanity.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
But we could dominate every game. Look at the first quarter. The team had swagger on offense. We were moving the ball. And there was nothing Minnesota could do to stop it. We did not need Best big plays, we were going to slowly bludgeon the ball downfield and get it in the endzone. Having that swagger on offense is awesome. When was the last time we had that? 2006? But then the team lost focus.
This team can go as far as it wants to go. The only thing that will hold them back is themselves. We have all the talent in the world. And when we put it together, it is awesome. But the question that will decide the season is whether or not we will keep that focus and that killer instinct, or whether the team will take their foot off the gas pedal a bit.
I guess it is just that the team has sooooooooo much talent that seeing them not playing up to their talent is maddening.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:02 PM PDT up reply actions
I am inferring that we have the talent to beat every single team on our schedule. Yes, including USC.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Talent Is Never Enough
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions
That is exactly what I was saying.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions
Wow, so much hyperbole in this post.
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:05 PM PDT up reply actions
I have stated twice in this thread that I am completely irrational at this moment.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
But then the team lost focus.
I would say that Minnesota started playing better, Cal made some execution errors, a bad penalty killed one drive, Vereen slipped killed one, and Decker made some plays.
It’s tough to say they ‘lost focus.’ What does that mean, and how can you tell?
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Some dumb plays (the punt mistake, Ezeff’s idiotic pass interference), some penalties. Minnesota started playing better and it seemed that Cal was taken off guard by it, as they haven’t really played anyone all year. Lost focus is kind of just a general term for not executing as well and making some dumb mistakes.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Ezeff’s idiotic pass interference
But…that was a horrible call – Ezeff didn’t even touch him.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
It was a bad call, but it was still close. The later pass interference was absolutely infuriating. As was the announcer’s not understanding the rules of a catch with Miller (the ground knocked it out. He had control. It was pretty obvious).
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah that was a really iffy home-crowd call.
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Also, with Ezeff there was a blatant hold on that play. Do defensive backs communicate with each other on plays like that or no?
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Another thing, what is the definition of kick catch interference? Because it looked like the guy caught it before Sofele hit him.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:14 PM PDT up reply actions
Yeah, I am guessing that was just inexperience at being a gunner.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions
That was a close call
The facemasks bumped, but Sofele was trying to push the guy off before the helmets collided. He looked really upset after the play.
The Punt or Kick recvr has an imaginary “Zone” around him,. and violating it while he is attempting to catch is a penalty. That call seemed to be about that, but, 1/billionth of a second later, prolly not. The ref did not call a personal foul, ( helmet to helmet) and, JT was hugging and reasurring Sofele on the side lines, job well done.
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
That's actually defunct.
I looked it up earlier; I think they got rid of the halo rule some time around 2003. Something about giving PRs and KRs a false sense of security.
he Did
BAd call, either way..
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
wtf was up w JT??
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Oops
Sorry…this was supposed to be all on one Comment. We saw the replay, and Isi Clearly hits the recr AFTER the guy touches the ball. He hit him in the chest, not directly helmet-to-helmet. And, the ref called, “interfering with abiltiy for punt returner to catch.”
What we then saw was JT hugging and reasurring a somewhat confused Sofele.
But, I just read today that JT looked across the field at games end to find Gopher HC,and strongly apologize for Isi’s hit.
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Guess he is hoping that the Gopher HC wasn’t watching the ESPN broadcast. Playing it both ways, I like that. Tedford the Politician!
ALL HAIL SUPREME LEADER AVINASH!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
He is that.
Couldn’t believe the amount of time JT took per fan on FAn Day.
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I can’t even wrap my mind around that idea that we “deserved to lose.” As untrue as untrue can be. We outplayed Minnesota, found ourselves in a tie game in the 4th quarter nonetheless, but stepped it up and made plays in the 4th quarter. We made plays when it mattered. We won. We earned it. We’re 3-0 and have nothing to apologize for.
Praise be to Tedford!
Yeah, that was the frustration talking. On further review, I completely disagree with that statement. We didn’t deserve to lose.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 20, 2009 3:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe in the future you should wait 24 hours before making any comment about a game. Give you a chance to just relax and calm down.
ALL HAIL SUPREME LEADER AVINASH!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
That’s what I was planning on doing from now on. But I will probably be a lot more lenient in the coming weeks, given the toughness of opponents. You won’t see me complaining about wins against Oregon or USC.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 20, 2009 4:14 PM PDT up reply actions
getting burned twice by someone who WE KNEW would get the ball is bad.
I agree with this. How much of it was our good run defense pulling guys up? I’d rather have more of an expert explain how Decker caught so many passes after getting Decked.
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
by GoldBlooded on Sep 19, 2009 12:55 PM PDT up reply actions
I would like to know if we knew that was the QB’s ONLY recvr, why we played zone against him? Shouldn’t a DB been assigned to shadow Decker thoughout the game?
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I’m not expert on this, but I imagine that if you devote a DB to “shadowing” a particular guy while otherwise playing zone, it compromises the rest of the zone coverage by creating a soft spot in the zone.
