California Golden Bears Football

Cal vs. Portland State: Notes From The Press Box

Cal edged out Portland State 37-30 - in a surprisingly close victory on a warm afternoon in Berkeley. In the 2nd installment of the "Notes From The Press Box" series, we take a retrospective look at what CGB commenters & tweeters experienced as the game unfolded.

By Eugene Choo Sep 8, 2013, 10:30am PDT

Freshman RB Khalfani Muhammad was a bright spot on an otherwise shaky afternoon

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Goff P12Net Post-Game Interview: <a href="http://t.co/DpacIPR8r3">http://t.co/DpacIPR8r3</a> | Post-Game Press Conference - Dykes: <a href="http://t.co/vUuKVXQjQg">http://t.co/vUuKVXQjQg</a></p>— Cal Football (@CalFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalFootball/statuses/376564842972196865">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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The story of the game was Cal's porous defense, particularly in the first two quarters. The unit struggled against PSU's pistol offense - allowing over 400 yards of total offense in the 1st half, before tightening up a bit in the 2nd. The running game didn't fare much better, averaging barely 4 yards a carry, even after being adjusted for sacks. True freshman QB Jared Goff, on the other hand, followed last week's record performance with another 400-plus yard afternoon: He threw for 485 yards, with 2 TDs and no INT's, and also ran for 1 TD.

In the 2nd installment of the Notes From the Press Box series, let's take a "meta" look at what our commenters & tweeters were experiencing as the game unfolded. [please let us know if you'd like your comment removed]

Pre-game

Beautiful day, but very warm in the stands:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>What a beautiful day for some <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CalFootball&src=hash">#CalFootball</a>! <a href="http://t.co/IIO8vAXFlh">pic.twitter.com/IIO8vAXFlh</a></p>— Cal Football (@CalFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalFootball/statuses/376445471935328256">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Redonk brought his A-game, as usual:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>today's weather report (HT Redonk) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalAthletics">@CalAthletics</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CalFootball">@CalFootball</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CalStudentSec">@CalStudentSec</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CalFootballBlog">@CalFootballBlog</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/CalRivals">@CalRivals</a> <a href="http://t.co/cnmnzDv8N0">pic.twitter.com/cnmnzDv8N0</a></p>— GoldenBlogs (@GoldenBlogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs/statuses/376437977666158592">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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The crowd arrived late, perhaps foreshadowing the defense:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>If you ever wanted an entire section to yourself, this would be the game to be at... <a href="http://t.co/73a47zCm4E">pic.twitter.com/73a47zCm4E</a></p>— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalRivals/statuses/376449335266791424">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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1st Quarter

PSU scored first, on ... a long pass to an [inside receiver]:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Whoa! Portland State scores on 81-yard TD pass on game's 2nd play, Kieran McDonagh to Kasey Closs. Vikes lead 7-0.</p>— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffFaraudo/statuses/376452382629953536">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Brendan Bigelow started, but Khalfani Muhammad tied the score 7-7:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Khalfani Muhammad with, back-to-back, the longest run of his career (23) and first TD of his career. 7-7.</p>— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalRivals/statuses/376453871435931648">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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It didn't take long for PSU to score though:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Wow. Another huge play by Portland State. 75 yard run for TD. Cal gets a huge break. Too many men in the backfield on PSU, play comes back</p>— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/HunterHewitt/statuses/376454947404926976">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>no gap discipline - Cal gives up 12-yd TD run by DJ Adams ... 14-7 PSU</p>— GoldenBlogs (@GoldenBlogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs/statuses/376455744293314560">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Vince D'Amato made it 14-10:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>4th and goal at 8 at Memorial Stadium and . . . Vincenzo D'Amato actually kicks FG -- 25 yards. PSU leads 14-10 with 7:36 left in 1st Q.</p>— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffFaraudo/statuses/376457644329803776">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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The 1st Quarter stats were weren't pretty:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Portland State has 269 yards of total offense in the 1st quarter. Unbelievable. Puts it on pace for over 1,000 yards of total offense</p>— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/HunterHewitt/statuses/376463204982849537">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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2nd Quarter

