As usual, BearInsider's Ted Lee has the most comprehensive recap of the scrimmage (particularly when he's talking about offense). Here's he talks about recent improvements on the O-line.
"They definitely have (progressed)," said Tedford. "They weren't perfect by any means but there's a lot of combinations that are being thrown together, a lot of guys playing differentt positions, but for the most part I really think they've come a long way through the spring."
A few names have stood out.
"Charles Siddoway, at right tackle, he's made a lot of progress over the spring, he'll be a contributor for us," said Tedford, who also mentioned Sam Demartinis as a player whose played his way into the offensive line rotation.. "(Justin) Cheadle's come a long way, Donovan Edwards has played pretty much every position, he's played center and guard. It gives us flexibility where (Dominic) Galas might play guard and Donovan might play center. They're getting better everyday, you can really see it, this past week the offense played well they moved the ball well all week long."
One person who's been particularly grateful for the turnaround in offensive line play is quarterback Kevin Riley.
"Absolutely, (they've gotten better)," said Riley. "Especially since our last scrimmage, (Thursday) and today, that's when we started picking it up better. Before that our offense was getting its ass kicked and we couldn't do anything. But now we're picking up these looks and you can see we can execute plays better and make plays better"
The encouraging part of the offensive line's play was that it was able to sustain possession for two lengthy drives – with one 17-play, 76-yard drive culminating in a 21-yard field goal and another 12-play, 80-yard drive winding up with a 43-yard touchdown pass from Wertenberger to Spencer Hagan.
However, the line also allowed three sacks, including one play when Riley appeared to trip over an offensive lineman. A miscommunication between the quarterback and the center also resulted in a fumble that was recovered by the defense.
After the jump several more writers give their takes on the scrimmage, Best's draft stock may be falling, Ted Miller interviews Pendergast, and more.
Cal Football
- Rob Calonge has one of the better recaps, filled with quotes from players and coaches. Among the highlights is Payne's enthusiasm for Pendergast's defense.
- Sofele and Deboskie-Johnson talk about the competition for the backup RB position. Both of them had strong performances at the scrimmage.
- Riley turned in a solid performance at the scrimmage, completing 11 of his 16 passes for 126 yards. JO thinks Riley has cemented his status as the starter thanks to his solid performances (though his role as starter was never really in jeopardy).
- Wilner wasn't nearly as pessimistic as he was after last week's scrimmage. We'll have to see what he says in his forthcoming recap of the Stanford Spring Game, which featured no touchdowns.
- Ted Miller has a good Q+A with Pendergast. Pendergast provides some good insight into the fundamentals of his philosophy on defense.
- Best's draft stock may be falling, as an unnamed scout says Best is still concerned about his history of concussions. Also, a muscle in his neck still seems to be bothering him.
- Akili Smith talks about his new role at Cal, being reunited with Tedford, and adjusting the the D-I level.
- With a 65-32 win over UCLA, rugby has advanced to the round of 8, where they will face Penn St.
- No. 19/16 softball won its first two games against no. 6 ASU.
- No. 3 women's water polo lost to no. 2 Stanford 8-7 after giving up a score in the final second of the match.
- No. 19 baseball's winning streak came to an end in its first match against Washington, but the Bears prevailed in Saturday's match as they won 3-2.
- Four members of men's gymnastics earned All-America honors at yesterday's NCAA Individual Championships.