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A Golden Spotlight on Cal vs. Oregon State

Apologies, but my heart really wasn't into it this past weekend. Sometimes, we get a sobering reminder that life is much too short and the time we spend with loved ones is far more important than sports.

By Scott Chong
Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports

OSU has 3 WR and two backs. Cal comes out with an atypical look; we have three down linemen with Coleman(#91) over center, Kragen(#13) at one end and Moala(#55) at another end. All three linebackers, Nickerson(#47), Fortt(#11), and Agu(#35) are on the line threatening blitz.

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At the snap, Nickerson(#47) peels back into coverage. The Cal safety, Walker(#14) provides help on OSU's elite wideout Cooks along with Jackson(#3) at the bottom of the screen.  Moala(#55), Fortt(#11), and Agu(#35) all rush.  By lining up as an end, it gives Moala leverage to hit their center at an angle instead of head on.

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Although most of the Cal blitz is picked up, Kragen is able to get around their tackle with a speed rush. The OSU tackle uses the jersey block...which is apparently only legal in the state of Oregon. For once, Coleman draws a single-team, but can't get free. Agu collapses the pocket by looping around the outside. Meanwhile, Moala has shoved their center aside and is also pushing past their guard.

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Mannion has to step up and sidesteps Kragen. But, he can't avoid getting pancaked by Moala. You don't want to be pancaked by Moala.

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Play #2: Enter the Kline. Cal comes out with trips right and Ervin(#34) as the lone back. OSU has one shallow safety and puts the rest of their LBs on the line threatening blitz.

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...and it's a blitz. But the center and left side of the Cal line cut the rushers. Crosthwaithe slows his man, then releases to the second level.  Apparently, the Cal Oline work on this a lot...

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It's the perfect call against an inside charge. Kline lofts the swing pass to Ervin. He has all three wideouts blocking as well as Crosthwaite #71 lumbering downfield ahead of him.

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Even so, one of the OSU defenders makes contact with Ervin at the 2...but he refuses to go down and lunges forward for the score. Touchdown Bears!

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Hail to California,
Alma Mater dear;
Sing the joyful chorus,
Sound it far and near.
Rallying round her banner,
We will never fail;
California, Alma Mater,
Hail! Hail! Hail!

Cal Band Great!

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