Praise be to Tedford!
I was there
And Weber spread it around quit a bit, it wasn’t just to Decker, who by the way is a great receiver, you must respect your opponent.
Good point, but....
I am less of a non-expert….but, doesn’t Gregoray have a zone/man, Def?..or, am I just imagining things? I thought there was a D where some of the DB’s are managing a certain area, and some are assigned to players or positions?
When we had a “Rover”….what was his zone? And, if your opponent is killing other teams with one particular player, like Best, aren’t the D’s going to key on that player, and assign someone to be on him at all times?
Or, is zone, Zone, and man to man, just that?
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Ok, “they’re allowed” isn’t the right word, but it’s understandable if their effort isn’t consistent.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 12:56 PM PDT up reply actions
The 3rd Quarter effort was pathetic
Thankfully, the team pulled it together and executed when the needed to in the fourth. Just looking at the 3rd quarter, they Bears didn’t deserve the win at the time even when they still had the lead.
"it's like an alarm clock, WOOT WOOT!" -Bubb Rubb
by secret ASian man on Sep 19, 2009 12:45 PM PDT up reply actions
Why?
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 12:50 PM PDT up reply actions
…cause I didn’t like your post?….my bad…shoulda said, just breathe
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Sep 19, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
If you go back and look at basketball post game threads, you can tell that I am entirely irrational if the team plays unsatisfactory. Avinash should screen my posts in the hour after gametime.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
gotcha…i’ve been at this for about 35 years so I guess I’ve mellowed
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Sep 19, 2009 1:00 PM PDT up reply actions
???
Wow. While far from perfect, I thought this was one of the most complete games the Bears have EVER played under Tedford. An early road game. Against a quality undefeated opponent. Took charge of the game early. Never trailed. Didn’t turn the ball over except for one very unlucky bounce on special teams. Dominated the 4th quarter after the game was tied.
This was a very satisfying victory, the sort of decisive road victory I long ago grew sick of watching USC earn time and time again. I can’t wait for the Ducks, Trojans, and the rest of the Pac-10 to come calling.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Sep 19, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Man, the old posters showing optimism and the young posters showing negativity?? What’s going on here?
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 3:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Most old blues are pessimistic about the season as a whole but are satisfied by W’s. Young blues expect more and aren’t satisfied with just W’s.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I just want Cal to play up to their potential every game. And we didn’t do that today. Hyperbolehyperbolehyperbole.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 4:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m a solidly Young Blue and I’m pretty OK with this. Really our problem was giving Minnesota the short field in the first half, and I don’t really know what the idea was with running Best 26 times. But seriously, Colt McCoy (the son of a motherless whore who sank my fantasy football team this week and who I am benching in favor of Jimmy Clausen) threw twice as many picks as he did touchdowns tonight. College football is a harsh mistress.
"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
Old Blues?
I may be the oldest Blue here, and, I thought that game had a terrible Defensive scheme, particularly regarding zone coverage on their only weapon, Decker. Special teams sucked so bad, Gophers started most of their drives from the 40. Ludwig started off very well, then left the building with Elvis.
But, the damn refs…omg! The Isi hit was the wrong call, and, Ezeff’s PI call was imaginary. But the worst was the holding call on Tepper, where Best ran for about 35yds and the ball was on the 20 something. How can you hold a guy by knocking him flat on his ass?
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
If I read that summary without knowing the result I would have to assume we had lost, somehow though we actually won by two touchdowns. Funny old world.
"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
Thats what so insane.
We score 35 on the road against a good team and beat them by 2 TDs when we kept shooting ourselves in the foot and people are acting like we lost by 30.
ALL HAIL SUPREME LEADER AVINASH!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
OK. My Bad
You didn’t see my son and I jumping up and down and Hi-Fiving and yelling so loud wife said we were scaring the dogs…..at each score or 1st Down. This is a great win, no doubt.
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
ruh roh
Sorry guys: THIS is the open thread for other games(I missed it at first). I hope I don’t get banished to the CBKWit Memorial Dungeon.
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
Sorry Berkelium, got called away for a few minutes, totally forgot I separated the threads.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 12:44 PM PDT up reply actions
GUYS, really sorry I didn't mention this in advance
This thread is for discussion of the Cal game.
To discuss the other games, go here.
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 12:45 PM PDT reply actions
Question
Is there any advantage, when running the ball up the middle, to using Best rather than Vereen?
dboneisloose
There isn’t really much difference between the two. Vereen shares similar characteristics to Best, and he depends a lot on the interior run blocking. If the run blocking is bad, neither Best nor Vereen will gain much traction.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Not that I’ve seen, they’re both capable of getting 3-4 yards on those up-the-middle runs. The difference would be if the line gets a push into the second level, then Best has a little more acceleration and ability to be patient for that second block to break it.
The difference between the two is patience, Best waits for the block then hits the afterburner. Vereen doesn’t wait quite as often, he just hits the hole and hits it hard.
