College Football Kickoff Saturday Afternoon Open Thread, Plus Your Pac-10 Primer
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 5, 2009 12:15 PM PDT
in California Golden Bears Football
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PrintSix more Pac-10 games, and we'll quick-hit all of them, since none are expected to be close. This should take you through the afternoon up to the kickoff of Cal-Maryland. First thread will be up 6 PM.
Afternoon games
San Jose State at USC, 3:30 PM EST, 12:30 PM PST, FSN HD (national telecast)
The focus of this game will obviously be Matt Barkley's performance. Conquest Chronicles's blogfather, the ever astute gentleman Paragon, looks at what Barkley can do in his debut performance to assuage Trojan fears before the trip to the Horseshoe:
With Kristofer O'Dowd out for Saturdays game things will change on the offensive line. Yes, USC still has some superior talent on offense but I really think Tomey is going to throw the kitchen sink at Barkley. It would not surprise me if Pete Carroll schemed to have Barkley hand the ball off for most of the game or throw short, quick dump off passes for chunks of yardage but if Barkley is on the run the question will be if he has the patience to make the right play instead of trying to make chicken soup out of you know what.
As usual the key will be offensive line. If the O line can blow some holes open for McKnight, who was named the starter for Saturday's game, then that will go a long way to calming everyone's nerves as to how the offense will work with Barkley at the helm.
Brief looks at the rest of the games after the jump!
Late afternoon games
Stanford at Washington State, 6 PM EST, 3 PM PST, Fox Sports Northwest HD
Wazzu will be going with a two quarterback system against the Furd, much like Riley-Longshore versus Michigan State. Nuss of Coug Center gives an impressive number of examples to explain why he isn't pleased:
What I ended up with were a handful of examples where it was moderately successful to use multiple quarterbacks, but many more where it was an absolute disaster -- when a two-quarterback system fails, it fails spectacularly. And since the Cougs don't possess guys like Tebow and Leak, I'm leaning towards the Cougars' two-quarterback falling on the "spectacular failure" end of the spectrum. Instead of concentrating on maximizing one guy's chance to be as successful as he can possibly be in this game through tailored game planning and a steady stream of reps in practice, you end up increasing the odds that neither can be as effective as he otherwise would have been with a full week's worth of work and game's compliment of snaps.
San Diego State at UCLA, 7:30 PM EST, 4:30 PM PST, Fox Sports West HD (LA markets?), Fox College Sports Atlantic
The theme I am sensing this morning is all about fun. Thank God the Bruins are not going to start the season at a hostile atmosphere (just look at what happened to Oregon even though they went in to Boise w/ an experienced backfield) with at least 10 players who are going to make their college debut this season. Kids are excited but CRN is keeping them even keeled:
Coach Rick Neuheisel has a simple message for the first-timers:
"It's got to be fun," Neuheisel said. "It can't be nervous time. You've got to try to create it to be fun."
And if there are mistakes?
"Move on and fix them and go," he said.
Evening caps
Central Michigan at Arizona, 10 PM EST, 7 PM PST, AWSN
Chris Brown of Smart Football predicts Arizona will not only play a close game against the Chippewas, but lose outright:
I like Arizona, I really do. I like what Mike Stoops has done, and within a few years, offensive coordinator Sonny Dykes (son of former Texas Tech legend Spike Dykes and protege of fellow Texas Tech legend, Captain Leach), will be a head coach for a D-1 program somewhere. But, while this game is at Arizona, I cannot justify the nearly two-touchdown spread; in fact, I think the Chippewas will win it outright. CMU has won eight games in each of coach Butch Jones's first two seasons, but more importantly they return 17 starters, none more important than Tim Tebow-lite, quarterback Dan LeFevour. LeFevour is a tough, gritty kid, and this is just the type of win over a BCS program to jumpstart his senior year. More importantly, Arizona should take a step back after losing a lot of talent from last year's squad, and I think that regression will begin in week one.
Idaho State at Arizona State, 10 PM EST, 7 PM PST, Fox Sports Arizona HD, Fox College Sports Pacific
Despite suspensions to five-six ASU players for the opening game by Coach Erickson, ASU blog Pitchfork Nation believes the Sun Devils D should carry them to victory.
