Tedford's Blog:
http://calbears.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/tedford-talk.html
"The number one thing I want to get out via my blog this week is that we need ALL of our fans this Saturday for Arizona State. Our fans have been great all season, and we really need you to step up again this week against a very good Sun Devil team. When we went to Tempe last year, they had a great environment - a very hostile and tough place for us to play. We NEED to repay that favor to them. Let's have everyone put on their blue and gold and get out to the stadium early and ready to scream. We need noise; we need to do everything we can to make it tough for them to focus and communicate and to pump up our players. It was great to be back home last Saturday; having the home crowd was definitely an asset against Colorado State and that support helps our guys make plays like the blocked punt, the interception return and Syd'Quan's punt return touchdown. It's Pac-10 play now so we need to leave everything on the field and we want you, our fans, to leave everything you have at the stadium. See you all Saturday at 12:30 and don't forget, we need you loud, very loud!"
Cal / ASU Facts:
http://calbears.cstv.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092908aae.html
Updated schedule:
Aug. 30 - WIN -- CAL 38 Michigan State 31 S
ept. 6 - WIN – CAL 66 WSU 3
Sept. 13 – loss – Maryland 35 CAL 27
Sept. 27 - WIN -- CAL 42 Colorado State 7
Oct. 4 - Arizona State (Homecoming & Alumni Band Day) at 12:30pm on ABC
Oct. 18 - at Arizona at 7pm on Fox Sports Arizona and Comcast Sports Net West
Oct. 25 - UCLA at TBA
Nov. 1 - Oregon at TBA
Nov. 8 - at USC at 5pm on ABC/ESPN
Nov. 15 - at Oregon State at TBA
Nov. 22 - Stanford at 12:30pm
Dec. 6 - Washington at noon or 5pm on Fox Sports or ESPN/ESPN2
More...
California senior center Alex Mack (51) is one of an elite group of thirty NCAA Division I student-athletes that has been chosen as candidates for the inaugural Lowe's Senior CLASS Award in football. To be eligible for the football award, a student-athlete must be classified as an NCAA Division I senior (in the Football Bowl Subdivision only) and have notable achievements in four areas of excellence: Classroom, Character, Community, and Competition.
From Steven Harris:
Hello and Go Bears! It’s Arizona State Week! And it’s HOMECOMING!
Game 5: Cal (3-1, 1-0 Pac-10) v. Arizona State Sun Devils (2-2, 1-0 Pac-10)
Date/Time: Saturday, October 4, 12:30 pm PST
Location: Memorial Stadium (71,799 capacity (no tarps anymore?), Momentum Turf)
TV/Radio: ABC (regional coverage)/KGO 810 AM/XM Satellite Radio (Chs. 193-95)
History: Cal trails 14-13; Cal lost 31-20 in ’07; Cal is 4-1 vs. ASU in the Tedford Era
Rankings: Cal received more votes in the polls but isn’t ranked yet; ASU is unranked too
Point Spread: Cal by 9
Opponent’s colors: Maroon and Gold
Cal’s standing amongst Pac-10 (#5 rated conference) and various opponents (from Sagarin ratings, which is one of five computer rankings that contribute to the BCS rankings):
National rank Team
3 $C (lost to Oregon State 27-21; hosts Oregon and ASU next 2 wks)
13 Cal
47 stanfurd (won at 0-4 Washington 35-27; at Notre Dame next)
65 Arizona State (lost to UNLV and to Georgia at home; bye week 9/27)
REVIEW OF COLORADO STATE
Cal’s defense was great, special teams were uneven, sophomore running back Jahvid Best (4) got
hurt, the passing game was terrible, but Cal beat Colorado State 42-7. What happened? This:
Ø DEFENSE! Cal got four sacks, 3 interceptions, 9 tackles for loss, and 6 passes broken up! Junior free safety Brett Johnson (25) intercepted a pass and returned it for a TD!
Ø Special Teams good news: averaging 1 blocked field goal or punt return for a touchdown per week. A first in Cal history! Cal returned a blocked punt 56 yards for a TD and returned a punt for a TD! Bad news: kickoffs out of bounds and short kickoffs has Coach Tedford considering whether to invite soccer players to try out!