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:07 PM PDT up reply actions
We really don’t have a powerback this year. We might need to use Holley at the goal line.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:13 PM PDT up reply actions
Deboskie seems a little larger, but he too is more of a combined speed/power back than either one or the other.
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Holley
Seems like we should be using Holley for “and short” situations. The dude is stout and has low center of gravity because of his height. I mean, the way he moved the Maryland defense? Why aren’t we using him?
No particular reason. We didn’t we use Ta’ufo’ou?
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions
My reaction
This game was closer than it should have been, but not for particularly important reasons:
(1) For some reason, we took Best out for long stretches and Vereen just plain had a bad game. But, I think this is because the coaches have realized that they aren’t exactly (1) and (1a) and are choosing to rest Best if they think we have a game in hand. Today, it turned out we didn’t, but when he got back in there, the offense was dynamic again. And Best ended up with 26 carries – which I think bodes well for the rest of our season. (I don’t think he is hurt – I think 26 carries on a reasonably hot, humid day is tough on anyone.)
(2) Two key penalties kept it close – the phantom hold on Tepper killed a drive, and the phantom PI kept a drive open for them. Yes, you always get some bad calls, but both of these were key to MN getting the game tied.
(3) We really should have been throwing more – guys were open. Riley wasn’t great, but was hitting enough guys down-field to keep the defense on their heels – that is all we need from the passing game. I know some people will get freaked out by a couple of his bad throws, but I feel good about the fact he just doesn’t seem to put his bad throws in places where defenders are going to catch then (except that pass that Tucker had to break up – seemed that was on Tucker though.)
(4) Defensive line still getting tons of pressure for a three-man rush – I feel really good about that, especially w/r/t USC if Barkley is playing.
(5) Hagan had a rough game, but I think Decker is just a tough guy to match-up with (SQT couldn’t do it at 5-foot-9, so it fell to Hagan). Otherwise Hagan was burnt on a trick play. I have always thought Hagan was solid, so I think this should be an anomaly.
(6) Lots of receivers involved.
(7) Very physical – from the Cattouse hit, to SQT against the run, to the linebackers really stuffing the run.
Conclusion – in the end, while I guess there is some reason to be concerned about letting our foot off the gas a bit in the 3rd quarter, it wasn’t a bad performance in the end. Other than Hagan and Vereen, there really isn’t anyone you could single out as not playing well. In some ways, I am more impressed winning by two touchdowns in this fashion (esp. with Riley), than if we had just kept the lead at 14 all game.
by Tedfordisgod on Sep 19, 2009 1:08 PM PDT reply actions 6 recs
well said and
a nice balance to some of the hyperbole
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Sep 19, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Well, its negative hyperbole on my part for a change.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Agree overall, a couple criticisms that I have were about a few players in particular.
Jeremy Ross……c’mon dude catch the ball. He’s always had a case of the drop-sies and even more so today. Even that long route that took us down to the 3 yard line, he almost juggled it while running out of bounds. If he keeps this up, I want to see more of Lagemann!
Marvin Jones…..didn’t get open at all? Did Riley overlook him? Or was he just covered up?
Hagan….you’ve already commented on him.
The secondary in zone versus Decker. Ok, Hagan had a bad game, but there were several times when there was a wide-out and a slot on the same side, one running a fly route and the slot running a 10 yard out. Hagan seemed confused and/or didn’t get the help either underneath or over the top that he needed.
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by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess I agree on that criticism of Jones. But Ross totally redeemed himself in the 4th!
by Tedfordisgod on Sep 19, 2009 1:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Agreed. Ross was a monster in the 4th.
Does Riley have an interception yet this year?
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions
For such an avid and emotional fan, you should know the answer to this.
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by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions
There were a few dropped ones today. He has been a bit magic so far this year, but when is that going to run out?
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions
A bit magic? Are you watching the same games?
Riley’s been good, sometimes very good. But magic? C’mon, not just yet. Magic would be passing for 3-4 TDs each game, threading the needle.
Magic might be the db’s dropping certain INT’s.
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by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Magic might be the db’s dropping certain INT’s.
Exactly what I am referring too. He has had very good luck.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
rollon might be referring to how lucky Riley has been in not getting picked. He made some questionable throws that were nearly grabbed by the Gophers, today.
There is one I remember that went right through the hands of the DB.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I specifically remember the one that went through Tucker’s hands and into a DB. If Tucker was a step slower, the DB would’ve caught that sucker.
On that one, Tucker made two mistakes and then a great heads-up play….
First, he didn’t sell his fake and the CB wasn’t fooled at all and was able to jump the pass.
Second, Tucker should have cut harder into the lane to use his body to shield/put himself in between the ball and the DB.
Third, he did make a very strong heads up play to keep the DB from holding onto the ball.
