Palms of Victory: Cal beats Fresno State 36-21 in the season opener
by Ohio Bear on Sep 3, 2011 10:27 PM PDT
in California Golden Bears Football
Email
PrintFirst impressions can be lasting. And if that were true of first impressions about the Cal football team after its first offensive series in Saturday's 36-21 season opening win over Fresno State at Candlestick Park, first impressions were -- shall we say -- not good.
Cal began the game on offense. The Bears started with an ugly illegal formation penalty that negated an even uglier incomplete pass on first down. Not an auspicious beginning. And the Bears' second play was even worse! Quarterback Zach Maynard threw his first interception as a Bear on his first official pass attempt as a Bear, putting the Bulldogs in business at the Cal 16-yard line. Less than a minute into the game, the Bears turned it over. And three plays later and less than two minutes into the game, Fresno State had a 7-0 lead. If we'd had a mulligan to use, that would have been a good spot to use it.
From there, however, the game was a different story.
Cal regrouped after the horrendous first possession and answered the Fresno State touchdown with a 12-play, 67-yard drive that gave Cal fans a shot of offense that they haven't had since...since...since how knows when? Highlighted by a 23-yard pass from Maynard to Keenan Allen on a 3rd and 3 and a Will Kapp rush for a first down on 4th and 1 inside the Fresno State 5-yard line, the drive culminated in an Isi Sofele speed run around the left side. The extra point was blocked (oy vey!), leaving Cal behind 7-6, but the presence of offense was a welcome sight.
And the Bears weren't done in the first quarter. Before the quarter ended, the Bears scored touchdowns on three straight possessions, the last two scores coming on a 39-yard run by Isi Sofele (where it appeared Maynard checked off at the line of scrimmage prior to the snap) and a 42-yard touchdown pass from Maynard to Marvin Jones, where Jones caught the ball over the defender, then eluded the tackle to scamper into the end zone. Because of one more blocked extra point, however (oy vey!), Cal's three-touchdown explosion translated to only a 19-7 lead after the first quarter.
Zach Maynard threw for 266 yards and ran for 53 more in his Cal debut.
But Cal couldn't keep the snowball rolling in the second quarter. While the Cal defense held the Fresno State offense at bay, the offense sputtered in its first two possessions of the second quarter. And on the third possession, disaster struck. An errant shotgun snap was picked up by Isi Sofele in the end zone. Trying desperately to avoid the safety, Sofele made the situation even worse: he fumbled the ball, which was recovered by Fresno State for a touchdown. Despite a half of relative defensive dominance by the Cal defense, the Bears found themselves with only a 19-14 lead late in the first half.
And the Bears's own mistakes shot down any chance at extending the lead before halftime. A questionable personal foul penalty on Matt Summers-Gavin for leg-whipping negated a 47-yard catch and run by Allen that would have set the Bears up at the Fresno State two yard line. A holding penalty and two false starts added to the comedy of errors, as the Bears committed four penalties on the drive. For the game, Cal was penalized 11 times for 86 yards -- numbers that would make even Arizona State blush. Such slop is not uncommon for a season opener, especially when playing in unfamiliar confines. But it was still difficult to watch the flags keep raining down onto the Candlestick Park turf. (And Fresno State wasn't immune from it either: the Bulldogs were flagged for 9 penalties, as the teams combined for 20 penalties in the game.)
Trevor Guyton living out the D-lineman's dream: TOUCHDOWN!
The Bears seized control of the game in the third quarter, keyed by the defense's outstanding performance. Fresno State went three-and-out on the first series of the second half, and Cal immediately put seven more points on the board. Cal quickly marched 91 yards on six plays, the big one being a 48-yard run by Maynard on a 3rd-and-6 play from Cal's 13 yard line. Three plays later, Maynard found Jones for the duo's second touchdown hookup of the day, and Cal had breathing room at 26-14.
Later in the 3rd quarter, the defense's relentlessness resulted in points. Cecil Whiteside forced a fumble by Bulldogs' quarterback Derek Carr. Bears defensive end Trevor Guyton scooped it up and returned it 22 yards for a touchdown, Guyton's first career score as a Bear. Cal's lead was 33-14 and the game was basically decided.
Statistically, the numbers reflected the Cal defense's control of the game. Cal gave up only 210 yards in total offense to the Bulldogs, sacked Carr four times, and forced Carr into two turnovers (the aforementioned fumble and a third-quarter interception by Steve Williams). The Bears were solid defensively, tackled well, and yielded only one big play: a 56-yard pass from Carr to speedster Devon Wylie, which was notable for Cal safety D.J. Campbell incredibly chasing Wylie down to save a touchdown. Fresno State, which relied upon a great deal of short passing, found yards after the catch hard to come by.
As for the Cal offense, there was plenty to be concerned with -- penalties, Maynard's low completion percentage, the two bad turnovers, to name a few. But there were also some good things: two 100 yard receivers (Jones and Allen), Maynard's ability to run (more zone read please!), and the Bears' lack of shyness when it came to throwing the ball down the field.
Most importantly, the game was a win. We'll see how Cal builds upon this before next week's game at Colorado. Some guy named Bo Schembechler used to say that a team improves most between its first and second games of the season. Let's hope it's true in this case, as Cal will likely need to play better to win on the road next week.
For now, enjoy this one, Bear fans. It is nice to be 1-0.
507 comments
|
0 recs |
Do you like this story?
Comments
Go Bears!
I lauged, I cried, it was better than cats. Kudos to Scootie for driving, and to since1997 for wearing shorts(!) to the Stick. Kudos to Maynard, Jones and KA21 for some awesome hookups. Too bad the stadium was 40% empty. Half the Fresno State fans were nice, decent people, the other half we barking dicks. But 100% of them were disappointed, which was the most important stat.
Costs STILL assessed against Twist
FWIW, you are a lot younger than I imagined. good meeting you
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
So you’re saying I looked immature??? Harupmf. Must have been the beer and hot dog I was holding.
Costs STILL assessed against Twist
by CALumbus Bear on Sep 4, 2011 11:13 PM PDT up reply actions
We want tailgate details/stories!!!!
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 3, 2011 11:16 PM PDT up reply actions
Soo… drunk… and full… right now… need… to…. get… up at 8 am… to start tasting more wine….
Costs STILL assessed against Twist
by CALumbus Bear on Sep 4, 2011 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions
I am sadz I missed out on seeing you guys. I’ve only met you once and I’ve never met Scootie, Berkrules or Since1997 but I couldn’t find any of you and my Dad and my brother got way too impatient.
In other words, Go Bears!
You gave up WAY too early! Boo!!
Costs STILL assessed against Twist
by CALumbus Bear on Sep 4, 2011 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions
LOL!!
Rec’d and massive props for the SNL reference!
For all you young’uns:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Uaebojaxt3s
CGB: Wasting Your Potential, Your Time, & Your Life Since 2006.
I was at the game and I gotta say, if anything, Maynard is exciting to watch. He’s got a lot of potential and really adds a new dimension that we haven’t seen before. Did you all catch the pistol plays that Tedford has installed? Nuts!!!
There’s definitely a lot to build upon. The defense is solid and I think can keep us in games. The lack of good field position was a killer but we were able to overcome it with some big plays. Special teams are a bit of a concern with not the best performances from Anger in particular.
Did you guys see if the missed extra points were because of bad holds by Mansion? I noticed after the first two that Anger came in to hold for Tavecchio for the rest of the extra points and even the field goal.
Hey, a win is a win, and I’ll take it.
On both blocks, there was a big surge up the middle
But the second one might have been a hold or kick issue — the kick was low. I didn’t really notice that until the replay.
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
Does that mean it stems solely from a bad kick?
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
The projection of the ball needed to be higher and was the main culprit imo but the protection certainly needs some work as well.
Was there ever any explanation for why Anger was holding for Tavecchio?
Seems like a sudden and bizarre change, considering Mansion has been doing it for years.
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer - I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me going."- Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions head coach
I was pretty sure Brock held for the first two and then distinctly heard on the PA announce that Anger was holding on the first successful PAT. On the second miss, I don’t remember any mention of who was holding so I assumed it was still Brock.
Was it the line, Brock or Georgio that had those first two blocked?
/catching up after a long,long day of college football
Fack Muck Brown!!
Anger held for the first 2 PATs, I believe. I can’t speak fo rthe ones after that.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
They wanted someone holding that was threat to pass.
I support the NBA player's union.
by chowder on Sep 3, 2011 11:14 PM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
lolololol
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 3, 2011 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
better question is: why did Anger keep doing those rugby style kicks?
by GoldenBear8933 on Sep 3, 2011 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Why is everyone so convinced that it’s the “rugby style” that is the problem???
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 3, 2011 11:15 PM PDT up reply actions
Because nearly every rugby-style punt he has done has been well short of his traditional punts?
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer - I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me going."- Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions head coach
If it were that simple, why would he be doing them in the first place?
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 3, 2011 11:19 PM PDT up reply actions
NO IDEA..
Which is why we’re always freaking confused..
We want more ANGER SMASH
not more ANGER WANTS TO PLAY FOR CAL RUGBY…
Drew: 'Oh no.. That is certainly the meaty part alright, but it's not the thigh..."
Randy: "No... that bone is NOT connected to the thigh bone..."
www.fearthefin.com - Where masochism is defined.
I rushed the Furd's farm in 2009
www.californiagoldenblogs.com - Where Cal grads prove they learned something.
by SeanCrosby87 on Sep 3, 2011 11:24 PM PDT up reply actions
Didn’t the first two smashes fall far short of their anticipated distances? If I recall, before the rugby punts even started, the normal Anger distance wasn’t there..I was in the stands so I couldn’t see well enough what the cause was. Then he started with the rugby kicks twice? and ended with a decent punt if I recall. I just assume the rugby punts are called for … wouldn’t you want your line rolling with you if you’re going to side-kick it like that?
Fack Muck Brown!!
The rugby punts are teh ones where he rolled out and then kicked, right?