Ø Quarterback Controversy? Coach Tedford said that he replaced sophomore quarterback Kevin Riley (13) with senior quarterback Nate Longshore (6) in the 2nd half because “Kevin was missing too many open receivers.” Riley completed 6 of 13 passes for 59 yards and a TD while Longshore completed 9 of 13 for 100 yards and two scores.
Ø INJURIES: Jahvid Best suffered a dislocated left elbow and at best, he’ll miss only this week’s game. BAD NEWS on the offensive line: two starters are out until Nov./Dec. BAD NEWS on the defensive line: freshman defensive end Kendrick Payne (96) is out for the year and senior defensive end Rulon Davis (94) (leg injury) is out for six weeks.
Ø In other words… the 42-7 score betrays a weak passing game and significant injuries. Cal can’t expect the defense and special teams to produce like this every week.
PREVIEW OF ARIZONA STATE (it’s Homecoming too!)
Cal overall concerns: both teams desperately need this game… the winner gets the inside track to exploit the “hope $c loses one more time” sweepstakes. ASU knows it has little chance at $C next week. If ASU loses this game, the Sun Devils careen from top-10 hopeful to a devastated season. If Cal can’t generate a decent passing attack, everyone will plug the line of scrimmage to stop the run and Cal has no chance against the top half of the conference. Welcome back last year’s mediocrity, Axe struggles and low-level bowl game!
Cal’s Offense: no passing game, no victory!
Ø Losing Jahvid Best this week won’t matter because ASU will do what Maryland did: stack the line of scrimmage with 8 defensive players and force Cal to throw to beat them.
Ø Coach Tedford has an interesting dilemma. Riley and the receivers (who still drop catchable balls!) aren’t clicking well. The last time Longshore played when the outcome was in doubt, he threw two interceptions in a matter of minutes. Who do ya trust?
Cal’s Defense: pressure the quarterback!
Ø Arizona State’s running game is ranked last in the Pac-10 and 110th nationally! If Cal can get a pass rush against ASU like it did against Colorado State, things will break down for the Pac-10’s top passing offense. Watch the tape of the Georgia-ASU game!
Ø Cal needs the sacks, the interceptions, and the pressure to make a difference this week! Defensive end Rulon Davis’ availability will be critical as a result!
TURNOVERS AND SPECIAL TEAMS
Ø Cal has the Pac-10’s #1 turnover margin (20th nationally)… and Arizona State is #8 in the conference (89th nationally). ASU’s kickoff coverage team is ranked 103rd nationally… the Sun Devils gave up a punt block and a fumble against Georgia, which led to a big loss at home. These items are HUGE in an important game Saturday!
Other news:
Ø Athletic Director Sandy Barbour was beaming at Saturday’s ground-breaking for the Student-Athlete High Performance Center. Thanks for all you do, Sandy!
Ø And yes, plea-bargaining, ever-ready-to-compromise-with-police RunningWolf was there… furiously dialing on his non-environmentally friendly cell phone trying to get supporters to show up to the ground-breaking… and sadly nobody showed up. Face it, dude: you’re irrelevant. Go back to your dumpster.
So what’s going to happen: Why Cal could lose the game: ASU stacks the line of scrimmage to stop the run and forces Cal to pass to beat them, the defensive line fails to pressure the Pac-10’s top quarterback, Rudy Carpenter, and he exploits Cal’s pass defense. Why Cal could win the game: Cal’s defense blitzes effectively and records 3-4 sacks, forces at least one turnover, and the special teams delivers another blocked kick or punt for a touchdown. Cal’s quarterback (whoever it’s going to be) gets on track with the receivers, who catch the ball when it’s thrown to them. That opens room for the run, and Cal makes a mediocre run defense pay. A 24-4 record in the last 28 home games, a more aggressive defense, and a (hopefully!) improved passing game make the difference. A must-win to challenge for the Pac-10 title. Cal 31, Arizona State 30.