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by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Our only turnover on the year is the goofy punt return bounce fumble
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I agree with Nick on this one. The Cal player wasn’t particularly close to the ball; it just took a wicked bounce. And he was very quick to respond and nearly recovered it. Sometimes, shit just happens.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Sep 19, 2009 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Like the announcer said, shouldn’t Syd have said something or motioned players to clear the area?
by CaliforniaCMB on Sep 19, 2009 7:03 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, but are we sure he didn’t? And again, it’s not like the ball landed on top of Cal player; it just took a wicked sideways hop.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Sep 19, 2009 7:04 PM PDT up reply actions
No, but the only reason he did not have 3 today was because their secondary dropped some easy opportunities.
by CaliforniaCMB on Sep 19, 2009 6:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Ross nearly dropped that one in the 4th. He hasn’t redeemed himself just yet. He better put some pine tar on those gloves. I really missed seeing Jones’ hands out there today.
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by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:18 PM PDT up reply actions
But nearly dropped means that he caught it.
by Tedfordisgod on Sep 19, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
How about “barely caught” instead of “nearly dropped”….
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by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
I apologize, but I find this criticism to be ridiculous. Ross had some HUGE catches today and, in my view, is one of the heroes of today’s game. He had 2 HUGE HUGE HUGE catches on the key TD drive (including on the 3rd and 15).
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That almost sounds like some sort of insult the way you phrase it.
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Without him, we might lose this game. There are many concerns I have. Jeremy Ross is not one of them.
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Ross was more than critical. Hopefully this boost his confidence and we see some more clutch catches.
by CaliforniaCMB on Sep 19, 2009 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions
Jones was NEVER open?…oh…I never saw his number…thought he was hurt. I called the TD’s with Best running wide, instead of up the middle, and have no clue why they run him off tackle in the red zone with the DL stacked. Both Tepper and Ezeff bad calls were rediculous, as was Isi’s. But, only Tepper’s was a game, or score changer. I gave 14 points, ( lost on the push) and sure thought this game was going to be won better than it did.
It looks like Cal has the most talent in the Pac-Ten, and should still beat the
Ducks easily. Same with USC. I am more concerned with Bruins, Beavers, Wildcats, and……maybe most of all…those Dogs up North, ruining a perfect season on our last game.
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Wildcats? You obviously didn’t catch any of Iowa/Zona.
"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
Correct, I didn't.
Thanks for the up on ’Zona. One less to worry about.
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
ruining a perfect season on our last game.
rollonubears, did you kill Primo and start posting under his name!?!?!?!?!??? Turn yourself into the police immediately!
ALL HAIL SUPREME LEADER AVINASH!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Want me to just e-mail you my opinion? Because I am obviously not getting it across clearly enough here.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 20, 2009 9:32 AM PDT up reply actions
But, only Tepper’s was a game, or score changer
My bad….Isi’s was too. Gophers scored after that penalty.
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
TiG, agree man.
(1) Was it really hot and humid? Weather seemed okay.
(2) I agree Minny was really opportunistic. But college football is a game of opportunities and we can expect to see several games like that this year
(3) It’s why I emphasized Cal’s offense should pass the ball to start the game, because I felt we could get bogged down if the run game slowed up. A solid passing game that opens up the run would make us a deadly team.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:22 PM PDT up reply actions
83 with 40% humidity
Like a hot day in the Yay Area.
The run was doing fine our firs two drives, though. I noticed we lowered the frequency of presnap motions after those 2 scores, though. Any possible impact?
I only have online weather to check, but it looks like it was around 80, and Minnesota can be pretty humid in my experience (which was wearing a tuxedo at an outdoor wedding in August, so my experience might not be the most representative)
Agree on points (2) and (3).
by Tedfordisgod on Sep 19, 2009 1:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Hydro told me he wore pants and it was a mistake. So, it was hot. But there was also a breeze.
He also said that the Cal section was WAY LIKE FUCK up there and they were so bad they couldnt see the replay screen.
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So you’re saying you wanted to see Hydro in some short shorts?
by CaliforniaCMB on Sep 19, 2009 6:36 PM PDT up reply actions
The Cal seats were at the top of the stands, but the stadium is built really well, so our seats were just fine, really. It’s pretty, but not huge – it only holds 50,000+ and the stands really aren’t built that high, so bad seats were hard to come by, in my opinion.
As for the jumbotron, the reason that we couldn’t see is just because we were next to it. It’s parallel to on end zone, and our seats were at the corner of that end zone. So it wasn’t a symptom of having bad seats per se, it was just our position relative to the jumbotron that was wonky.
CGB: Wasting Your Potential, Your Time, & Your Life Since 2006.
Wait what couldn't see the screen?
Was hydro at the section above the band? I was in the section near the Minn students and thus had a great view of the screen.
In other words, Go Bears!
There was a breeze in the stands
But I doubt there was a breeze on the field; even the homer Big-10 officials were gassed and grabbing the gatorade whenever possible (maybe that’s why they called so many penalties on the Bears?)
Just Sayin"
I think Cal split the difference in re: passing vs. running in the beginning of the game by working the perimeter, and then just… stopped. It was working, and then we weren’t doing it anymore. Mystifying.
"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
It wasn't too hot
Just for a few minutes in the 3rd. Wasn’t that humid. It was just your average sunny fall day in the Bay Area type weather.
In other words, Go Bears!