The Devils’ defense will be their strength this season, and they should have no problems flexing their muscles against an inferior opponent on Saturday night. JC transfer Dean DeLeone will get the start at left defensive end, in place of Brooks. Sophomore defensive tackle Lawrence Guy is banged up, and is a question mark for Saturday, but we should see a lot of true freshman Corey Adams and Will Sutton in the defensive tackle rotation. Even without Burfict and the injured Shelly Lyons, linebacker is the deepest spot on the team. The secondary has been questioned, especially at the strong safety position, where redshirt freshman Keelan Johnson will start. Erickson said earlier in the week that physically Johnson might be the most talented player he’s coached at that position.
Jake Locker has made steady progress as a passer since spring practice. Most observers think he has improved enough to approach a 60% completion ratio if he has adequate protection. One thing Locker does well is throw on the run and that is a good thing because he is going to have to do that a lot this year to help out his offensive line.
Washington's receiving corps is a year older, stronger, wiser and will hit the field with the benefit of better schemes and coaching. Freshman James Johnson has pushed himself into the starting lineup and has been surprising people with his ability to get open and make catches. Keep an eye on James because he is going to be special.
I don't think the LSU pass rush is going to be a big factor in this game. The key matchup will be the Husky receivers getting open against an extremely fast and physical defensive backfield. Yards after the catch may not happen as much as we like because we are going up against some very fast closers.
This week's Pac-10 picks: Central Michigan +13.5, USC/SJSU under 47, Washington +17.5
Feel free to leave your Pac-10 predictions and observations in the comments.
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My hardcore Stanford fan friend actually went to Pullman for today’s game. I will never be so committed to Cal that I go to Pullman.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
I don’t believe that for one second. You’ll go to Pullman at least once in your life.
Praise be to Tedford!
Only if they are good.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 5, 2009 12:57 PM PDT up reply actions
Went last year, I really enjoyed the trip. Helps that the weather was perfect and the game a blowout win.
Go. At least once.
by tmoran3020 on Sep 5, 2009 4:19 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Went in 1998
For Cal’s 1000th game.
We lost 63-some very small number like 14 or something like that.
Football continues!
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 12:49 PM PDT reply actions
GO BEARS!!!!!
I’ll be at the game, cheering my freaking lungs out!!!!!
Let's win one for Nick
WE WILL WIN WITH WHAT WE'VE GOT
I have now seen one play of USC’s new defense, and based on that play I have decided that they suck.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I hope Joe McKnight’s fumblitis spreads to his teammates like swine flu at WSU
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
by norcalnick on Sep 5, 2009 12:57 PM PDT reply actions 1 recs
Oregon St up 24-0 at half
Quiz 15 rush, 60yds
Canfield 8/11, 158yds, 1td
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
How decisively did Canfield beat out Moevao?
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
by rollonubears on Sep 5, 2009 12:58 PM PDT up reply actions
That was a great play by the Oklahoma State defensive back.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:00 PM PDT reply actions
It's getting close to Go Bears! time
Tuned up the bike, ready to start the ride over to Berkeley at 2.
It’s on DirecTV channel 692 for me.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:06 PM PDT up reply actions
Are people really more interested in this game then Georgia-OkSt?
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
I am watching the Oklahoma State game.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:08 PM PDT up reply actions
Matt Barkley’s performance is significantly more important for Cal’s purposes
but Georgia vs. Ok St. is a better game of course.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Damn, he was rocked!
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:08 PM PDT reply actions
Evans hurt himself delivering the hit on Bryant.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:09 PM PDT reply actions
i really, REALLY hate how they had to choose country to be the theme music for college football on abc/espn.
i'm here to clean your pool but i don't have a pool *bowchica bowow*
The USC thread is interesting right now.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:18 PM PDT reply actions
That’s because that’s all there is.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:20 PM PDT up reply actions
It’s afternoon.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:23 PM PDT up reply actions
I wouldn’t even say that high. they barely have 3 points because USC keeps shooting themselves in the foot. For USC to lose they’d have to make mistakes at a higher rate that they did against Stanford
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Let’s hammer Maryland first before we start making comments like that.
by The Hombre on Sep 5, 2009 1:26 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Rec’d entirely. I don’t believe in jinxes whatsoever, but we have to prove we belong first.