Because Anger was doing that from the start.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Are you sure?
I thought the first ones were straight up punts and the roll-out/rugby ones came later.
Fack Muck Brown!!
Maybe the first one wasnt a roll out.
But it started pretty early into the game.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
What was your experience with the wind at the game yesterday?
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
we were on the west side of the stadium so we were blocked from anything substantial… the parking lot before the game was a different story.
the flags at the north end of the stadium would literally change direction every few minutes though… when we were called for the illegal procedure on the kickoff, the flags started blowing north, giving Giorgio a tailwind but by the time he set up to kick again, they were blowing back in… and there went our shot at a touchback
Fack Muck Brown!!
Do you think that the insanity of the wind had something to do with the punting style?
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Sure, that sounds reasonable, but IMO doesn’t justify the punting style. I don’t recall the Niners taking that approach very often in the last three decades I’ve seen them playing there.
Fack Muck Brown!!
Perhaps that is bc Niners punters practice all day every day there. So, they are more used to it.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
They sure do get a lot of practice punting.
Seriously, are the coaches that convinced/worried that some wind is going to significantly dampen Bryan’s punts that much? It’s not the first time we’ve seen him punt like that so I’m reluctant to stake it solely to the weather.
I’m no physics major, how much does a 20 mph headwind affect a 50 yd punt?
Fack Muck Brown!!
I’m also not a physics major. I honestly don’t know. Im just trying to determine if the wind had some impact on the punting, which is why we did it that way.
It might have been a least worst case scenario situation, yknow?
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
I’m dying to watch the game again.. as per usual the day after going to a game. Now I’m confused.. I could’ve sworn that he had two regular punts before he started the rugbying but now I’m not so sure:
1st punt: 23 yd out of bounds
2nd punt: 36 yd
3rd punt: 44 yd.
4th punt: 38 yd
5th punt: 41 yd
6th punt: 31yd
A 23 yd punt out of bounds screams rugby kick… my mind must be playing tricks. I think we owe it to ourselves to figure out which of these punts were side-footed and which were legit punts (shanked or not)
Fack Muck Brown!!
I’m also not a physics major.
WHAT?!?!?
Official Acceptor of TwistNHook's Unconditional Surrender Person of CGB and Queen of Spite Recs
Yes. I just minored in physics. With a major in quantum mechanics.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
David Seawright was complaining about the rugby style kicks (as was I, vociferously, at the game), so I asked him why we might be employing the strategy. Here’s what he said:
The thought process behind the spread punt is to put better athletes out there for greater coverage. However, it sacrifices protection. If Cal doesn’t like the read of an opponent’s punt block, they can audible to a rugby punt which is much more difficult to block. But when you have the best punter in the country, I see no reason why they don’t offer him the best protection, because with his hang times pretty much anyone can cover his punts.
I wish I knew the answer to that. I cannot figure out why we are using them when the result is often a relatively short punt. I thought we originally installed them to use for short-field punting situations when the goal is to pin the opponent near the goal line. Why we are doing them from deep in our territory is a complete mystery to me.
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer - I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me going."- Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions head coach
Perhaps it has something to do with the wind.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Which body part should I inhabit?
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
wind?
"It's on the ROOF, oh yeah, one hundred PROOF, oh yeah....."
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Sep 4, 2011 7:34 AM PDT up reply actions
I thought the point of the rugby-style punt is to get better coverage downfield. Since there are a few seconds before the punt is punted, it’s like artificial hangtime.
Maybe we have coverage issues? or the wind was reducing hangtime?
Actually our coverage on kicks & punts was pretty good, we’ve made improvements there.
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
Is this a new thing we are doing or just bc of the wind? Thats the questiona nd I dont know if well be able to answer it until the Colorado game.
I didnt feel like we had a lot of success with it. So, if its a new thing that we are doing, I hope Cal reconsiders it.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
better question is: why did Anger keep doing those rugby style kicks?
Because on film, Fresno is very aggressive with attempting to block punts especially against better competition. To Pat Hill, the potential for getting a shorter field or blocking a punt and scoring is better than field position. Fresno was bringing 8-9 guys every time yesterday
You rang? May I help you?
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
Tedford talked about the Rugby Punts
Punter Bryan Anger also had a less-than-average night in the punt game, averaging 35.5 yards on mostly roll-out rugby kicks, designed to combat the Bulldogs’ punt rush.
“These guys come after you pretty hard, and they had everybody up there coming at you,” Tedford said. "So, you just — we didn’t do it all day, but we did it most of the day and that was mainly to move the pocket and get the ball off, and not let them have a chance to block one.
and more on the special teams
“Special teams played fairly well, except for the extra points early in the game,” Tedford said. “That was a — kind of a combination of two things; we had one protection issue, and the other one we didn’t get the ball in the air as far as the kick went right in the back of him.”
Tavecchio was far from sharp on kickoffs, averaging 58.7 yards per drive, almost 10 yards less than his 2010 average.
I support the NBA player's union.
The defensive unit stood out
more than any one individual defender, but that’s because FSU didn’t make them; they didn’t have to. Guys swarmed on the ball, didn’t miss tackles, won their individual matchups — all the things you want to see. It’s when they don’t necessariliy dominate all the match ups and are forced to both make the timely play and compensate for one another will we have a true test of how good or potentially great they can become.
OTHER: MOALA!
One of the plays he was in had me pump pump pumped!
I think it was 3rd or 4th quarter, Moala punches through the center of the Fresno O-Line and is hot on the trail of one of their tailbacks that wanted to take it off the edge to the left.
It looked like Gargamel was finally on the verge of catching one of those god damned elusive smurfs and finally got to take one down and turn them into gold!!!
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 3, 2011 11:27 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
The Bay Area should be ashamed
In the 4th largest metropolitan area in the country, with hundreds of thousands of alumni living nearby, we were playing an incredibly important game for the program (imagine if Cal lost!) and we can only manage to put that many non-Fresno butts in the seats?
The empty shots of Candlestick would suggest that the game was played in Mongolia, not 12 miles from campus!!!
Yes Fresno fans might be mean, yes Candlestick isn’t easy to get to, yes the tickets were expensive, etc.
Over the last few years, it has been fun to criticize Stanfurd for their attendance issues, but seriously Bay Area WTF?
You came to the game too?
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 3, 2011 11:29 PM PDT up reply actions
Meh . . .
I expected this the moment they announced the game. I was there though!!
If it were at Memorial, we would have has 60,000 in attendance.
www.LosAngelesRams.org
CALIFORNIA ANGELS . . . ANAHEIM DUCKS . . . CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
1920 • 1921 • 1922 • 1923 • 1937 • 1947 • 1951 • 1957 • 1959 • 2002 • 2007
by AndyHogan14 on Sep 3, 2011 11:30 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
a LOT of regular stadium attendees were priced out. In addition, going over the Bay Bridge adds a whole new level of painintheass for fans coming from the deep East Bay.
And we simply don’t have enough diehards to fill the stadium, never have probably never will.
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:53 AM PDT up reply actions
i wanted to drive up to the game, but none of my cal friends wanted to drive up. i can feel you on the diehardedness. thank goodness the i’ve got a couple flights up to the bay planned for a few games.
word
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions
my folks left a bit too late, and instead took the San Mateo Bridge (though they were coming from Oakland) just because of traffic issues
"Our hearts shall sing and our voices ring for the dear old Blue and Gold!"
by Joe Bandsmen on Sep 4, 2011 12:10 PM PDT up reply actions
It was a depressing sight
Rally Comm in the worst possible seats, Cal Band all on its lonesome, while all I could hear was the same fucking tune by the FSU band over and over again.
From the Cal side (upper reserve sec 14), I couldn’t see our constituents with the good seats, instead I saw the east side of the stadium packed with red (until they decided to start the long trip back to Fresno of course) and I felt like it was a preseason NFL game. Disparate and disjointed was the feeling.
STILL, the Cal fans rallied like fucking champions.. starting chants, getting loud on 3rd downs… we showed up.. those of us who were there.
Fack Muck Brown!!
I put all this down
to the continued lack of forethought, planning and execution by whomever is responsible for the game day experience…not letting it go…will be on my tombstone!
"It's on the ROOF, oh yeah, one hundred PROOF, oh yeah....."
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Sep 4, 2011 7:37 AM PDT up reply actions
we were sitting right underneath the PA system in the stadium, which probably didn’t help anything. Also the irony of placing us underneath the Stanford Medical sign?
"Our hearts shall sing and our voices ring for the dear old Blue and Gold!"
I’m starting to get annoyed by this also. After I came to Tucson, where I work now, I was surprised to see the student section completely full a half hour before the Cal game (and UA wasn’t even in a good year). What great fans! I thought. Much more into football than Cal students. . .
But then I discovered their first-come-first-serve oversold seating policy. They sell like 30% more season student tickets than there are actually seats. And once the student section is full, they turn away PAYING season ticket holders. That lights a fire under the students to get there early, and that place is ALWAYS packed at kickoff.
I’m not sure ethically this is right—I’d be pissed if I got turned away from a game I paid to attend—but I’d be sure to be there EARLY for the next game. Why can’t Cal think of better ways to get fans in seat than t-shirt giveaways?
Thats kind of a dick move by the Az people. Turning away paying customers seems pretty bad to me.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
I agree its unethical But it got me wondering whether this is the usual practice at all big football schools. Anyone know how student sections work elsewhere?
I’d just like to see some forward thinking strategies for getting butts in seats before kickoff from Cal athletics (no more t-shirt giveaways).
lol as if we could sell out our student section
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Agreed
I felt more like a bowl crowd or an away game – the fans that showed weren’t as crazy as students, but they were far more lively than the usually group of old blues. I was proud to be there. OTOH, with the early departure of Fresno fans, it was a breeze getting out of the ’Stick.
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
Chill. This game will be forgotten. It’s an outlier of an event.