Could not agree more. This is exactly how good football teams when on the road against quality opposition. Roll on you Bears!!
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Sep 19, 2009 3:48 PM PDT up reply actions
USC employing the bend-don't-break defense
Locker just exploited USC’s adoption of the bend-don’t-break….lol
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Hey dball, sorry, I forgot to explain this, this thread’s for Cal discussion. Click here to discuss the rest of the games!
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:15 PM PDT up reply actions
You may have made it clear, I just got on here and have "z"’d thru the posts.
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by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Earlier, Holmoephobe was worrying the media line would be Cal struggling.
ESPN headlines:
Cal breaks road curse behind Best’s school record 5 TDs
and
No. 8 Cal gives its Best in win over Minnesota
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Having the press in your corner always works.
Hey, look at USC and Oregon!
"Today's weather, excessively violent with a chance of dismemberment. Tune in later for our 5-day forecast!"
~ Three Dog - Fallout 3
What type of headline would they like?
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:33 PM PDT up reply actions
All I've heard announcers talking about so far
is 5 TDs from Best. We’ll see how they spin it at the USC halftime show.
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
Well the commentators also in the 3rd quarter were saying stupid things like “we haven’t seen productivity from Best yet”……um, 3 TDs seems pretty productive. But maybe they were referring to his production after the 1st quarter and just didn’t say that explicitly.
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions
THe media wont be negative about this. Only us Cal fans who watched every moment will.
I mean look at it, we won by 2 touchdowns on the road and our BIG PLAYER OF NOTE scored 5 TDs. Step away from the ledge, Cal fans, the rest of America thinks this was a solid to great victory for Cal.
ALL HAIL SUPREME LEADER AVINASH!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
Full court press.....
In the media I think the 5 TDs will overshadow JB’s periods of unproductivityness…….age;
Seems what everyone on the LEast Coast will hear is Jahvid Best, Heisman Candidate, tied the school record with 5 TDs, not that his average was low (for him). Could play very well in Peoria.
I'd like to smell the Roses before I die.
Sandy Barbour's Twitter
Jeff talking to the press – loving Jahvid’s 5 TD performance vs a game Golden Gopher squad.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:29 PM PDT reply actions
Early thoughts
1) Cal outgained Minnesota 415 to 270 – almost 150 yards more. We also won the turnover battle. Why was this close? Special teams. If we make the FG, if we get good kickoff coverage, etc. I think the final score would have been more like 40 – 17.
2) The Defensive line had a HUGE day. The line was getting constant pressure which was the absolute key to controlling Minnesota’s offensive line, and their running game averaged 1.8 yards per rush
3) Having said that, the secondary had a rough day until the pressure started creating INTs at the end. But I’m willing to give most of the credit to that to Decker, because he’s very legit. Take away his yardage and Minn. has nothing going. At a certain point you have to give credit to the talent of the other team. I’m not going to be saying Minnesota sucks because they allowed Jahvid his yards.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Sep 19, 2009 1:35 PM PDT reply actions 3 recs
I like these points – totally missed the total yardage disparity until you pointed it out.
We really do need to fix the kick-off situation – and strongly consider just kicking it out of bounds every time.
by Tedfordisgod on Sep 19, 2009 1:38 PM PDT up reply actions
One thing about the yardage thing. Cal got a lot more yards because they had to go much further down the field on their scoring drives. I’d say Minnesota played about as well as Cal did.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:41 PM PDT up reply actions
And we have to realize these special teams problems are not going away. We’re going to have to deal with it, and just shrug it off when it bites us.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:42 PM PDT up reply actions
At every kickoff
I’m just going to do Russel Peters’ “do you want to eat/WTF!” Italian impression and think, “Que sera sera.”
Seriously, the special teams is sickening…….
why can’t Syd get enough protection to run back the punts?
why can’t we get decent kick-offs? 12 yard line, 15 yard line, 20 yard line, out of bounds…..wtf?! this is a top 10 team and one position (kicker) is fucking this up for us. we can’t let the other team start at their own 40 every time. against the better teams its going to really hurt us.
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:47 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I agree and what’s more frustrating is that you look at every single Top 25 team and they’re just getting it into/near the endzone.
by CaliforniaCMB on Sep 19, 2009 6:41 PM PDT up reply actions
Totally agree. The kicking foot is infected with a carcinogen, that is spreading through the entire Special Teams, even receiving. WTF is with Syd calling Fair Catches, with no one around? And, sorry I can’t remember who was receiving on KO and decided to scoop a ball up as it was heading out of bounds near the 5. Instead of letting it roll out, where we would start in the same field position Gophers enjoyed all day, it was returned to the 15.
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
I watched some of FSU/BYU
And FSU’s kicker kicked it out of the end zone on one KO.
It’s just unconscionable that we can’t get it that far.
Disagreed. Cal averaged significantly more per rush and per pass. The total yardage is legit
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Cal averaged 10 yards per pass, Minnesota 7
Cal averaged 4 yards per run, Minnesota 2
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I think that our avg yards/run is skewed a little by Riley’s stat of 5 rushes for -1 yards?