All aboard the Jahvid Best rickshaw!
eh, I'm sick of worrying about Cal
I’m just going to enjoy the ride.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
by CBKWit on Sep 5, 2009 1:29 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
You’ve changed, Zombie-CBKWit. It’s like I don’t even know you anymore.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
The aliens scrambled his brain when he was hiking the Pacific trail!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
sort of true, actually
while I was hiking, I decided to stop worrying so much about Cal games and start enjoying them more. My strategy? Drink more beer before the game.
www.californiagoldenblogs.com
I am so freaking glad we opened up with a non-Pac-10 team.
Either way, if our line was inconsistent against BSU, you’re D-line is going to absolutely slaughter us. I need to make sure I’m good and drunk before kick-off.
--AddictedToQuack, SBNation's Oregon Ducks blog
Why did the SJSU punt returner field that kick? It would have easily gone into the endzone.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
i dont have the sc game available here. can someone tell me why reed isn’t playing?
i'm here to clean your pool but i don't have a pool *bowchica bowow*
Hey, we have kids around here.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Why did I pick Nevada to cover the spread?
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:32 PM PDT reply actions
I did not gamble.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions
You mean the Tebow? They ARE going to name it after him, you know.
So, basically, you gotta Go Bears!
so will Tebow win the "Tebow" this year?
"I'm pretty sure I heard Ray Fosse call a run a "point" tonight." - travdog6
McCoy is going to win it this year.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:37 PM PDT up reply actions
Actually when they change the name of the award they are going to stop handing out the trophy. Instead, the winner gets to touch Tebow. Should Tebow ever die (which is debatable), the winner will then be allowed the exclusive opportunity to enter the Tebow shrine.
by The Hombre on Sep 5, 2009 1:36 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Ha, that Georgia guy totally ruined it!
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:35 PM PDT reply actions
Naked bootlegs are hot.
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 5, 2009 1:40 PM PDT up reply actions
Do something positive, Oklahoma State.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:41 PM PDT reply actions
OSU looks like they'll play the second/third team from now on
Quizz finishes 16-103
Canfield 8/11, 158yd, 1td
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
Who’d they play?
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:53 PM PDT up reply actions
I love cupcakes.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:54 PM PDT up reply actions
there's never a wrong thread to curse Randy Winn!
"I'm pretty sure I heard Ray Fosse call a run a "point" tonight." - travdog6
Touchdown, Oklahoma State!
That was sick!
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 1:55 PM PDT reply actions
Allen Bradford for USC
Wow, that guy just ran away from a CB like nothing and I’ve never even heard of him.
They’re going for it?
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 2:05 PM PDT reply actions
Is it just me...
or is the web server totally choking right now?
"Today's weather, excessively violent with a chance of dismemberment. Tune in later for our 5-day forecast!"
~ Three Dog - Fallout 3
It’s acting up for everybody right now.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 2:08 PM PDT up reply actions
It looked like there was a brief hiccup but it’s working fine for me now.
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
Nevermind
It was bad, then fine, then that comment took a minute to post.
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
USC just scored another touchdown to take a 28-3 lead.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 2:08 PM PDT reply actions
Well
Doesn’t look like they’re missing Kristofer O’Dowd then.
I have to wonder how much tOSU was holding back today, while also looking past Navy. For Petey’s sake, I hope they don’t read too much into the result.
USC has definitely been leaving some gaps in the secondary. SJSU just had a 30 yard pass.
Halftime stinks.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 2:19 PM PDT reply actions
Leaving in an hour for the game.
Time for some turtle soup.
"Today's weather, excessively violent with a chance of dismemberment. Tune in later for our 5-day forecast!"
~ Three Dog - Fallout 3
That was a great return!
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 2:30 PM PDT reply actions
I'm actually relieved Michigan is doing well
I have no connection to Michigan, but the criticisms have been such hypocritical BS.
ND on the hand, they can die along with the SEC
I love the camera angle at this OkSt game. I can actually see the receivers (until they zoom into the quarterback’s pupils as he passes)
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
Missouri is owning Illinois.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 2:40 PM PDT reply actions
Touchdown, Oklahoma State!
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 2:41 PM PDT reply actions
Wow.
Instead of concentrating on maximizing one guy’s chance to be as successful as he can possibly be in this game through tailored game planning and a steady stream of reps in practice, you end up increasing the odds that neither can be as effective as he otherwise would have been with a full week’s worth of work and game’s compliment of snaps.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 2:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Ah, read the actual post.