CAL fans got the short end of the stick, literally, for this game. For some inexplicable (but highly predictable) reason, the ATO decided to put the students who got tickets from that anonymous and wonderful donor in the absolutely worse seats they could… OPPOSITE where the band was, in the furthest and highest reaches of Candlestick. Fresno had the luxury of having the better side of the stadium where all the fans were together certainly giving the optical illusion of great numbers, while our fans were split between the upper and lower decks. No doubt Fresno had more people but it wasn’t that many more, and at the end of the day, no one cares. This game was a total outlier. It was handled miserably by CAL Marketing. Actually I would call it marketing malpractice. Everything about it sucked. I had $95 tickets and they SUCKED so we moved to better seats.
Seriously, this game (from a fan perspective) goes in the rear view mirror and we move on.
yup
i had $26 dollar tickets and i’m pretty sure the seats i moved up to were worth at least four times that, according to what people were supposed to be charged for them
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
Palms of Victory
What will we do to the Stanfurdites on that great day?
We’ll celebrate them on that night after we play!
We now declare our hoodoo’s gone, victory is here!
Hit ‘em again boys! Hit ‘em again boys, harder!
Palms of victory, Palms of glory
Palms of victory we shall win
For Cali-California!
Palms of victory, Palms of glory,
Palms of victory we shall win! :D
www.LosAngelesRams.org
CALIFORNIA ANGELS . . . ANAHEIM DUCKS . . . CALIFORNIA GOLDEN BEARS
1920 • 1921 • 1922 • 1923 • 1937 • 1947 • 1951 • 1957 • 1959 • 2002 • 2007
by AndyHogan14 on Sep 3, 2011 11:31 PM PDT reply actions 4 recs
My thoughts
- I don’t ever recall seeing Moala (but I had fucking nosebleed seats) but apparently he did play. Anyone care to put up videos of Moala?
- Camporele play at all?
- WTF Anger is holder?
- Whiteside fumble!? Oh yea!
- Scarlett with some pressure!
- Did Barr, Kealin, Krabs, or Forbes play?
- Who is #49?
- Was Jones hurt? Is he ok?
- Did Jalil play?
- I missed the Cheadle block. Video?
Game thoughts:
- Special teams started out SHIT and got to crap by the end of the game. Fuck rugby style punts.
- Those penalties… WTF
- O-line played better. I have some hope after all.
- Isi… meh. Good few runs and he’s got speed but he can’t run up the middle at all. I want more CJA. I only remember one carry.
- Jones and Allen are boss
- Holy shit Maynard can run!
- Too bad OL holds when he does…
- Maynard played well outside of his first INT and a few dumb throws. But apparently he only had 45% completion rate. Weird it seemed better at the game.
- He is money on 3rd down. What. I never expected that from a Cal QB.
- When FSU started by running screens I thought “oh fuck” but hey we stopped screens!
- Kendricks is boss
- I LOVED DJ Holt’s GTFO tackle/shove at the end.
- DL was a little underwhelming but solid.
In other words, Go Bears!
Didn’t Campo start?
- was Marvin Jones on Special Teams. Someone else on ST (Steve Williams?) wears #1, so Marvin had another jersey that he could put on and take off for ST plays.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 3, 2011 11:43 PM PDT up reply actions
Ugh. #49 was Marvin Jones. Stupid SBN formatting.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 3, 2011 11:44 PM PDT up reply actions
He was trying to avoid the safety and in doing so gave up a TD. I’m sure he didn’t think it would result in a TD, but it wasn’t smart for sure.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 12:36 AM PDT up reply actions
I’d have to see the replay, I don’t think it was a fumble as much as it was a misguided and botched attempt at lateraling it.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 12:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Well, I trust you guys saw it better than I did on my fuzzy internet stream :)
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions
I’m pretty sure he had two hands on the ball—a hat knocked it out. I think he was trying too hard (he was jumping up and away rather than getting down and ekeing out another yard). He wouldn’t have fumbled if that were a normal run.
I think this is from that play
You can see the ball about to get jarred lose from Isi due to the helmet of the tackler.
Credit: Monica’s Dad’s flickr
In other words, Go Bears!
Yeah, I believe I made the same jibe in the open thread :)
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 12:56 AM PDT up reply actions
- Camporeale got plenty of playing time, he’s a starter, after all.
- Anger held on a couple, apparently.
- Krebbs got in, and had a penalty called on him on either a kick or punt return. Clay and Forbes didn’t I know for sure, Barr may or may not have.
- 49 was Marvin Jones, it’s just a tearaway jersey.
- Jones was hurt and went in to the locker room for a little while, but returned in the last couple series.
- Jalil had some playing time as well, I believe.
Yeah, any updates on Jones? It was an arm injury of some sort. I hope it doesn’t linger.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 3, 2011 11:47 PM PDT up reply actions
looked like leg cramps
trainers were stretching him out on the sideline, then he went into the locker room for treatment then came back
Question
Was that actually zone-read/veer and pistol or were we just lining up in that formation and running a pre-determined run?
In other words, Go Bears!
4 SACKS!
Wassup pac-12?
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 3, 2011 11:47 PM PDT reply actions
Hawaii had 7
MARSHAAAAAAALLLLLLL
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer - I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me going."- Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions head coach
by Berkelium97 on Sep 4, 2011 12:05 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
LOOOOOOOOOOOOL
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 12:07 AM PDT up reply actions
From the Ralphie Report open thread:
this line is much, much worse than anything Hawkins put on the field.
much worse
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
...
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 12:18 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I like our trade with colorado!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
This made me LQTM.
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
I'll never forget that post somebody did
here… With Marshall posing in front of the Titanic, in front of the Hindenburg blowing up, etc. Hilarious.
Somebody should revive that one before next week.
by C98 on Sep 4, 2011 6:50 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Here is a collage of phail
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 9:01 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
oh those poor buffs!
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 11:56 AM PDT up reply actions
Hopefully Maynard continues to improve...
… now that Tedford is coaching QBs again
In other words, Go Bears!
We seemed to have a lot of spread formations
Do you guys think this is why we brought in Arroyo, to help coach spread qbing, with Tedford handling the pro-style.
I support the NBA player's union.
Also...
Shame on you Cal fans. Outnumbered by FSU fans in our backyard. Disgusting. Did any students show up? I saw the band and Rally Comm and that’s it
In other words, Go Bears!
We actually had a decent showing, though I was on the upper level so I couldn’t see the number of fans below. Very few students went. Sad, but not surprised by that. Fresno state was definitely louder than us though. If the game had been closer, I would have been a little worried.
Yea. I think if students had showed up (Cal should have really just ate the cost and given tickets to students for free) it would have been great. But I think it will be a different story when we get to AT&T, when it will matter more IMO.
Overpriced tickets and held at a venue that a lot of people do not wish to support is a potent mix for a low turnout.
"Today's weather, excessively violent with a chance of dismemberment. Tune in later for our 5-day forecast!"
~ Three Dog - Fallout 3
You’re the hero we deserve. And you got to witness a win! Worth every penny!
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
There were maybe, MAYBE 20 students outside Rally Comm
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions
I’ve come to accept it. An acquaintance of mine (student) had this as his FB status:
Cal Football…you better not f this up today. I’m tired of heartbreaks. He’s a sophomore. Started in ’10.
Wrong on so many levels
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Tell his fucking ass to get over to SF and support his fucking team. Fuck. Why am I irrationally angry at this?
In other words, Go Bears!
hey…it was no fun supporting the bears during the holmoecaust. seeing half empty memorial. you could start a fire in the student section (which some friend of mine did to gear brought in by opposing fans to mock us in our own student section) and no would notice ’cause there was no one to have noticed.
Because its a thing that exists.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
He was there!!!!
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:54 AM PDT up reply actions
Kids are so entitled these day
Do we not remember the days of the Holmoecaust?
Californian in Exile
by secret ASian man on Sep 4, 2011 6:51 AM PDT up reply actions
I remember the days of Roger Theder. Does that count?
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is
research."
by Auricursine on Sep 4, 2011 8:09 AM PDT up reply actions 4 recs
some of us got raised in it….and then our fellows get confused when we’re so pessemistic
"Our hearts shall sing and our voices ring for the dear old Blue and Gold!"
by Joe Bandsmen on Sep 4, 2011 12:12 PM PDT up reply actions
Last thought I promise!
Maynard needs to stop running backwards! This isn’t a video game!
In other words, Go Bears!
Hah, someone mentioned that during the game, and said they were concerned about getting sacked back there. I said they can only sack him if they catch him first :)
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 3, 2011 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions
Maybe. Fresno State has some very fast guys. Apparently one of their WRs (Wiley I believe his name was) runs a 4.25 forty.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 3, 2011 11:59 PM PDT up reply actions
There’s no way in hell that’s true. I’m sure DJ Holt is fast, but he’s not Best fast. That 4.25 is the fakest 40 time I’ve ever heard.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Barry Tompkins and Pawlawski were really hyping Wylie’s speed on the broadcast as well. While they were doing this DJ Campbell ran him down from behind rather easily.
At least they were consistent enough to say that DJ Campbell’s play was impressive.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 12:12 AM PDT up reply actions
If you showed me that play and asked me what the WR’s 40 time is, I would have guessed somewhere between 4.45-4.5
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Hey RR
It worked! He ran backwards and threw the ball away! No harm!
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
very special
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 3, 2011 11:56 PM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
lulz!
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:26 AM PDT up reply actions
My real last thought
I’m liking the new playcalling.
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Sep 3, 2011 11:57 PM PDT reply actions 2 recs
I especially liked going for it on 4th in the first quarter when we were still scoreless. Last year Tedford would have just settled for FG.