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by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:45 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s legit, true, but I don’t know if the disparity is that great.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Keep in mind Cal’s offense did nothing from the middle of the 2nd to around the middle of the 4th.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:46 PM PDT up reply actions
I’d say Minnesota played about as well as Cal did.
Agreed. I think both teams played close to their potential at this point in the season. Thus, Cal on the road is about two touchdowns better than Minnesota at home. Sounds about right to me.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Sep 19, 2009 3:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Might as well discount Prophet's 2nd int
The game was already decided, then. We also couldn’t capitalize on one other int, if I remember correctly.
To be honest, I’m wondering if too much is made regarding turnover stats. Correlation != causation. It could be a team is making turnovers by resorting to desperate pass plays as they fall further behind rather than turnovers being deciding factors.
Defensive line was awesome. Weber is going to flinch whenever he sees the number 44 for the rest of his life.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 19, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Defensive line was awesome
And THEN some !!!!! What’d the announcer say…..“That pass rush is going to help Alualu feed his two kids some day?” Pretty funny………in an announcer-ish sort of way.
Okay, CLEARLY I’m remedial when it comes to block quotes and can’t do a proper one to save my freakin’ life……how’s it work again?
I'd like to smell the Roses before I die.
I thought it was a visual representation of the DLine.
by CaliforniaCMB on Sep 20, 2009 10:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Blows
Boateng’s been putting in a lot of effort to be a good WR. How long does a fracture take to heal?
depends what part of it is broken, but for a WR that’s a big deal….well for any position its a big deal.
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by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:51 PM PDT up reply actions
It’ll probably depend on the severity of the break. I’m guessing a month
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
OT: I just went to wiki to figure out if a fracture was the same as a break
There’s a nasty broken toe picture there.
The injuries pile up…does not bode well.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:55 PM PDT up reply actions
What’s the tally…….who else?
Ladner
Boateng
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by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 1:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Aren’t we relatively injury free other than this?
by Tedfordisgod on Sep 19, 2009 1:58 PM PDT up reply actions
Smith and Ladner too, maybe Curran.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 1:59 PM PDT up reply actions
Ross played well today, looks like he can step in.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 2:01 PM PDT up reply actions
Yes, pretty amazing to have no major line issues after three games.
by Tedfordisgod on Sep 19, 2009 2:02 PM PDT up reply actions
Eddie Young tweets
road warriors boi … headed back to cali with that victory … cali we in this thang
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 2:05 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
This was the pregame injury report (from Ted Miller)
California
FB Brian Holley, concussion, questionable
FB Will Kapp, ankle, questionable
TE Spencer Ladner, knee, out
TE Tad Smith, knee, out
Hopefully our FBs will be back to full strength and Nyan will be the only addition to the list from today.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Yeah no wonder we had trouble blocking today. We should’ve tried pitching out a little more.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
Didn’t Sparks (TE) get hurt too?
Don’t we have a DE or LB that also plays a little TE? I’m happy with Anthony Miller, just thinking about worst case scenario.
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by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 2:09 PM PDT up reply actions
I thought that was Curran. Sparks too?
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 2:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Curran got dinged up today, but that looked either like a rib or just the wind knocked out of him.
I thought we had lost Sparks before the start of the year but maybe I’m getting confused with Ladner and Smith?
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 2:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I have praise and prejudice
I’m very very upset at Tedford for not going for it on 4th down and short, past the 50, the first time. I would have blamed the loss on him right there if we didn’t pull out of our nose dive with the pass to Ross on 3rd and very long.
You know should go for it past the 50 in the first place, and you are telling your team “I’m scared”. Then they go play scared. I got VERY VERY ANGRY at that call.
Demand your offense gets 1-2 yards when you need it. If they don’t, demand your defense get the next stop. Good morale for both. I’ll praise you for having guts, even if we lose the game.
Now, let me give praise for us getting up off the mat, for playing tough in the 4th quarter, on the road, even when the momentum was against us. That was huge, and I don’t believe last year’s team could do it – but this team did it!!!
They got the job done!!! And if a horrible holding call on Tepper, and horrible PI are called back, it goes better. (Though don’t forget they fumbled once as a total gift – the first 2 INTs were pressure from us and we earned them).
I’m very happy our team got the character building of playing down (even though it was never worse than a tie game).
I’m also concerned about injuries.
I was infuriated at too much running up the middle, with Best and what looks like a sore toe/ankle. But I’ll play devil’s advocate – if that’s what Oregon and $C game plan around – stopping the power-run up the middle, that opens up the outside, where we REALLY have an advantage.
So maybe, just MAYBE, it was a dangerous call by the coaches to practice our running between the Tackles to set up the rest of the season.
Stand the whole game, stay to the end, and start yelling while they're still in the huddle. GO BEARS
by JerrottWillard45 on Sep 19, 2009 2:14 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
About the 4th quarter.....
Want to know what I think the difference-maker was? We were moving towards the open side of the stadium, where there are no fans. Thus, much less fan noise. If we had to drive towards the inside of the horse-shoe shaped stadium, I think the 4th quarter would have been MUCH harder for us than it was.