Next week: a review of Homecoming v. Arizona State and a preview of Bye Week II.
Steven Harris ’93 (sphesq00@sbcglobal.net; www.calweasel.com) is SO HAPPY: shovels met dirt! Three-year-old football genius Jeremy Harris emphatically demonstrated that he prefers sitting on the west side of the stadium because he can see the cannon and hear the band better that way. Great job by the cannoneers and the Cal Band! Rest in Peace, Bob Briggs… hope you and some Cal fans up there had a nice toast during Saturday’s game. Finally, my 15th reunion is this weekend. DUDE! Where did that time go?
Showing posts with label Steve Harris. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Steve Harris. Show all posts
Friday, October 3, 2008
Friday, September 5, 2008
WSU Update - haha!
From espn.com through Steve Harris:
News today wasn't great for the D, though. Defensive tackle A'i Ahmu, the Cougars best interior lineman, turned himself in to the WSU Police Department on Wednesday after a warrant for his arrest was issued because he missed a court date on a minor-in-possession of alcohol charge, according to the Seattle Times.
The Seattle Times reports today that Ahmu will miss the second half of Saturday's game, though it wasn't clear which half he would miss. His replacement is senior walk-on Adam Hainline.
Injuries:
WSU Coach Wulff said projected starting wide receiver Jeshua Anderson (hernia surgery) has been ruled out for Saturday along with second-stringers Jason Stripling (an outside linebacker with a sprained toe) and Toby Turpin (a defensive tackle with torn thumb ligaments).
And guard Brian Danaher is probably going to play after sitting out several practices this week due to an injured butt, er, strained glute. See? It's tough to play in Pullman for everyone, even the home team!
How thin is Washington State's experience going into this weekend's game?
12 starters (including 2 walk-ons) have 2 or fewer games of experience for the Cougs going into this weekend's game against Cal. And given all those injuries you've read about this week, they can't have much depth.
Thanks Steeeeve!
News today wasn't great for the D, though. Defensive tackle A'i Ahmu, the Cougars best interior lineman, turned himself in to the WSU Police Department on Wednesday after a warrant for his arrest was issued because he missed a court date on a minor-in-possession of alcohol charge, according to the Seattle Times.
The Seattle Times reports today that Ahmu will miss the second half of Saturday's game, though it wasn't clear which half he would miss. His replacement is senior walk-on Adam Hainline.
Injuries:
WSU Coach Wulff said projected starting wide receiver Jeshua Anderson (hernia surgery) has been ruled out for Saturday along with second-stringers Jason Stripling (an outside linebacker with a sprained toe) and Toby Turpin (a defensive tackle with torn thumb ligaments).
And guard Brian Danaher is probably going to play after sitting out several practices this week due to an injured butt, er, strained glute. See? It's tough to play in Pullman for everyone, even the home team!
How thin is Washington State's experience going into this weekend's game?
12 starters (including 2 walk-ons) have 2 or fewer games of experience for the Cougs going into this weekend's game against Cal. And given all those injuries you've read about this week, they can't have much depth.
Thanks Steeeeve!
Steve Harris post - WSU
Hello and Go Bears! It’s Washington State week!
Game 2: Cal (1-0, 0-0 Pac-10) v. Washington State Cougars (0-1, 0-0 Pac-10)
Date/Time: Saturday, September 6, 3:30 p.m. PST
Location: Martin Stadium (37,600 capacity, grass), Pullman, WA
TV/Radio: Comcast Sports Net West (Comcast Channel 400; DirecTV Ch. 698; Dish Ch. 409)/FSN Northwest/KGO 810 AM/XM Satellite Radio (Chs. 193-95), also basic cable 99
History: Cal leads 39-25-5, won last three, won in Pullman in ’06 (first time since ’79)
Point Spread: Cal by 13-1/2
Opposing Team Colors: Crimson and Grey
Sagarin computer ratings on Cal and various opponents:
National rank Team
1 $C
19 Cal (yup, down 5 spots even though we won; dissed Mich. State, no?)
47 Maryland
51 stanfurd (enjoy the Axe while you can!)
