Q&A with The Ralphie Report

Our friends over at The Ralphie Report answered some of our questions regarding tomorrow’s game against Colorado. Check out their answers below.

Which player on offense should Cal fans know about?

Other than Laviska Shenault, who everyone should know about, I’ll throw out the name KD Nixon. The speedy receiver is surprisingly strong for his size and gets open quick. CU loves to throw streaks to him and often runs him across the middle of the field and lets him run. He is a gadget player that will be all over the field.

Which player on defense should Cal fans know about?

I’ve been stumping for him all year, and I’ll continue to advocate for him. Mustafa Johnson is one of the best defensive players in the conference. The sophomore JuCo transfer lines up at defensive end and is constantly disruptive. He’s short, but not small, for his size, and his long arms let him stay out harm’s way. Johnson will wreck your offense if you let him.

Who’s one under-the-radar or X-factor player who could swing this game for Colorado?

If Mekhi Blackmon can improve the DB play for the Buffs, then that will go a long way for the Buffs. The skinny CB was recently taken off his redshirt and his physicality and press coverage was immediately noticed. He is much more in line with the Coach MacIntyre (no longer coach) mold of DBs. If Blackmon can play on an island, CU’s defense gets a lot better.

What does Colorado need to do to win the game?

Play inspired for their new head coach. They need to play loose. Since the Oregon State collapse, they have understandably played a little tight and collapse after taking an early lead. If they play 60 minutes like they actually enjoy the game of football, CU has more than enough talent to win. Cal is already iin a bowl, CU is not. They should be motivated to win.

What does Cal need to do to win the game?

Well, if you use the last two weeks as an example, score more than 7 points. Cal’s defense should more than keep the Buffs in check, so as long as the Golden Bears don’t shoot themselves in the foot when they have the ball, they’ll be fine.

How do you see the game going?

The spread is over 10 points in favor of Cal, which I just don’t see. Neither team is too high-flying to pull away like that. I think Cal wins, but not by double digits. I think it’s a slow, boring game that chokes out the life of any Buffs fans with hope.

Whom do you most want to punch in the face?

Well, I’m nothing if not shameless shill for my audience, so I’ll say David Shaw.