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 2:17 PM PDT up reply actions
Rec’d for the very strong thoughts.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 2:19 PM PDT up reply actions
Punting inside the 50
Read a few years ago bout this non-football statistician, who figured odds based on history, Standard dev, etc. on going for it, on fourth. His conclusion was the loss/gain potential was exponential, based on per yard after the 50…meaning the results out scored the risk, starting at yard 49.. Moreover, between the 40 and 30, the odds were 2 to 1 in favor of going for it, anywhere from 10 yards or less to the First Down.
Punting from the 40, in other words, is dumb.
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
by Primo on Sep 20, 2009 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Yes!
Post this Monday as a question in the DBD when more people are reading. I think that study was summarized here so someone might have more detail. But yeah you’re right I think the study said its better to go for it.
I just hate punting on 4th and 1 when you’re around midfield.
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Sep 20, 2009 10:00 PM PDT up reply actions
I posted a DBD whose theme was a study similar to the one you describe. Check it out, it might be what you are looking for.
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
by Berkelium97 on Sep 20, 2009 10:04 PM PDT up reply actions
Which one, Berk?
Ty,
Berk…how do I find it? did u only post one DBD?
BTW, JT will go for it on fourth ONLY if it is a yard or less, and can be done w a sneak.
Pete Carroll, Otoh, is not shy about it at all. U$C was 3 for 4 on 4th vs Ohio.
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Primo, click on the blue bolded text in Berkelium’s comment above. That’s a link.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 20, 2009 10:40 PM PDT up reply actions
tyvm
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
My quick thoughts on the game:
(1) Riley is still missing high on a fair amount of his throws. This worries me a lot.
(2) I would’ve love to see Shane and JB on the field at the same time. It creates the potential for great misdirection plays.
(3) We had a lot less pre-snap motion than we did the first few games.
(4) Our zone is still really susceptible to being picked apart over the middle.
(5) Our D-Line is giving me a lot of hope. Alalu in particular is playing GREAT.
(6) I’m loving the play-action we’re running. Riley seems to be running it really well. Also, the two QB sneaks were good plays (though on the second one we were 1-2 yards short).
(7) Knowing how the game ended, I’m glad it was close. This will hopefully serve as a kick in the pants before the Oregon game.
by rjnarayen on Sep 19, 2009 2:18 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
Shane and JB were on the field together for a few plays, and they seemed a little confused what to do in those situations, except for when JB was lined up out wide as a receiver.
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 2:20 PM PDT up reply actions
I guess I"m just thinking of that play last game where Jahvid broke a 30 yard run (would’ve been a 70 yard TD but he stepped out). We faked the toss one way to Shane and then JB took it the other way. With so much speed in the backfield it has to be hard on the defense.
Yeah, I was looking for that play on a few occassions today, like a misdirection on 3rd and short. Maybe saving it for next week?
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 2:25 PM PDT up reply actions
Let's hope this is a coaching tactic, too...
Don’t show everyone everything every game. We did run the fly sweep a couple of times – but not too much. It leaves the option to run it 20 times in a game that needs it!
I liked how we came out pass happy at one point late in the game – though we had clearly established the run early on. Willing to switch it up is VERY important to hurt the enemy defense.
After 3 games, I’m ready to say our offense is MUCH less predictable vs. last years. I cannot call pre-snap run/pass nearly as well as I did last year. That’s GREAT
Stand the whole game, stay to the end, and start yelling while they're still in the huddle. GO BEARS
by JerrottWillard45 on Sep 19, 2009 3:49 PM PDT up reply actions
No. 8 Cal needed this win to be taken seriously as a BCS contender, but the way it went down — with Riley and the Bears responding beautifully to adversity — should be a huge confidence-booster heading into another tough road date next week at Oregon and then a potential Armageddon home date with No. 3 USC.
I like the line the media is taking.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
If this game had been at home it’d have been a different tune, but a road victory in college football, esp OOC, gets major props.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 19, 2009 2:23 PM PDT up reply actions
not just OOC but against Big 10 too
i like the story, thanks to SI for taking us seriously, but maybe they were motivated to tow a straight line because they knew that the east coast was watching more closely than usual.
At CGB, we whine because we care
by dballisloose on Sep 19, 2009 2:31 PM PDT up reply actions
This is spin: instead of saying “Cal took until halfway through the 4th to dominate like they were expected to”, they’re saying that Cal “responded beautifully to adversity”.
Don’t get me wrong, I like that they’re spinning for us. But it is spin.
dboneisloose
That's not spin, at all
That’s just dispassionate, sound observation. Cal’s win today reminds me so much of the sort of methodical road victories that Top Ten teams routinely grind out, week after week. This was a very solid win by a very good team. We need to remember that: (1) Cal never trailed, (2) Minnesota never seriously threatened to take the lead, and (3) Cal absolutely dominated the line of scrimmage and owned the fourth quarter.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Sep 19, 2009 4:07 PM PDT up reply actions
When a top 10 team gains a total of 10 yards over the course of 20 minutes (5 three and outs in a row), that is neither methodical nor dominating.