66 Washington State
REVIEW OF MICHIGAN STATE
Inconsistent Cal led by 10, senior reserve quarterback Nate Longshore (6) was abysmal (2 interceptions!), a Cal game broke out, but Cal won, 38-31. What happened? This:
Ø Offense: sophomore quarterback Kevin Riley (13) started and completed 17 of 24 passes for 202 yards and 2 TDs, two running backs ran for over 100 yards (redshirt freshman Shane Vereen (34) had a scintillating 81-yard touchdown run!), and the offensive line was great. Improvements: the wide receivers dropped too many catchable passes!
Ø Defense: run defense was fabulous against the nation’s top senior running back and lots of pressure on the quarterback. Improvements: allowed 202 yards to a wide receiver and yielded 300 yards passing. No sacks. Another opponent scored over 30 points (albeit 7 were due to a Longshore’s last interception returned for a TD! UGH!).
Ø Special teams: GREAT: Blocked punt for a TD (first since 2004 – Washington) and punter was fabulous! BAD: Cal couldn’t get a punt off due to a bad snap. HORRIFYING: kickers still can’t get the ball inside the 10-yard line. Punt team committed a STUPID roughing the kicker when Cal was up 10 points. Let them kick it!
PREVIEW OF WASHINGTON STATE (lost to Oklahoma State 39-13 last week)
Cal overall concerns: Catch the ball + no more Longshore = another Cal victory. WSU lost 8 scholarships (failed to meet NCAA Academic Progress Rate standards), 25 arrested players in 18 months, a new coach, injuries, and an early season date with Cal. But it’s Pullman, Cal hasn’t won 2 straight there since 1969 and 1971, so expect another close one!
Cal’s Offense: run at will and get those receivers comfortable!
Ø WSU starting cornerback Alfonso Jackson was hurt and won’t play this week. The Cougar secondary now boasts three sophomores and a redshirt freshman. Throw early and often… and hope Cal’s receivers hold onto the ball!
Ø Chances are WSU will stack the line of scrimmage to stop Cal’s run game and force Cal to pass. Fine. Use more screen passes and throw to senior wide receiver Sean Young (88) and junior Cameron Morrah (5), Riley’s favorite targets last week. Or welcome freshman wide receiver Michael Calvin (84), who was injured last week.
Cal’s Defense: Stop the one good wide receiver and pressure the quarterback!
Ø WSU will throw a no-huddle, spread offense at Cal, far different from the plodding, running back heavy offense Michigan State used last week.
Ø Senior wide receiver Brandon Gibson is the only Pac-10 caliber player WSU has for now. Double cover him and dare the quarterback to beat Cal in other ways.
Ø Keep up the pressure on the quarterback! WSU’s offensive line has three new starters and experienced a lot of pressure last week. The QB is a fifth-year senior but a first-year starter. He can be rattled! Get after them Bears!
oh, stanfurd…. a ½-full stadium, notwithstanding that insipid money back “sort of guarantee even though it’s only guaranteed if you ask for your refund before the $c game” guarantee. stanfurd won only because Oregon State lateralled the ball into its own end zone for a safety and fumbled the ball through the end zone on a tying touchdown drive. This week’s game at Arizona State will tell if the Grade Inflateds are a pretender or a contender. For now, stanfoo are definitely more competitive… losers.
So what’s going to happen: Why Cal could lose the game: Riley channels Longshore into his psyche and throws four interceptions, Best and Vereen suffer injuries, and the defensive line falls apart. Why Cal could win the game: Riley has another strong performance, Best and Vereen run for 100 yards each, and the relentless defense gives WSU fits all day. Even with the 10-point WSU advantage for playing in the middle of the middle of nowhere, 25 arrests in the last 18 months, combined with a new coach and a new system, and an early scheduled game, means Cal moves forward (albeit with some growing pains). ESPN blogger Ted Miller thinks Cal will come out FLAT for this game… OPEN CHALLENGE TO THE TEAM: PROVE HIM WRONG! Expose the Cougs for the cellar dwellers they are in the first half! Cal 37, WSU 24.