2009 Tedford would have taken a knee on 2nd down and settled for a FG on 3rd down. Last year Tedford would have called the Wildcat 3 plays in a row, even on 4th down
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Was at the game today. Despite getting stung by a hornet while waiting for the bus (hurt like a b*itch, btw), I left satisfied. We didn’t get embarrassed, Maynard played well, as did the defense. I’m very worried about the running game though. I was expecting more from CDJ. Isi played well, but I think some his problems were related to the O-line. Zach got pretty good protection though overall. And yes, special teams were just that—special. Though Giorgio did have that nice ~40 yd field goal. That was nice to see after the first two missed PATs.
first twomissedblocked PATs.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 12:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Despite getting stung by a hornet
You can commiserate with Beaver fans!
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
Damn you nick!
Official Acceptor of TwistNHook's Unconditional Surrender Person of CGB and Queen of Spite Recs
SACRAMENTO!
Official Acceptor of TwistNHook's Unconditional Surrender Person of CGB and Queen of Spite Recs
Despite getting stung by a hornet
Are you sure you weren’t at the Oregon State game by mistake?
Official Acceptor of TwistNHook's Unconditional Surrender Person of CGB and Queen of Spite Recs
After watching CDJ yesterday, I would say he’s going to move down the depth chart once CJ Anderson gets more experience. CDJ is terrible in pass protection and I have no idea why he didn’t keep his feet on the ground when he got that carry down by the goal line in the 1st qtr.
I did notice Sofele looked really good in pass protection.
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
Yes! That’s one thing I loved about him. He should be in on obvious passing downs
In other words, Go Bears!
(If he were to get demoted down the order to 3rd string or less) he should be in on obvious passing downs to provide extra protection to the QB.
If not, well then he’ll obviously be in on other plays as well.
In other words, Go Bears!
What I meant is you don’t want a running back in for obvious passing downs, if they’re in the game they have to be able to pass protect and also run the ball, so we aren’t predictable. And I think he can handle the job, the line just needs to give him a crease.
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
I don't think that's the way it works either
You don’t empty out the backfield just because it’s 3rd and 10. Maybe you go four wide shotgun and Sofele can either pass protect, run the draw, or run a checkdown route. Like Forsett up in Seattle.
Unless I’m just completely misunderstanding what you’re saying.
"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
we won, which is all that matters
but it wasn’t the best day for the pac12 overall. USC barely holds off Minny, OSU loses to SacState, UCLA loses ( but I think they look better than last year), Washington barely holds on against an FCS school. And probably worst of all Oregon loses on a big stage AGAIN. Not to mention Utah not looking that great on Thursday.
What did i tell you...didn't I say they would win? Yeah that's right I did didn't ? Wait.. what? They LOST?!?!?
fuck the other pac12 teams, i want to go to the rose bowl. stop rooting for our enemies
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
by GoldBlooded on Sep 4, 2011 10:49 AM PDT up reply actions 3 recs
Are people give aid and comfort to our nation’s enemies? We cant let the terrorists win!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
That was easily the most grammatically correct comment Ive ever made here!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Who cares about America, I’m all about Berkland! WE MUST DESTROY THE ENEMIES OF BERKLAND!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Had a good time myself.
Sat in a section plagued by a woman who would not shut her trap, though. She eased off as the game went on, but early on when the team wasn’t doing so hot she went off on baseless tirades that were SO DAMN ANNOYING.
I was ready to dial that “report a fan” number that was advertised in the park.
"Today's weather, excessively violent with a chance of dismemberment. Tune in later for our 5-day forecast!"
~ Three Dog - Fallout 3
MAJOR Cal fan.
She kept saying silly things like, “WE’RE BREAKING UP, BEARS” “YOU’RE KILLING ME, BEARS,” so on and such.
But damned if they didn’t get really freaking annoying!
"Today's weather, excessively violent with a chance of dismemberment. Tune in later for our 5-day forecast!"
~ Three Dog - Fallout 3
We had a great turnout of Cal fans at the local sports bar – some issues with the slingbox but we got it working just in time to see Sofele take it in for the touch. I’ll post a photo as soon as I can figure out how to anonymize it – I think I’ll tilt shift it so everyone is blurry
by LeonPowe on Sep 4, 2011 8:39 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Rocky63215 is a woman?
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
You’re blowing my cover, Ohio Bear!]
Official Acceptor of TwistNHook's Unconditional Surrender Person of CGB and Queen of Spite Recs
OH NOE, I LEFT MY BRACKET OPEN. I’M DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO
Official Acceptor of TwistNHook's Unconditional Surrender Person of CGB and Queen of Spite Recs
Worst. Cover. Ever.
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
I was ready to dial that "report a fan" number
oh that would have been hilar!
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Whoo!!!! Go Bears!!!
Disappoint that I didn’t go to the game (first season opener I’ve didn’t go to since graduation.)
But yay! We win! Good day at the pool in the Hollywood Hills. Good day. Pool party con football viewing. All Cal and $C folk. One lolcla guy that was mercilessly mocked. Really hoped that sc would throw it away in the 2nd.
Pump that Sunshine! 100% winning percentage!
Despite a 7am Sunday morning kickoff
We had about 18 alumni out at the viewing party at Big Bamboo here in Shanghai. Plus one via What’s App getting play by play in Delhi and one in Taipei.
I suspect fewer will show up next week though when its 3:30am.
Kendricks was everywhere, so I voted for him.
Nanyang Road behind the Shanghai Center/Portman ritz carlton
by LeonPowe on Sep 4, 2011 8:41 AM PDT via mobile up reply actions
Nice start! Some scattershot thoughts
-Maynard was a joy to watch. He wasn’t spectacular, but what a fun QB! Is he gonna run? Is he gonna pass? Is he gonna RUN THEN PASS?!?!?!?! Who knows!? Either way I’m totally excited for the rest of the season at QB.
-Our D is very good. LB’s did a great job. Secondary had a few blips but otherwise were solid. RB had nowhere to run. QB felt pressure.
-Best wideouts since 2007
-OLine. As in Oh Line. As in “OH GOD” Line. Ok so pass pro was pretty decent, but run blocking was par or subpar. And the penalties! Wow! Did they forget the snap count? Did they know the snap count? Do they know what a snap count is in general? Does Galas actually practice shotgun snapping or is it part of the plan to just hurl it through his legs like an Irish Setter digging for gophers?
-This could be the 6 consecutive NFL-caliber backs talking, but I’m not super impressed with Sofele. He’s not that fast or that shifty or that hard to tackle, and every time he touched the ball I was scared in the same way that I was scared when Riley touched the ball. Like scared that he’d run into someone and literally blow up (literally), and god knows what happens to the ball.
-Special teams need work. Lots of work. In every facet.
-The crowd was tiny and we were definitely outnumbered, or at least split evenly, with FSU fans. Coming out of the tunnel initially, it seemed like the players were like “YEAH! YEAH! FOOTBALL! CAL! HERE WE ARE EVERYONE!!! …..People?! Hello? Uh where the fuck is everyone…”
-FSU fans were not that bad at all, or at least not as bad as painted by BI/Scout/here, who were basically warning of cross-eyed people in overalls riding in on rape tractors fueled by natty and meth, pelting people with freshly dug onions or something to that effect.
-Even though the crowd was small, I feel like we were extra spirited. I think this has to do with the fact that only the true blue die-hards showed up. The fairweathers, complainers, and ne’er-do-wells stayed at home.
-Overall a great day. Cal football, decent offense, Cal football, a quarterback, Cal football, tailgatin, CAL FOOTBALL!!!!!!!!!!!!
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:43 AM PDT reply actions 4 recs
FSU fans were not that bad at all, or at least not as bad as painted by BI/Scout/here, who were basically warning of cross-eyed people in overalls riding in on rape tractors fueled by natty and meth, pelting people with freshly dug onions or something to that effect.
Smiles
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
by TwistNHook on Sep 4, 2011 12:45 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Despite how badly I don't want to say this...
…. I have to sadly admit that Sofele sucks. He is not Pac-12 caliber. Definitely not for a school that calls itself Runningback U.
His 39yd run or the 1st TD is purely a factor of good blocks and his speed over a WAC defense.
I want more CJA
In other words, Go Bears!
by royrules22 on Sep 4, 2011 12:46 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
I do remmber that CDJ missed a wide open TD that dropped off his fingers.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Ehh it seemed as if it was a little too far from him.
On the other hand Marv had a uncharacteristic drop.
In other words, Go Bears!
Marv’s spins were SO AWESOME!!!!!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
He should have layed out for that one. He wouldn’t have gotten the TD, but it would have been a 20+ yard reception and a first down.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 1:01 AM PDT up reply actions
That was such a great play call.
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
He definitely does not suck! Don’t say that. He just may not be up to the level of his forebears (no pun intended), but those are tremendous shoes to fill.
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:50 AM PDT up reply actions
Probably an over reaction but he is just not at the level of a starting RB in a BCS school.
In other words, Go Bears!
You? An emotional overreaction? You dont say~!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
To be fair I’ve been pretty calm this year. Just a few instances.
But I’m so not sold on Isi.
In other words, Go Bears!
I’m “sold” in the sense that I think we know what he is. He will certainly not be a huge disappointment, I think he is a solid B/B+ RB.
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:55 AM PDT up reply actions
Really? I don’t get that feeling.
Mainly because if he gets some good blocking, sure he will get us some yards (even a long TD). But when the blocking is non-existent or even mediocre he won’t do crap. He gets taken down on first contact.
Even Best (who people complained didn’t do anything without blocking) could churn out some 3-4yd runs when needed.
In other words, Go Bears!
Sure he is. Not every BCS school has a star RB.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 1:01 AM PDT up reply actions
I feel like salary_cap and Maynard from the other post game thread except with Isi lol…
In any case I too hope that Isi proves me wrong but unless he can get us 3-4yds consistently (or semi-consistently), I’ll call it a disappointment. Especially when Gould is the coach.
In other words, Go Bears!
Look, I’m not particularly excited or bullish about Isi myself. I agree with a lot of what you’re saying. I don’t think he’s going to be the same caliber of back as Vereen or Best or Lynch or Forsett.