It’s spin in the sense that Cal wasn’t really responding to adversity – there shouldn’t have been adversity playing against Minnesota in the first place.
dboneisloose
I agree that this wasn’t a “dominating” performance overall, but along the line of scrimmage, Cal was in control throughout. Yes, the run game sputtered badly in the third quarter, but Riley still had the time he needed to make the throws he needed. (BTW, great blitz pickup by Best on that crucial throw to Ross.)
I also stick by “methodical” because over the course of 60 minutes, Cal did everything good teams do to win on the road:
- score early
- control the line of scrimmage
- stop the opponent’s run game
- don’t turn the ball over
- make game-winning plays in the 4th quarter, just like USC (used to be able to do)
As good (great?) as I think this Cal team is becoming, it’s really asking a lot for an offense to never have stretches where first downs are hard to come by. Getting all 11 guys to execute and to not get beat by 11 other guys who are also scholarship athletes on the other side of the ball is no simple matter, especially on the road. Even the plays Minnesota did make today, I’m more inclined to tip my cap to them rather than point the finger at any errors by the Bears. (The one exception probably being the second touchdown right before halftime. That was a bad one to give up, and Hagan should have done much better.) Likewise, the one turnover and few penalties made by the Bears weren’t glaringly bad, either. An unlucky bounce here. An slightly mistimed, overzealous hit there. An iffy call by the official. In short, very little today got me frustrated or upset with the way Cal was playing. Could they have killed off the game earlier? Of course. Should they have? Maybe. But I’m more lenient when it comes to week 3 of the season and road game #1, even for a team ranked 8th in the country.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Sep 19, 2009 6:35 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
You wouldn’t call having the ball with a tie game at the 25 yard line “never seriously threaten(ing) to take the lead”?
Sure, they weren’t knocking on the door, but possession with decent field position (AKA not pinned in their own end) and a tie game seems to be the very definition of “threatening to take the lead.”
Thing C
In the context of a game in which Minnesota’s offense struggled to move the football, I would not call that “threatening to take the lead.” I don’t know; I’ve spent a lifetime being nervous about the outcome of Cal football games, but for some reason, this one just felt to me like the Bears were always in control.
Now, if they hadn’t converted that big third-down pass to Ross and been forced to punt from deep within Cal territory, then yes, my worry level would have increased significantly.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Sep 19, 2009 6:11 PM PDT up reply actions
I’ve spent 13 years being nervous (or worse) about the outcome of Cal football games, and I was pretty damn convinced that we were going to lose the game at that point. Old habits die hard, I guess.
Thing C
by markdash on Sep 19, 2009 6:49 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Believe me, I understand. And I will almost certainly be right there with you next Saturday. Games at Autzen kill me.
Go Bears!
by California Pete on Sep 19, 2009 7:05 PM PDT up reply actions
That’s what made the Marcus Ezeff game so gratifying—I completely expect us to lose in Autzen every year.
This year is really no exception, sadly. Had the Ducks lost to the Utes, I might have been singing a different tune.
Thing C
I believe their complete and total inability to pass will be difficult to overcome. Our D has completely shut down opponent’s running game and forced them to pass. Minn had so much success today, because their passing game (and, in specific, Decker) was spectacular.
Can Oregon do the same?
ALL HAIL SUPREME LEADER AVINASH!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
no. And, Decker should have been shadowed better. Similarly, Conte should devise a scheme to shadow Masoli….his danger is not in his arm. Remember a few years back, when we had a “Rover” DB? Why not now, with say, Cattouse?
Bear danger
"Running away can activate the bear's hunting instincts and lead to it perceiving the human as prey. Finally, if a bear does attack, the usual advice is to curl into a [[fetal position]] so as to shield vital organs and appear non-threatening."
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Why are Cal fans so hesitant to give credit where credit is due? Decker was a monster out there. Hes not some back up Arizona RB who just happened to run wild on us.
He is a NFL-caliber player. Yes, we didn’t do a great job on covering him, but let’s also give him credit for being a great player. Especially considering we smacked him all day long and he kept coming back for more.
I have all the respect in the world for him. If I had been hit the way Cattouse hit him, I’d still be in the fetal position!!!!
ALL HAIL SUPREME LEADER AVINASH!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
I definitely thought he was dead for a bit.
Decker is awesome, but he is far and away their best player. He should have been priority number 1,2, and 3 for coverage.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 20, 2009 9:33 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m no super genius here, so maybe this is a question better left for the HydroTechs of the world. But it would seem to me that if we play zone, we don’t technically focus our D. So, there is not really a priority 1 2 or 3 here. But maybe I’m mistaking something.
ALL HAIL SUPREME LEADER AVINASH!
www.CaliforniaGoldenBlogs.com
I’m guessing people are angry that Decker wasn’t heavily covered to begin with, or that Gregory didn’t really change his ways to cover him.
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 20, 2009 12:13 PM PDT up reply actions