Steven Harris ’93 (sphesq00@sbcglobal.net; www.calweasel.com) just knew that a Cal game would break out at some point Saturday. Note to the student section: don’t serenade the other side and tell them they suck with 3 minutes to go… Cal games don’t work that way. See three zeros on the clock? The ref’s off the field with the ball? THEN celebrate… skeptically! #1 Cal Fan Jeremy Harris will be 3 years old on Wednesday! Your parents love you very much! It was great to hear the cannon go off again after so many months of silence! Rust is inevitable, but I’m sure any kinks in the execution will be fixed by Colorado State! Keep up the good work and Go Bears!
Game 2: Cal (1-0, 0-0 Pac-10) v. Washington State Cougars (0-1, 0-0 Pac-10)
Date/Time: Saturday, September 6, 3:30 p.m. PST
Location: Martin Stadium (37,600 capacity, grass), Pullman, WA
TV/Radio: Comcast Sports Net West (Comcast Channel 400; DirecTV Ch. 698; Dish Ch. 409)/FSN Northwest/KGO 810 AM/XM Satellite Radio (Chs. 193-95), also basic cable 99
History: Cal leads 39-25-5, won last three, won in Pullman in ’06 (first time since ’79)
Point Spread: Cal by 13-1/2
Opposing Team Colors: Crimson and Grey
Sagarin computer ratings on Cal and various opponents:
National rank Team
1 $C
19 Cal (yup, down 5 spots even though we won; dissed Mich. State, no?)
47 Maryland
51 stanfurd (enjoy the Axe while you can!)
66 Washington State
REVIEW OF MICHIGAN STATE
Inconsistent Cal led by 10, senior reserve quarterback Nate Longshore (6) was abysmal (2 interceptions!), a Cal game broke out, but Cal won, 38-31. What happened? This:
Ø Offense: sophomore quarterback Kevin Riley (13) started and completed 17 of 24 passes for 202 yards and 2 TDs, two running backs ran for over 100 yards (redshirt freshman Shane Vereen (34) had a scintillating 81-yard touchdown run!), and the offensive line was great. Improvements: the wide receivers dropped too many catchable passes!
Ø Defense: run defense was fabulous against the nation’s top senior running back and lots of pressure on the quarterback. Improvements: allowed 202 yards to a wide receiver and yielded 300 yards passing. No sacks. Another opponent scored over 30 points (albeit 7 were due to a Longshore’s last interception returned for a TD! UGH!).
Ø Special teams: GREAT: Blocked punt for a TD (first since 2004 – Washington) and punter was fabulous! BAD: Cal couldn’t get a punt off due to a bad snap. HORRIFYING: kickers still can’t get the ball inside the 10-yard line. Punt team committed a STUPID roughing the kicker when Cal was up 10 points. Let them kick it!
PREVIEW OF WASHINGTON STATE (lost to Oklahoma State 39-13 last week)
Cal overall concerns: Catch the ball + no more Longshore = another Cal victory. WSU lost 8 scholarships (failed to meet NCAA Academic Progress Rate standards), 25 arrested players in 18 months, a new coach, injuries, and an early season date with Cal. But it’s Pullman, Cal hasn’t won 2 straight there since 1969 and 1971, so expect another close one!
Cal’s Offense: run at will and get those receivers comfortable!
Ø WSU starting cornerback Alfonso Jackson was hurt and won’t play this week. The Cougar secondary now boasts three sophomores and a redshirt freshman. Throw early and often… and hope Cal’s receivers hold onto the ball!
Ø Chances are WSU will stack the line of scrimmage to stop Cal’s run game and force Cal to pass. Fine. Use more screen passes and throw to senior wide receiver Sean Young (88) and junior Cameron Morrah (5), Riley’s favorite targets last week. Or welcome freshman wide receiver Michael Calvin (84), who was injured last week.
Cal’s Defense: Stop the one good wide receiver and pressure the quarterback!
Ø WSU will throw a no-huddle, spread offense at Cal, far different from the plodding, running back heavy offense Michigan State used last week.