However, he is certainly a capable enough D-I back, he will have plenty of good plays, and there is plenty of talent behind him, so I’m going to hold off on worrying about the RB position. I think Isi will be an asset, even if it’s perhaps not as big an asset as we’ve had in the recent past at Cal.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 1:09 AM PDT up reply actions
I don’t expect him to be any better than the previous RBs. I guess it’s just a deep seated wish that any Gould coached RB should be able to get at least a few yards most of the time and not get dropped like a sack of potatoes on first touch.
I would be very glad to proven an idiot by Isi.
In other words, Go Bears!
I am hoping that Maynard’s mobility and desire to tuck and run on zone read plays can off-set Sofele. I have never been impressed with any of the hype surrounding the kid, and after seeing him as the #1, I am hoping that our #2 begins to quickly push Sofele.
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is
research."
Maynard was a joy to watch. He wasn’t spectacular, but what a fun QB! Is he gonna run? Is he gonna pass? Is he gonna RUN THEN PASS?!?!?!?! Who knows!? Either way I’m totally excited for the rest of the season at QB.
omg omg omg THIS!
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 12:57 AM PDT up reply actions
riding in on rape tractors
LOL wtf???
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 1:00 AM PDT up reply actions
Maynard was a joy to watch. He wasn’t spectacular, but what a fun QB! Is he gonna run? Is he gonna pass? Is he gonna RUN THEN PASS?!?!?!?! Who knows!? Either way I’m totally excited for the rest of the season at QB.
Well, in case there was any doubt, we know that Spazzy and salary cap are not the same person.
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
Has anybody seen them in the same room?
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
-FSU fans were not that bad at all, or at least not as bad as painted by BI/Scout/here, who were basically warning of cross-eyed people in overalls riding in on rape tractors fueled by natty and meth, pelting people with freshly dug onions or something to that effect.
That’s still how I imagine Texas A&M fans.
"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
Although I was unable to attend this game, I was able to watch large chunks. It seemed to m that the Cal defense played really well and the Cal offense was inconsistent. The offense scored 3 TDs in the first quarter and then seemed to sputter for the next quarter and a half or so.
The Cal D seemed really good. They’d give up a play or two, but overall kept things under control. They only really gave up 14 points. One TD was on a SUPER short field. The other TD was after the game was essentially decided.
Obviously, we’ve had a lot of big early season victories and then felt great while we watch the season collapse before our eyes. However, given so many of the question marks on teh team, it’s good to at least see the team in action. TYes, the game prolly coulda been like 50-7 if Cal doesn’t shoot itself in the foot with penalties and turn overs. But let’s get the kinks out early, build something,a nd hopefully hav ea good season.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
seemed to sputter for the next quarter and a half or so.
I can see how it seemed like this, but I think it was the penalties talking. The last drive of the 2nd half I think we gained like 150 yards, no joke, sans penalties. We were very effective in moving the ball. There was ample clutchness, too.
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:45 AM PDT up reply actions
thank you
I really think this was a factor…did you see how the flags were blowing in different directions, and at times the refs were almost getting blown over…very gusty on the filed from differing directions
"It's on the ROOF, oh yeah, one hundred PROOF, oh yeah....."
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Sep 4, 2011 9:43 AM PDT up reply actions
Those penalties certainly were frustrating. We had one HUGE pass play called back on what appeared to be a totally phantom leg whip?
But the penalties still count as the offense sputtering. Its all part of the sputtering magic! So, I hope we can fix that.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
It was called as tripping but my seats were quite far and I missed what actually happened. Does someone who watched on TV want to fill us in?
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:51 AM PDT up reply actions
It looked like a phantom call to me. The replay indicated to me that the OLine man fell over while blocking the guy. He sorta fell on his back and spun around with his legs up in the air. Maybe it was an intentional leg trip dealie. But it looked more like the lineman fell on his back and was moving and his legs just sorta were in teh guys way.
I onyl saw the relpay once, though.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
The lineman (Schwartz?) did a cut block. Looked totally legal to me.
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 1:03 AM PDT up reply actions
It was MSG
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
If you are on facebook tonight and you have many Cal friends (as we all prolly do), many of your friends have statuses about the Bears.
Facebook has a new thing that tries to collate like statuses. Its a great idea, in my view. But my facebook feed says like “So and So and 17 of your friends are talking abut teh Chicago Bears”
NO, THEY AREN’T! WRONG BEARS, FACEBOOK! DONT YOU KNOW THE SOUTH BAY IS BEAR TERRITORY!!!!!!!!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Facebook Offices are in the South Bay.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
palo alto?! i’d still call it the peninsula, but, that is because my view of the peninsula makes it seem more important than it probably is
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
I dunno. Its all South Bay down there.
Either way, Facebook should know better. NOBODY CARES ABOUT THE CHICAGO BEARS!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Coach Mike Blasquez
Has my vote. The sampling may be small, but the players’ physicality seem dramatic. Marv stiff-arming a CB out of bounds. Kapp going after yd. CJ Anderson & Sofele picking up blitzes. DJ Campbell chasing down 4.25s 40 speed. Kendricks flying all over the field. DJ Holt, Josh Hill, Cheadle laying out vicious hits. This could be one of the more physically prepared team we will witness.
#Dominate
by solarise on Sep 4, 2011 12:56 AM PDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs
Kudos to Coach Blasquez!
Thus far, the players, coaches, and Cal focused sports writers give great credit to the new fitness program for the likelihood of these student athletes’ success.
by Lee O. Welter on Sep 4, 2011 7:25 AM PDT up reply actions
Agreed on Cheadle...
…as I haven’t seen one get that vicious until the end of Brooklyn’s Finest.
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is
research."
One thing I loved about Maynard
He seems to be full of confidence. He takes charge and he plays as if it’s his team. I’m lovin’ it.
In other words, Go Bears!
He certainly seemed unphased by throwing an interception in his first pass as a Bear. That he was able to come right back out and lead the offense downfield (while converting several third-and-longs) was very impressive.
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer - I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me going."- Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions head coach
yup
it’s been a while since i actually had faith in a Cal QB getting the ball back after a pick. I’ll admit, I was nervous before that second serious but my confidence quickly increased as I watched Zach adjust. The third down conversions were just heavenly if you ask me…I’ve been so used to writing off third downs or expecting forced passes that turn into picks. I sure hope the confidence lasts more than a few more games
Fack Muck Brown!!
Wasnt that technically his 2nd pass as a Bear? I think he missed a short pass on the 1st pass.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
good point. I had forgotten about that penalty. Illegal formation, IIRC
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Hit him right on the hands after he had to get his head around and contort to find the ball at all. Not a good throw.
"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
Hit him right on the hands after he had to get his head around and contort to find the ball at all. Not a good throw.
What play were you watching?
Guess I remembered it wrong. Stand corrected. Maynard was actually leading Sofele upfield, nice touch.
"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
You are 100% correct.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Lol Fresno fans
First of all let me say that the pre game experience at Candle Stick was just awesome…but this game wasn’t even close..we didn’t even compete…the worst part about the game was all the Cal fans just smiling as they left game like..“who’s laughing now…”….truly pathetic…
I was smug!
But really, this game was lost before it even started with our offensive game plan. Hill/Grady went in with their typical “play not to lose” gameplan and we got our typical results. Not sure how much more of this they expect us to endure.
Sound familiar?
In other words, Go Bears!
HAHAHA
At least you didn’t have to hear them singing that damn song everytime they scored. blah2
Seriously!?
In other words, Go Bears!
Hmm, what song?
California Golden Bears: 2nd place is nothing to sneeze at!
by atomsareenough on Sep 4, 2011 1:10 AM PDT up reply actions
Here's some more koolaid
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 11:52 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
From the same thread
If Wylie is supposed to be “The fastest player in school history” , that Cal DB had no problem catching him from behind.How many more of those guys does Cal have ?
So much for that.
Cal fans just smiling
HOW DARE THOSE BRUTES SMILE AT US POST MATCH
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 1:13 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Hilarious that these guys can’t even come up with more ingenious ways of putting down the opposing fans.
Not even a ‘fuck’
In other words, Go Bears!
Guilty as charged, at least I didn’t go around “meowing” at Fresno fans as one Cal fan did.
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
I TOLD YOU THAT IN CONFIDENCE!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
by TwistNHook on Sep 4, 2011 10:35 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I thought that Derek Carr was the best player of all time….IN PRACTICE
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
PRACTICE!
"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
Shit. Practice!
"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
Ahahahahahaha
We convert 3rd downs for teh lulz
They were converting thirds at will… they converted a third and TWENTY-EIGHT at one point, and we couldn’t get one damn yard.
I don’t think I even want to watch the slaughter that’s going to ensue next week in Nebraska.
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 8:29 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
so one of my boys married an oregon girl
and is now an oregon fan…(didn’t go to cal, went to ucsb)
i’m getting a kick at posting this on his fb.
One thing about the Fresno fans
Man they shut up quickly. And the Cal fans brought the noise when needed (though obviously it wasn’t enough)
In other words, Go Bears!
Zach Maynard
Sorry to spoil the celebration, but I was deeply concerned with Zach Maynard’s play today. I was at the game yesterday (upper section 20, anyone?) and I couldn’t help but notice how late and inaccurate Maynard was with his throws. I think even KA was frustrated with him on couple plays.
More specifically:
(1) Maynard’s passes are almost like lobbed passes. They just take so long to arrive at the destination that it’s a wonder how he didn’t get picked off more.
(2) I seem to recall players saying how Maynard would anticipate where the receiver would be. This didn’t seem to be the case from what I saw. I saw Maynard throw late and almost had to cringe every time a db was right next to the receiver when the ball arrived.
(3) Inaccuracy. Couple of throws in the 3rd or 4th quarter when he was throwing it to double covered receiver, only to throw it over their head. Another time, he had the receiver wide open and yet couldn’t connect. (Maybe 3rd quarter, but can’t be too sure).
Sure he won his first CAL game, but I applaud the defense more than the offense. Here’s hoping that it was his first game jitters and he still needs to digest the offense.