Down 20-10, Cal was officially on upset alert:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>FCS upset alert! RT <a href="https://twitter.com/Pac12Networks">@Pac12Networks</a>: Some nifty moves get Portland State into the end zone for a 20-10 lead over <a href="https://twitter.com/CalFootball">@CalFootball</a>. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PSUvCal&src=hash">#PSUvCal</a></p>— ESPN_Pac12blog (@ESPN_Pac12blog) <a href="https://twitter.com/ESPN_Pac12blog/statuses/376465066024906753">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Jared Goff made it 20-17 with a QB keeper:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs">@GoldenBlogs</a> both penalties on PSU declined, TD counts & XP is good - 20-17 PSU with 10:04 2Q</p>— GoldenBlogs (@GoldenBlogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs/statuses/376468037454405632">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Pac-12 Refs ... 'nuff said:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Goff loses the ball (tuck rule?) but the play is called an inc pass, but there's offsides on the D, BUT <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Pac12&src=hash">#Pac12</a> refs call for a review anyway</p>— GoldenBlogs (@GoldenBlogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs/statuses/376471730979479552">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Maurice Harris' 1-handed catch made it 24-20 Cal:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Maurice Harris made more one-handed grabs in Spring and Fall Camps than any player on the team. Nice to see him do it in a game. 24-20 Cal.</p>— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalRivals/statuses/376472767341678592">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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KamJack's INT was followed by a KM big play:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p><a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cal&src=hash">#Cal</a> CB Kameron Jackson comes down with a pick in the end zone on a pass intended for Josh Mihollin. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23BearRaid&src=hash">#BearRaid</a> gets another shot</p>— Ryan Gorcey (@RGBearTerritory) <a href="https://twitter.com/RGBearTerritory/statuses/376474194436833280">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>First down Bears! Khalfani Muhammed comes up with a 62-yd reception. <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23GoBears&src=hash">#GoBears</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23PSUvCal&src=hash">#PSUvCal</a></p>— Cal Football (@CalFootball) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalFootball/statuses/376474552563294208">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Teams trade FG's and the 1st half comes to a merciful end:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Cal up 27-23 at halftime. Two teams combine for 50 points and 745 yards of total offense. What's defense? <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CalFootball&src=hash">#CalFootball</a></p>— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/HunterHewitt/statuses/376477503319056384">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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3rd Quarter

Team grade [B+ for O & F+ for D => C-]:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Cal band spells out first-half grade for <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cal&src=hash">#Cal</a> defense (HT <a href="https://twitter.com/veritek">@veritek</a>) <a href="http://t.co/XvDrOPDpWl">pic.twitter.com/XvDrOPDpWl</a></p>— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalRivals/statuses/376480086263726081">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Another PSU TD gave them a 30-27 lead, then this happened:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Jared Goff 75-yard TD pass to Richard Rodgers, who makes great move at 12-yd line to elude final tackler. Cal leads 34-30 w/7:58 in 3Q.</p>— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffFaraudo/statuses/376489454812164096">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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With Cal ahead 34-30, D'Amato added his 3rd FG to make it 37-30:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>D'Amato's 23-yard FG makes it 37-30 for Cal. Senior kicker is 6 for 6 on the season.</p>— Jeff Faraudo (@JeffFaraudo) <a href="https://twitter.com/JeffFaraudo/statuses/376493649615273984">September 7, 2013</a></blockquote>
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4th Quarter