Ø Senior wide receiver Brandon Gibson is the only Pac-10 caliber player WSU has for now. Double cover him and dare the quarterback to beat Cal in other ways.
Ø Keep up the pressure on the quarterback! WSU’s offensive line has three new starters and experienced a lot of pressure last week. The QB is a fifth-year senior but a first-year starter. He can be rattled! Get after them Bears!
oh, stanfurd…. a ½-full stadium, notwithstanding that insipid money back “sort of guarantee even though it’s only guaranteed if you ask for your refund before the $c game” guarantee. stanfurd won only because Oregon State lateralled the ball into its own end zone for a safety and fumbled the ball through the end zone on a tying touchdown drive. This week’s game at Arizona State will tell if the Grade Inflateds are a pretender or a contender. For now, stanfoo are definitely more competitive… losers.
So what’s going to happen: Why Cal could lose the game: Riley channels Longshore into his psyche and throws four interceptions, Best and Vereen suffer injuries, and the defensive line falls apart. Why Cal could win the game: Riley has another strong performance, Best and Vereen run for 100 yards each, and the relentless defense gives WSU fits all day. Even with the 10-point WSU advantage for playing in the middle of the middle of nowhere, 25 arrests in the last 18 months, combined with a new coach and a new system, and an early scheduled game, means Cal moves forward (albeit with some growing pains). ESPN blogger Ted Miller thinks Cal will come out FLAT for this game… OPEN CHALLENGE TO THE TEAM: PROVE HIM WRONG! Expose the Cougs for the cellar dwellers they are in the first half! Cal 37, WSU 24.
Steven Harris ’93 (sphesq00@sbcglobal.net; www.calweasel.com) just knew that a Cal game would break out at some point Saturday. Note to the student section: don’t serenade the other side and tell them they suck with 3 minutes to go… Cal games don’t work that way. See three zeros on the clock? The ref’s off the field with the ball? THEN celebrate… skeptically! #1 Cal Fan Jeremy Harris will be 3 years old on Wednesday! Your parents love you very much! It was great to hear the cannon go off again after so many months of silence! Rust is inevitable, but I’m sure any kinks in the execution will be fixed by Colorado State! Keep up the good work and Go Bears!
Wednesday, August 27, 2008
Michigan State! (Steve Harris)
Hello and Go Bears! Welcome to Michigan State Week!
Game 1: Cal (Pac-10) v. Michigan State Spartans (Big Ten)
Date/Time: Saturday, August 30, 5:00 pm
Location: Memorial Stadium (67,537 capacity (with tarps), Momentum Turf)
TV/Radio: ABC (regional coverage)/KGO 810 AM/XM Satellite Radio (Ch. 193-195)
History: MSU leads, 2-1; Cal won at MSU 46-22 in ’02 (first meeting since ’58)
Rankings: Unranked, though Cal received votes in ESPN/USA Today and AP Polls
Point Spread: Cal by 4-1/2
Opposing Team Colors: Green and White
Sagarin computer ratings on Cal and various opponents:
National rank Team
1 $C
12 Oregon
14 Cal
51 Michigan State
73 stanfurd (enjoy the Axe while you can!)
SOUND-BITE SEASON PREVIEW: 3 keys: 1) quarterback, 2) defensive line, 3) injuries.
We need good QB play, defensive line pressure on their quarterback, and fewer injuries!
PREVIEW OF MICHIGAN STATE (7-6, 3-5 in the Big-10, 2-1 against Cal)
Cal’s overall concerns: Defend our domicile! (er, um, not a bad slogan for a T-Shirt!) Alternatively: prove yourselves! The team and the public wanted Kevin Riley to be the quarterback… here he is. Coaches say the defense will bring more pressure… here’s the chance!
Cal’s Offense: Attack!
Ø Michigan State lost three starters on the defensive line to graduation… sophomore running back Jahvid Best (4) finds good running lanes behind Cal’s offensive line.
Ø MSU will blitz an inexperienced quarterback with inexperienced receivers. Riley completes screen passes to Best and finds wide receivers on the run to defeat the strategy.