Sorry if no one else saw it this way. It’s just the way I saw it. I’m not trying to be a killjoy. I’m actually very happy that we won.
I just had a chance to read up a little on Maynard and people seem to think he did a good job. Hey, if everyone think so, I’ll just say I may have been overreacting.
You should take a peek at the postgame thread. There are differing views on Maynard’s play.
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
I don't know if he's "deeply concerned"
But Coach Tedford definitely sees room for improvement
On QB Zach Maynard:
“I think he would say he wishes he would play better. It was good for him seeing game speed; this was his first live play. He didn’t have any delay of game calls – he handled the clock well. He made good decisions, except the first ball. I’m not sure what happened there. After that, he threw the ball when he needed to. He made some plays with his legs to get us out of bad field position – we had bad field position all day. He made some big throws and some big runs. After the first pass, he just shook it off. Early in the game he was playing a little fast, but as the game progressed he calmed down. He adds a dimension to the offense, being able to run the ball around. Overall he played okay. He missed a couple balls, but also made a great play down the middle of the field to Marvin (Jones). He slid to his left (out of the blitz) and threw it right on the money. There is a lot of room for improvement, but all in all we are 1-0.”
On the passing game:
“(Maynard) has a lot of confidence in the receivers, obviously in Keenan (Allen, his half brother). He has been working with Marvin (Jones) a lot. There is a lot of improvement to be had. We will enjoy this one and go back to work on Monday.”
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
Tedford (as usual) is right, good first start with lots of room for improvement. But I’m cautiously excited.
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
Tedford (as usual) is right
And I’ll take “Things Solely Said At California Golden Blogs” for 400 now, Alex
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
No, I’m more making a joke about the reputation that we have. As Sunshine Pumpers. People savage Tedford so much that somebody saying “Tedford (as usual) is right” sounds straight from the CGB playbook. As other sites, based upon stereotypes and reputations, it’d be “Tedford (as usual) is wrong’.”
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
cugel, you are telegraphing all of your posts, you need to mix it up sometimes
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
Would you say that Cugel is blogging not to lose?
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
hey, your opinion is as valuable as any of ours here. None of us are QB mechanics experts etc, so we’re all just expressing how we feel after the game.
There were definitely some problems with Maynard’s play. He seemed to miss short throws early in the game. Longer throws stayed up there a hair more than necessary.
But its all game 1. And he hadnt played in 2 years. Yknow, its just like I was satisfied with the starting point after seeing that game. Large parts of the team have improvements to make. Its how all teams are after game 1.
At least we arent Auburn, right??
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
PS I totally thought you ewre ManBearCal for a while.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
I’m cautiously optomistic about Maynard. Mobile, decent arm, made some nice throws. What really concerns me is that watching the game on TV, he seemed to lock in on his target every time. The announcers at one point mentioned that he looked off the safety on a play…uhhhh no, I didn’t see it. So that is my big worry about him going forward, hope he proves me wrong.
He is still shaking off the rust so I’m not too concerned about his accuracy just yet. Overall, a decent start.
Inspiring and completing since1997 since2010!
agreed
my untrained eyes from section 32 saw the same thing…he seemed locked
"It's on the ROOF, oh yeah, one hundred PROOF, oh yeah....."
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Sep 4, 2011 9:51 AM PDT up reply actions
Totally saw him make several reads MANY times during the game. I feel like he definitely did not lock on.
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:07 PM PDT up reply actions
You now how Riley had “his routes”, and we as fans had a good sense which throws would be complete/incomplete? I think the same was true for Maynard. Curls/comebacks, especially along the sideline, when Maynard had a chance to really zip the ball in there… he was pretty money. Balls where we had to lead the receivers, especially right to left, he was usually a bit late / threw behind the receivers. That is probably the “touch” that salary_cap and a few others spoke of in the postgame thread. Hopefully he will work on that touch (or anticipating the break and throwing earlier)!
Deposed (and recently graduated!) #1 Indian
Man-Bear
I disagree, while he didn’t look super sharp, and make some overthrows at missed some open receivers, he threw with great velocity at times, and touch at others, he’s got the tools, just needs to improve and make fewer mistakes. Remember the wind – he’s not Steve Young yet.
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
DOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOM
THE SEASON IS OVER! THE SEASON IS OVER
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
What Zach Maynard brings to the Bears
Though not an Aaron Rodgers (yet) nor just a Denard Robinson or Colin Kaepernick, Zach Maynard demonstrates skills which are good enough to bring surprising success. Like Kaepernick’s performance against the Bears last year, his running threatens to surprise some good defenses. His resilience should bring out the best in the offense: a great team performance will overcome minor deficiencies and overshadow sparks of individual brilliance.
Agreed. Maynard certainly wasn’t 100% with accuracy out there. But I think his running component, something we haven’t had in a long time, will be a headache for opposing defenses.
I think that Isi’s long TD run in the 1st quarter was based partially on the D cheating up bc of Maynard’s running ability. I think that if we can establish the long bomb threat with Maynard-Jones or Maynard-Allen, its really going to open the offense up. The defenses wont be able to handle all aspects of this offense, if executed correctly. Of course, thats the key. Execution!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
by TwistNHook on Sep 4, 2011 8:08 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Video of Allen/Jones at the podium after the game. What’s up with Allen’s outfit? Those glasses!!!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
…and this from a man who wears natty scarves???
"It's on the ROOF, oh yeah, one hundred PROOF, oh yeah....."
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Sep 4, 2011 9:58 AM PDT up reply actions
Natty scarves? Is that like Natty Ice?
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Keystone scarves are great, I bet!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
I’m not wild about Keenan’s facial hair, but the glasses are awesome. Marvin is seriously styling there.
Every day he's shufflin'!
Anyone know of a good Internet stream available for future games? I couldn’t find one yesterday and had to listen on the radio. Stupid east coast.
by USAFGoldenBear on Sep 4, 2011 8:02 AM PDT via mobile reply actions
I dont know of good streams off the top of my head, but usually if you come by the pre-game or 1st quarter thread, there are people with links to streams. They often seem to emerge 30 minutes prior to game time. I dont understand the internet. Nobody does, really.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Thanks and thoughts
Thanks to those who made it to our modest “tailgate.” It was small, it was hard to find, it was surrounded by intellectually-inferior people in red. For those who couldn’t find us, I apologize: the “blue tent” we were counting on as a landmark was taken down prematurely and my pooPhone decided to stop sending texts some time around 3:00. We missed you and I hope you didn’t spend too much time meandering through the sea of red.
The game:
1. I had a blast despite the craptastic atmosphere; more empty seats than the eye could tolerate, poor to sub-par field conditions (the midfield football logo?), wind (but I expected that), etc. While the Band and RallyComm were inexplicably quartered off like lepers in terrible sections, those of us in the upper reserve kept it real…real blue n gold. Tons of “Go Bears” cheers initiated, a lot of noise on defense (especially third downs) and a veritable Student Section atmosphere among a few thousand (obviously) alumni made for a great experience. In the middle of the third quarter when we watched hordes of FSU fans file out of the (likely overpriced) east-sideline section, we all shared a collective pride that we didn’t resort to pessimism after the first, ill-fated series two plays. Despite the overwhelming Dawg presence and the same fucking song over and over from the FSU band, we killed it on the west side upper reserve.
2. O-line, the big question mark heading into the season. It seemed like Zach had time.. even if his passes were off the mark, which they often were, it didn’t look like he was hurrying them. The interception looked at first like the worst pass I’ve ever seen but I’ve come to believe that it was a blown route. Considering the accuracy of most of his subsequent passes, it’s hard to believe he could miss a receiver four feet in the wrong direction. When he was hurried, he scrambled like the quarterback I’ve been waiting for.. he’s quick, he shows solid awareness of the defenders around him and he knows when to throw it away.. more on Zach later — The o-line opened up holes for Isi. Poor kid..if he listens to the media..keeps being told he’s no Marshawn or Jahvid or Shane but he looked fine to me. Aside from the endzone snafu, when he got the rock he kept his little legs movin’, he exploded through the holes and he made a couple blocks. I was pleasantly surprised with the o-line’s work in this game.
3. The defense: stout. 210 total yards, 68 rushing. They were all over everything, allowing only two plays over 20 yards. Just where we expected them to be.. not much more to say except they held FSU to 2-14 on third down conversions. Yes please.
4. Play-calling back again. Could everyone else tell that Jeff had his hands on some reins in this game? There were second down plays (after first down plays I didn’t exactly agree with) where I was surprised when I saw the formation…and pleased! For years I’ve felt that the Cal playbook was too predictable, and if I could see what was coming, how could a defensive coordinator not? I watched FSU’s defense off-balance on several occasions and it was nice.
5. Zach: yes yes yes. He wasn’t perfect by any means but he was a fresh of breath air. Mobility, evasiveness, speed, a tight ball and confidence. He didn’t hesitate for a second after the first series. When he was pressured he got away, when he had time he made good decisions, when he ran he RAN! I’ve been asking for a QB with these tools for years. Sure, he needs to work on the long ball but he even had some success there. His line could have been better… a few passes should have been caught. He really fires it in there, which I like.. there were a couple milliseconds where I thought INT but he gets the ball there quick enough that it’s hard for any defender to get on it… I’m confident Marvin and Keenan will continue to adjust to his ball speed.
6. Lastly, miscellaneous.
-Holding then two false starts (then “subtract 10 seconds…it’s a new rule this year” by the ref)… wtf? 2nd and 25 should never happen regardless. Going for it on 4th and 17 after that.. this was handled poorly in terms of the clock but I like the idea behind it… it’s new. -Tavecchio… Brock was holding the first two right? Then Anger comes in and it all works out? This confounds and intrigues me… I need to know more.
-Only 4 receivers? 16 completions were shared with 4 receivers… I love the production from Allen and Jones but shouldn’t we be spreading the ball out some more? I can’t say I remember the targets on the incompletions (Isi must have had one pass look right?) but I think we need to spread the ball out more if we’re going to keep defenses guessing. Is this just Zach’s reliance on his go-to guys more than play-calling?