Goff's arm kept us in the game:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>.<a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs">@GoldenBlogs</a> make that 193 ... but these stats are a bad look any way you slice it: <a href="http://t.co/onFGAwyxjI">pic.twitter.com/onFGAwyxjI</a></p>— GoldenBlogs (@GoldenBlogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs/statuses/376497423805198336">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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PSU coaches called timeouts when needed:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>OH: "see this is what normal teams do when they're tired - THEY CALL TIMEOUTS" (HT GM <a href="https://twitter.com/CalRivals">@CalRivals</a>) <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23coachingintegrity&src=hash">#coachingintegrity</a></p>— GoldenBlogs (@GoldenBlogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs/statuses/376497565191008257">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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The D shut out PSU in the 4th Quarter:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>MT <a href="https://twitter.com/KenFromToyko">@KenFromToyko</a> 'only' 102 total yards in 2nd half, TD came off of a turnover ... not great, but adj's were made & at least fairing better</p>— GoldenBlogs (@GoldenBlogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs/statuses/376503457181474816">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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But Cal was shut out as well:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Costly 46 yd FG miss by D'Amato, his first miss of the season. Cal had a chance to go up by 2 possessions. Still 37-30 with 6:41 to go</p>— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/HunterHewitt/statuses/376503746609430528">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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An ugly win is still a win:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Game over. Cal wins 37-30 to improve to 1-1 and give Sonny Dykes his first victory as Cal head coach</p>— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/HunterHewitt/statuses/376507056494096384">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Post-game

Some observations from our readers & also CGB's resident superfan:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>at the end of the day, Cal does get the W. 

They just have to do a LOT of work if they want to hang with OSU this weekend.</p>— Nam Le (@AGuyNamedNam) <a href="https://twitter.com/AGuyNamedNam/statuses/376627380783022080">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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A breakdown of Jared Goff's day:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>GOFF WATCH: We're breaking down every Goff snap this season for the <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cal&src=hash">#Cal</a> true frosh. How'd he do Saturday? (FREE) <a href="http://t.co/SJm0EwCHFr">http://t.co/SJm0EwCHFr</a></p>— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalRivals/statuses/376543272400719872">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Jared Goff with his second straight 400 yard game. Bigelow and Muhammad didn't hit 100 yards but had good runs. <a href="http://t.co/scQ3aNPzAn">pic.twitter.com/scQ3aNPzAn</a></p>— GoldenBlogs (@GoldenBlogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs/statuses/376511116878172160">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Coach Dykes' post-game speech in the locker room:

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>via <a href="https://twitter.com/Pac12Networks">@Pac12Networks</a> postgame show - Sonny's PG speech: "good teams win when they're not playing their best ... but we have to play better..."</p>— GoldenBlogs (@GoldenBlogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs/statuses/376601090432585728">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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Press Conference

<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Dykes: "We were very fortunate to win that game. Portland state outplayed us and outcoached us"</p>— Hunter Hewitt (@HunterHewitt) <a href="https://twitter.com/HunterHewitt/statuses/376513472701288448">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>“I was frustrated with our O. We had opp. after opp. after pop. to go up 2 scores & cement the win, & we just didn’t do it.” - <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cal&src=hash">#Cal</a> HC Dykes</p>— Ryan Gorcey (@RGBearTerritory) <a href="https://twitter.com/RGBearTerritory/statuses/376514727930626048">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>Dykes on how he avoids a bad start next week against Ohio State: "I gotta do a better job of getting them ready to play." <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23Cal&src=hash">#Cal</a></p>— Cal Rivals (@CalRivals) <a href="https://twitter.com/CalRivals/statuses/376515489893085184">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet"><p>RT <a href="https://twitter.com/HunterHewitt">@HunterHewitt</a>: Total play count of the Bear Raid offense today was 95 <a href="https://twitter.com/search?q=%23CalFootball&src=hash">#CalFootball</a></p>— GoldenBlogs (@GoldenBlogs) <a href="https://twitter.com/GoldenBlogs/statuses/376517901399756801">September 8, 2013</a></blockquote>
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CGB got a question in [at 8:56]:

Odds & Ends

A view of the stadium from the box - an hour after the clock hit 0:00:

Cal vs. Portland State: Notes From The Press Box

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Cal nudges past Portland State 37-30, Sonny Dykes earns first win as a Bear

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