Ø The Spartans’ starting free safety was asked to leave the team last week for undisclosed "personal reasons." Open season on Jenrette’s replacement!
Cal’s Defense: PRESSURE THE QUARTERBACK!
Ø MSU lost 4 of 5 offensive linemen to graduation… the weakest part of the team now.
Ø The Spartans’ top player is senior running back Javon Ringer, one of the best backs in the country. Cal’s new defense (featuring three defensive linemen and four linebackers), must exploit the weak offensive line and stop Ringer. Stop the run, stop the Spartans.
OTHER GAMEDAY ISSUES
What on earth are we wearing? New togs for Cal football for 2008 (after last year’s mess, not a bad idea). The uniform incorporates aspects of the previous uniforms with new stream-lined patterns. They’re an acquired taste, unlike those highlighter uniforms…
Yeah, so, what about those awful highlighter uniforms? We haven't been to The Bowl That Shan't Be Named in 48 years. We're 5-0 in those uniforms. I hate them too, but until Cal actually loses whilst wearing them, they're the next best thing to hearing chainsaws on Gayley.
1/2-baked T-shirt? No, I'm not talking about those tye-died Cal Football shirts that Coach Tedford really didn't like back in the day. This year's official Game Day shirt is underwhelming. Every Game Counts is the motto for this year's team, but the home schedule is printed on the back. Guess that potential showdown in LA against $c is just for giggles?
stanfurd football “guarantee”: this is so stupid you can’t make it up. If you buy stanfurd season tickets and you don’t feel like you received the entertainment value of the ticket after the fourth home game (i.e., before you find out how much stanfurd really sucks at the $c game), return your $c ticket and ask for your money back. Let me help you out, losers. We don’t need four stanfurd home games to know that you suck!
So what’s going to happen Saturday? Why Cal could lose the game: Defensive line gets no pass rush, Cal gives up several turnovers, and Michigan State runs all over Cal’s supposedly improved defense. Why Cal could win the game: Riley manages a good game and doesn’t turn the ball over. Defensive pressure rattles a Spartans quarterback who threw four interceptions and fumbled the ball away during Michigan State’s bowl game. Michigan State is an average team in a weak conference with a second year coach, and is 14-26 on the road the past eight years. Cal hasn’t lost a home game to a non-$c or Oregon State opponent in the five years since the 2003 $c game (23-5 record). Riley engineers a long drive late in the fourth quarter to seal not only the win, but also the QB job for good. Cal 28, Michigan State 24.
COURT UPDATE: Judge Miller issued a tentative ruling on Thursday that she is inclined to grant Cal’s request to dissolve the injunction without a 7-day delay to allow the Oaks Folks to appeal. Cal stipulated to wait 48 hours for an appeal to be filed, and if one is, then to wait until the Court of Appeal decides the merits of a stay. Bottom line: if Cal wins at Monday’s Order to Show Cause hearing, the 7 day window + automatic 20-day stay is eliminated, judgment is entered on 8/25, the appeal is probably filed on 8/26, and then (I would think), the Court of Appeals decides on the stay within 20 calendar days (by 9/15), if not before. We’ll see!
Steven Harris ’93 just got back from his 20th High School Reunion… he feels older and more successful than he thought. He appreciates his family even more now and appreciates the Cal family that welcomed him with open arms so long ago! Speaking (writing?) about appreciation, please take a moment and appreciate and thank Sandy Barbour and the Athletic Department staff for all their hard work to support Cal’s traditions! She could have left a long time ago after the tree-sitters mess quagmired and tree sitter management wasn’t in her job description, so thanks very much Sandy! Soon to be 3-year-old Jeremy Harris says: My name is Jeremy and I am 2… Michigan State doesn’t have a clue! GO BEARS!