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 5, 2009 3:04 PM PDT up reply actions
The game you've all been waiting for!!!!
FURD-WAZZU STREAM: http://www.justin.tv/sky_high_4
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
Well Wazzu seems to have made incremental improvement from last season
The Furd needed three minutes rather than three seconds to march down the field.
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
Wow, and they went for 2
That’s unknown enthusiasm I’d say!
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 5, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Did they get it?
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 3:11 PM PDT up reply actions
Ya.
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 5, 2009 3:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Am I nuts?
Sometimes I think this USC game is in Hi-Def, and then at other points it appears like a totally standard broadcast.
Does it happen with the same camera angle? Sometimes they only have a couple HD cameras, so some shots are in SD.
Whose domicile? OUR DOMICILE!
Maybe they’re just poor.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 3:22 PM PDT up reply actions
Shellacked.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 3:21 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe Illini fans will realize that no matter how good of a recruiter he is, Zook is a terrible coach.
USC just went 64 yards.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 3:25 PM PDT reply actions
Not a real test this week, we’ll see how they do against the Buckeyes.
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 5, 2009 3:27 PM PDT up reply actions
He is 1-for-1 with five yards passing.
USC just scored a touchdown to make it a 49-3 lead.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 3:28 PM PDT up reply actions
Crap, was it?
Wow, not sure about that call.
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 5, 2009 3:30 PM PDT up reply actions
Oklahoma State is committing too many penalties. They’re approaching 15 of them if they haven’t reached it already.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 3:30 PM PDT reply actions
I think I could have made that kick.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 3:32 PM PDT up reply actions
A touchdown is huge for Oklahoma State here.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 3:33 PM PDT reply actions
So did Tomey just yank Reed for no clear reason, even though he looked pretty good on the first few drives?
Does this make sense in a game that you are certain to lose?
Tomey is lame.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 3:34 PM PDT up reply actions
Touchdown, Oklahoma State!
That’s Dez Bryant’s second of the game.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 3:33 PM PDT reply actions
danzig, think if Monty stayed he’d be the second back behind Best?
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by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 5, 2009 3:40 PM PDT up reply actions
I’m not sure at this point. I thought T-sloc could’ve jumped Vereen, but frankly Shane is pretty good at finding small creases. I think Monty would’ve been the odd man out. You?
Hard for me to tell, since Vereen and Montgomery have similar frames. Might depend on who’s a better goal-line/short-yardage running back.
Contact if you want to chat: bearsnecessities@gmail.com
by Avinash Kunnath on Sep 5, 2009 3:46 PM PDT up reply actions
Damn, that Stanford guy totally owned that Washington State guy after he made the catch. The Washington State defender was totally frozen.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 3:48 PM PDT reply actions
This might have only been Toledo
But Purdue had a 200 yard rusher today. That’s bad news for Oregon next week.
You know
The only bad thing about being a really good team is you have to worry about style points, not enough to just win, we need to look good doing so.
I don’t think style points mean that much this year. We’re not going to the BCS title game and the Pac-10 is probably only getting one team into the BCS. The goal is to win the Pac-10 title outright and go to the Rose Bowl. We know that the SEC basically has a reserved spot in the title game, and the other spot will go to either Texas, Oklahoma, or Ok. St. barring craziness along the lines of the 2007 season. Let’s just win games.
Just came from March to Victory. Good energy, best one since Tennessee.
by tmoran3020 on Sep 5, 2009 4:43 PM PDT via mobile reply actions
Yup.
Mobile commenting available! Keep the conversation going.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 4:44 PM PDT up reply actions
Whole lotta blue too. Some violators (farging rally comm included) but we’re gonna do better than I thought.
by tmoran3020 on Sep 5, 2009 4:47 PM PDT via mobile up reply actions
There have been three turnovers combined in the first 12 minutes and 45 seconds of this BYU-Oklahoma game.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 4:44 PM PDT reply actions
Got you beat
Vandy has fumbled once and Western Carolina twice in the first 4:45 of this game. What’s funny about it is that it’s been in the same 30-35 yard stretch of real estate.
That sounds like an ugly game.
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by Rated-R Superstar on Sep 5, 2009 4:49 PM PDT up reply actions
Vandy finally acts like a D-1 team
Throws a 48 yard TD pass with about 38 of it coming through the air.
Also, and maybe this only appeals to me, but Danny Wuerffel is the color man.