-The song I was singing (belting) while leaving the Stick:
“It’s a long drive back to Fresno/ while you’re wearing all that red/ did you win, no I don’t think so/ at least you don’t live in Merced/
It’s a long drive back to Fresno/ in your brand new Chevrolet/ tell your buddies at the Walmart/ that the Bears are here to stay!”
It just came to me and kept singing it all night.
Cheers to 1-0, Go Bears!
Fack Muck Brown!!
by Berkules on Sep 4, 2011 8:19 AM PDT reply actions 1 recs
"It’s a long drive back to Fresno/ while you’re wearing all that red/ did you win, no I don’t think so/ at least you don’t live in Merced/
It’s a long drive back to Fresno/ in your brand new Chevrolet/ tell your buddies at the Walmart/ that the Bears are here to stay!"
Number one fan of Justin Bieber being the number one fan of the Dodgers, and not the [2010 World Series Champion] Giants.
by Spazzy Mcgee on Sep 4, 2011 12:15 PM PDT up reply actions
At least one Oregon fan wants Belloti back.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
My quick observations:
1) Isi got rocked on a number of hits. He was also quick with cuts and such in the open field, but when a guy got to hit him, his smaller size meant he went flying. That gives me a bit of concern for the future. He can’t break those tackles like Marshawn. Can he sustain the wear and tear? That said, decent job.
2) I liked Maynard’s smooth flow. Yes, he delivered a few balls off target, but I see lots of good things down the road. Was surprised at his mobility. I mean, it was completely advertised – I just haven’t seen that in a Bears uniform. Ever. Looking forward to more.
3) Way too many penalties. Obviously. But they weren’t just the holding type. They were the type that shows the kids don’t know formation, snap count, etc. Yikes!!!
4) Exciting to see so many new bodies on Defense, as we had expected! More fun to come.
5) Tavecchio… Still way short on many kickoffs. Sad that Ben can’t bring in 1 big foot. I mean, hold open tryouts. How large is our student body???
6) DJ Campbell. Just heard Tedford say on a show that he was neck and neck with Conte for the starting spot last year, and they gave it to Conte, who then went pro. If Conte went pro, then I’m saying DJ can, b/c he was NUTS in chasing that dude down, and also made a nice tackle on a kickoff that I saw. Confidence for me there.
I mean, hold open tryouts.
Isn’t that how we got Giorgio?
His kicking worries me… I keep hearing how he’s gotten more distance but I still don’t see it. Southped kickers just give me the creeps.
Fack Muck Brown!!
His distance yesterday was much worse than it was last year. Unless Blasquez’s training regimen worked backwards for Giorgio, I might chalk this one up to wind. We’ll see how he does in Boulder next week.
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer - I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me going."- Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions head coach
He’ll be 5400 feet up, he should be able to pound the crap out of the foosball!
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 9:48 AM PDT up reply actions
5) Tavecchio – he’s OK, kicking it to the 10 yard line is acceptable. Also nails 40 yard field goal in candlestick winds? Give him some love.
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
PS The Announcers were really bad. I feel like at one point Pawlawski said that we had just fired Alamar and brought genyk in.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
…I’m stunned…speechless really….are you saying that the KGO team is bad…heresy! We need to accept that we are unworthy of better..have no right to expect more…
"It's on the ROOF, oh yeah, one hundred PROOF, oh yeah....."
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Sep 4, 2011 10:08 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm sure they were terrible
But this was the television announcers.
Though we had an awesome halftime show featuring Joe Ayoob throwing paper airplanes. No joke.
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer - I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me going."- Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions head coach
DUDE, I TOTALLY MISSED THAT. What was that? I saw that one the preview.
“Paper Airplanes with a former Cal QB.”
And I was so confused. Iwasnt able to watch the halftime dealie, though.
Can somebody put that up on youtube?????
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
You would have liked the band-off, we totally won this at halftime.
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
How was teh FSU band?
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
u mean the FSU BLAND?
“oh let’s play a tribute to AMERICA! HOW ORIGINAL AND ENTERTAINING OF US! LET’S PLAY COPLAND AND AMERICA THE BEAUTIFUL, NO MIDDLESCHOOL OR HIGHSCHOOL BAND HAS EVER PLAYED THOSE TUNES!” they also played mars bringer of war and the imperial over and over and over and over…and go fight win, and other jw pepper classics.
on the plus side, they were sharp on the field (not the tonal kind of sharp) and loud. but they put me to sleep during halftime and were infuriating in the stands. a good facsimile of SC’s bland, but not as loud.
then again, i am completely biased for the cal band and i can no longer appreciate even the very best of core-style bands.
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
we were standing ready for jog on and could barely hear anything they were playing—-loud they were not
also they had field-side percussion
their only addition that made them different from UCLA was they had mastered playing to more than one side of the field during the show
"Our hearts shall sing and our voices ring for the dear old Blue and Gold!"
sorry buddy, they were louder than you boys in the stands. believe me, i’d rather have it the other way around, but fresno got a big band
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
stop hating
it’s because they were facing you… although i’ll say the last few years the CAL band has had no sense of occasion.
i was above the fresno band…they were facing away from me lol…and don;t hate on both the fresno band AND the cal band, pick one you jerk!
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
where were you above the Fresno band? Were you in the farthest reaches of the upper deck behind the Fresno Band, as far away as possible in Candlestick Park from the CAL band? I’m shocked, you didn’t hear them. you jerk.
What sense of occasion is there when you insult the Cal band on CGB? People say we don’t take criticism of the Cal football team well. Fuck that shit, insult the football team all you want. But when you insult the band, shit gets real.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
i’ll give you a perfect example. 2009 at the Rose Bowl. Cal wins first time in Tedford’s tenure in LA. Team heads over to CAL section after the game. And the CAL band plays… they play… they play… nothing. No Fight. No Big C. No player up on the ladder leading the band in a song… just… nothing. Sorry, that’s what I mean.
I cannot speak as to that specific event as I was not present at that time.
What I can tell you is that often times the band wishes to play, but has ever increasing restrictions placed upon it by Athletics.
What the band is doing is not necessarily in line with what the band wishes it could do.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
There were a ton of errors on the CSN broadcast
1) They said that Edmonds came from Kingston, Jamaica (he’s from Kingston, NY)
2) They had a graphic showing Presbyterian’s mascot as the ‘Blue Rose’
3) One of the announcers said Shane Vereen was drafted by Phili.
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
I saw the Kingston, Jamaica thing and got confused. I just figured I was wrong and they were right.
I remember the Blue Rose thing, but I didnt really think much of it. Its like when you are watching TV and talking with friends, so you see the things on TV, but they dont really register.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
D1 rankings so far
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 8:55 AM PDT reply actions
It’s a shame most of those numbers don’t mean much because so many teams played cupcakes. Though that makes some of our numbers (total D, pass efficiency D, TFLs) look even better.
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer - I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me going."- Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions head coach
Cal better looking in their opener
than most Pac-12 teams.
USC and Oregon both have problems on their Oline (Darren Thomas was SHAKY in his throws). Washington State suffers loss of QB. UCLA does what UCLA do. And Oregon St. lays down a WTF.
I don’t like the Pac-12 having a down year, but it might work to Cal’s advantage.
Agreed
Our positives far outweighed our negatives, on a crap field in a windswept venue without home field advantage….many questions of course remain, but all in all, I’m very happy with the overall result yesterday…lots to pump sunshine about
"It's on the ROOF, oh yeah, one hundred PROOF, oh yeah....."
by TKE Prytanis 79 on Sep 4, 2011 10:18 AM PDT up reply actions
I'm a Cal fan first...
…so basically, I want the Pac-12 to have a down year, every year.
As I type this, LA talk radio is somewhat concerned that $c couldn’t emasculate Minnesota, and TJ Simers of the Times is making fun of ucla’s kicker.
I love it when things don’t go the way the conference pundits say it’s supposed to go.
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is
research."
Weve certainly seem teams struggle in their first game and then CRUSH us. Oregon klost to BSU, beat up an opposng player, and then…42-3. So, yknow.
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
We’re Cal fans. Never forget that.
We can crow all we want about USC struggling against a shitty Minnesota team. But let’s not forget how they’ll beat us 35-14 this year. You know it’s going to happen. I wish I was joking. I really do.
We can crow about how OSU just lost to SacState! And then when we are down by 30 in the 2nd quarter and OSU has critically injured one of our key offensive players, it wont be so fun.
You know this. I know this. Lets not deny it! LETS NOT DENY OUR HERITAGE!
The internet's most successful troll!
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: Read It | Follow It | Like It | Wear It
Wait wait wait
So are you saying our quarterback has a deep and glorious voice that sounds similar to that of Shock G/Humpty
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 10:47 AM PDT up reply actions
My man! (seriously, check my avatar).
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
by Cugel on Sep 4, 2011 11:34 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Whoa is that a giant Humpty statue?
rec’d
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 11:46 AM PDT up reply actions
Yup, they used to use it in shows – the nose opens up and one can step out of it.
Am I known as Cugel the Clever for nothing?
I played a show with Shock G (we opened for DU). They put so many people on the guest list that our band ended up having to cover expenses.
And their show was horrible (granted, it was 2007). Shock G actually forgot to bring his Humpty nose and had to borrow one from an audience member. They had no set list, invited everyone in the audience up on stage, and “jammed” until everybody left disappointed. I’m still a little miffed, if you don’t notice.
I never brag in those instances. I smile and nod my head knowingly. I realize that the stuff not only comes back around for Cal fans, it moves in and lives on your couch and eats your food. While OSU lost to Sac State, at least they didn’t lose their starting quarterback for the year like we did in 2005…
But it does gives me ammo when I need it. For instance, probation means that I can shove that shit back in an $c fan’s face if and when it’s necessary. Of course, living in Whittier, you realize that most of the $c fans had difficulty graduating from high school, and never went to any real college.
Ironically, I rarely, if ever, get any crap from ucla fans, or at least haven’t gotten any in quite a while.
On the whole though, I am not going to feel bad at all if the other conference teams are bad at a time when we might not be.
And in the end, we won yesterday. It was not pretty and Isi Sofele and Giorgio Tavecchio frustrate me for what they’re unable to do that their “Forebears” (love that term from earlier) used to be automatic at doing. But we won. That means I can worry about more important stuff this week. :o)
"To steal ideas from one person is plagiarism; to steal from many is
research."
It is one game against unequal competition
Not to mention, teams improve at different rates throughout the season. I’m still guessing 6-7 wins for Cal.
I support the NBA player's union.
Also
the first game in any season is nothing to draw conclusions about, lots of rust inexperience, new systems, new rules, etc. basically there are plenty of correctable reasons teams may underperform the first game of the season.
I support the NBA player's union.
Colorado's O-Line: MARSHALL!
Which brings us to the offensive line play. I don’t know if offensive line coach Steve Marshall will be doing grades like former offensive line coaches did in year’s past but if he does, I would be surprised to see any Buff lineman grading high. As we stated above, the Buffs had 17 net rushing yards, allowed seven sacks, punted the ball on the first five possessions and totaled just 240 offensive yards. To put that in perspective, Colorado’s worst offensive performance last year under Dan Hawkins was 241 yards. Colorado’s worst rushing performance was against Texas Tech where they finished with 28 net yards. 240 total offensive and 17 net rushing yards would have been season lows a year ago. Hawaii isn’t exactly a world beater on defense either. They finished 51st in the NCAA last season in total defense and lost one of their top linebackers before the game due to suspension. Hawaii had one game a year ago where they sacked the quarterback seven times or more and that was against lowly San Jose State.
This gives me confidence about next week.
There was also a lot of chatter about how the Buff fans don’t even know what their offense looks like, due to the atrocious O-Line play.
I support the NBA player's union.
OH YEAH PUMP PUMP PUMP!
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 10:50 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
I anticipate a defensive game next week. Tosh and Kenwick’s guys are going to jack up Marshall’s o-line, but on limited returns the Colorado defense looked good with the exception of about three completely ridiculous plays which will probably teach the Colorado D-coordinator that playing man coverage without a quarterback spy really leaves you susceptible to a certain constraint play.
"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
Wat about Holt laying flat that d-bag with his shoulder.
Fantastic. He just stood in his way and knocked the guy to the ground
Remember, the enemy's end zone is DOWN!
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 11:03 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 11:06 AM PDT up reply actions 1 recs
whose window were you taping the game through? How did you not alert the homeowners when you cheered?
by slaphancock on Sep 4, 2011 11:44 AM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Maybe the homeowners were fresno fans because they blacked out?
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 11:48 AM PDT up reply actions
Semi-off topic, but fun: Oregon St. Sac St. highlights! The missed game-winning FG at 2:30 in the video is particularly painful
The #1 greatest threat to America: BEARS
SACRAMENTO!
Official Acceptor of TwistNHook's Unconditional Surrender Person of CGB and Queen of Spite Recs
Officiating was terrible
So many terrible calls, methinks these are all WAC refs:
Officials: Referee: Dan Romeo; Umpire: Scott Teifer; Linesman: Pete Gautreau;
Line judge: Marc Bovos; Back judge: Dax Hill; Field judge: Bobby Bernard;
Side judge: Ed Vinzant; Scorer: Hall/Gordon;
Alright, and after it's all over, you say "Ooh, what a lovely tea party"
by Redonkulous Bear on Sep 4, 2011 11:38 AM PDT reply actions
Kicking game only sour taste
Enjoyed the innovative play calling by Tedford. Lots of freshmen got into the game. Saw lots of vocal players=leadership! Players had smiles; having fun, which is what it is all about. A well-coached and talented team. Looking forward to the season.
yes. kicking bad. offense innovative.
Has anyone mentioned the pistol? The pistol! I couldn’t believe it when I saw it.
Man I don’t see why everybody gets tripped up about that. It’s just a formation, it has its pros and cons and evidently Tedford thinks it’s a useful tool, but I think people just see the QB in the shotgun and the running back behind him and think Chris Ault has come to town and that we’re going to run veer and option as our base plays.
"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
RE: Isi Sofele
I admit my original reaction of Isi sucking was too harsh. He doesn’t suck. And yes run blocking by the OL left a lot to be desired which negatively affected Isi.
That said I’m still not liking how easy he was to bring down behind the line.
I think I’m going to a fanpost to analyze the running game similar to the one from last year, just for my own sake. Anyone have a torrent?
In other words, Go Bears!
If torrents are released on the same schedule they were last year, it should be up later today or tomorrow. We’ll frontpage it when it’s up.
"Some people watch adult videos on their computer - I go to YouTube and watch Jahvid Best highlight clips. That’s what gets me going."- Jim Schwartz, Detroit Lions head coach
Kendricks said he was the most difficult back to bring down
But I wonder if this is in 1 v1 drills. I can see Sofele being extremely difficult to tackle in the open field. Given his shiftiness he may be hard to lay a square hit and/or wrap on him. I think he has good balance, which means he can absorb partial hits, regain his footing and keep going, but this requires space to work with. While attacking a hole, or when surrounded by bodies and dlineman he is unable to use his shiftiness, thus takes square hits and gets wrapped up, meaning he gets tackled more easily.
I support the NBA player's union.
by chowder on Sep 4, 2011 5:29 PM PDT up reply actions 2 recs
Raise or Lower expectations?
Did anyone raise, or lower, their expectations after yesterday’s game? (Yes, after one game, cuz speculation is fun).
I am still about the same. Maynard was a B-, which I thought was about expected. For me that is still 5 wins (3 OOC, WSU, UCLA). We usually win one we shouldn’t, but we often lose one we shouldn’t. So the 50-50 games for me are still Wash and OSU. I hope we skip the “lose one we shouldn’t” category and get ourselves to 7, but even 6 is ok with me.
Even though we’re historically cursed against them (going back to the 70s for god’s sake), i just don’t see us losing to OSU this year. To me, just noodling it out based on just the first game all the teams have played, the “lock” wins for us are Preb, Wazzu, OSU… “likely” wins would be UCLA, Colorado and UW… the rest look tough. that would have us at least at 7 wins, which i would take.
Where is the Sunday college Game day thread?
Are there any games on Monday? Lets not end the first weekend of college ball too soon!
Remember how some people were upset at the "package deal" of Keenan and Maynard?
Yea that is one great package all right! Keenan Allen is a stud and Maynard (who many thought we wasted a schollie on) turns out to be our starting QB!
In other words, Go Bears!
Galas
I’m a little concerned about him. He’s got a mean streak about him that I think was missing from our OL the past two years and from my vantage it seemed as if he was better than Guarnero last year.
That said his snaps scare me. Even discounting the two errant shotgun snaps, he had other mistakes. I swear I saw Maynard pick up a few from the ground in front or behind him. I’m almost positive Guarnero had great snaps and well Mack was Mack.
But in Mizalchick I trust.
In other words, Go Bears!
I gotta say I liked what I saw of DJ Campbell
I need to see more when the torrent is out but while he may not be Conte he is not the drop off I feared (I was afraid that we would see a drop off like the one we had from 08-09).
And he’s fast.
In other words, Go Bears!
I didn't see or listen to the Cal game...
I was abusing myself listening to Oregon State’s epic meltdown to Sac State and then watching Oregon shame the state (and the PAC 12) with their flagfest in Dallas.
But any 2+ TD win over Fresno State has to be a good win.
Congrats to Cal! Hope you guys have a great year and are pleasantly surprised by where Cal finishes the season.
But any 2+ TD win over Fresno State has to be a good win.
Not to some people around here it’s not!
Keeping January 2 open. You know, just in case.
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs/Twitter/Facebook/Clothing Store
Comments For This Post Are Closed
Secondary Sidebar
User Tools
GoldenBlogs' FAQ and Community Guidelines
Related FanPosts on California Golden Blogs
Related FanShots on California Golden Blogs
FanPosts
Community blog posts and discussion.
Recommended FanPosts
Recent FanPosts
FanShots
Quick hits of video, photos, quotes, chats, links and lists that you find around the web.
Recommended FanShots
Recent FanShots
I recorded the entire last out as Cal clinches the first ever PAC12 Softball Title! It was also a...
Pac-12 On SBN
Pacific Takes (Pac-12) NORTH AddictedToQuack: (Oregon)
UW Dawg Pound: (Washington)
CougCenter: (Washington State)
BuildingTheDam: (Oregon State)
Rule Of Tree: (Stanford)
CaliforniaGoldenBlogs: (Cal)
SOUTH
BruinsNation: (UCLA)
ConquestChronicles: (USC)
HouseOfSparky: (ASU)
Arizona Desert Swarm: (Arizona)
TheRalphieReport: (Colorado)
Block U: (Utah)
Golden Bears Football Schedule
| Fresno St. | Sat 09/03 | W 36 - 21 |
@
Colorado
|
Sat 09/10 | W 36 - 33 |
| Presbyterian | Sat 09/17 | W 63 - 12 |
|
@
Washington
|
Sat 09/24 | L 23 - 31 |
|
@
Oregon
|
Thu 10/06 | L 15 - 43 |
|
USC
|
Thu 10/13 | L 9 - 30 |
|
Utah
|
Sat 10/22 | W 34 - 10 |
|
@
UCLA
|
Sat 10/29 | L 14 - 31 |
|
Washington St.
|
Sat 11/05 | W 30 - 7 |
|
Oregon St.
|
Sat 11/12 | W 23 - 6 |
|
@
Stanford
|
Sat 11/19 | L 28 - 31 |
|
@
Arizona St.
|
Fri 11/25 | W 47 - 38 |
|
@
Texas
|
Wed 12/28 | L 10 - 21 |