Game 1: Cal (Pac-10) v. Michigan State Spartans (Big Ten)
Date/Time: Saturday, August 30, 5:00 pm
Location: Memorial Stadium (67,537 capacity (with tarps), Momentum Turf)
TV/Radio: ABC (regional coverage)/KGO 810 AM/XM Satellite Radio (Ch. 193-195)
History: MSU leads, 2-1; Cal won at MSU 46-22 in ’02 (first meeting since ’58)
Rankings: Unranked, though Cal received votes in ESPN/USA Today and AP Polls
Point Spread: Cal by 4-1/2
Opposing Team Colors: Green and White
Sagarin computer ratings on Cal and various opponents:
National rank Team
1 $C
12 Oregon
14 Cal
51 Michigan State
73 stanfurd (enjoy the Axe while you can!)
SOUND-BITE SEASON PREVIEW: 3 keys: 1) quarterback, 2) defensive line, 3) injuries.
We need good QB play, defensive line pressure on their quarterback, and fewer injuries!
PREVIEW OF MICHIGAN STATE (7-6, 3-5 in the Big-10, 2-1 against Cal)
Cal’s overall concerns: Defend our domicile! (er, um, not a bad slogan for a T-Shirt!) Alternatively: prove yourselves! The team and the public wanted Kevin Riley to be the quarterback… here he is. Coaches say the defense will bring more pressure… here’s the chance!
Cal’s Offense: Attack!
Ø Michigan State lost three starters on the defensive line to graduation… sophomore running back Jahvid Best (4) finds good running lanes behind Cal’s offensive line.
Ø MSU will blitz an inexperienced quarterback with inexperienced receivers. Riley completes screen passes to Best and finds wide receivers on the run to defeat the strategy.
Ø The Spartans’ starting free safety was asked to leave the team last week for undisclosed "personal reasons." Open season on Jenrette’s replacement!
Cal’s Defense: PRESSURE THE QUARTERBACK!
Ø MSU lost 4 of 5 offensive linemen to graduation… the weakest part of the team now.
Ø The Spartans’ top player is senior running back Javon Ringer, one of the best backs in the country. Cal’s new defense (featuring three defensive linemen and four linebackers), must exploit the weak offensive line and stop Ringer. Stop the run, stop the Spartans.
OTHER GAMEDAY ISSUES
What on earth are we wearing? New togs for Cal football for 2008 (after last year’s mess, not a bad idea). The uniform incorporates aspects of the previous uniforms with new stream-lined patterns. They’re an acquired taste, unlike those highlighter uniforms…
Yeah, so, what about those awful highlighter uniforms? We haven't been to The Bowl That Shan't Be Named in 48 years. We're 5-0 in those uniforms. I hate them too, but until Cal actually loses whilst wearing them, they're the next best thing to hearing chainsaws on Gayley.
1/2-baked T-shirt? No, I'm not talking about those tye-died Cal Football shirts that Coach Tedford really didn't like back in the day. This year's official Game Day shirt is underwhelming. Every Game Counts is the motto for this year's team, but the home schedule is printed on the back. Guess that potential showdown in LA against $c is just for giggles?
stanfurd football “guarantee”: this is so stupid you can’t make it up. If you buy stanfurd season tickets and you don’t feel like you received the entertainment value of the ticket after the fourth home game (i.e., before you find out how much stanfurd really sucks at the $c game), return your $c ticket and ask for your money back. Let me help you out, losers. We don’t need four stanfurd home games to know that you suck!
So what’s going to happen Saturday? Why Cal could lose the game: Defensive line gets no pass rush, Cal gives up several turnovers, and Michigan State runs all over Cal’s supposedly improved defense. Why Cal could win the game: Riley manages a good game and doesn’t turn the ball over. Defensive pressure rattles a Spartans quarterback who threw four interceptions and fumbled the ball away during Michigan State’s bowl game. Michigan State is an average team in a weak conference with a second year coach, and is 14-26 on the road the past eight years. Cal hasn’t lost a home game to a non-$c or Oregon State opponent in the five years since the 2003 $c game (23-5 record). Riley engineers a long drive late in the fourth quarter to seal not only the win, but also the QB job for good. Cal 28, Michigan State 24.
COURT UPDATE: Judge Miller issued a tentative ruling on Thursday that she is inclined to grant Cal’s request to dissolve the injunction without a 7-day delay to allow the Oaks Folks to appeal. Cal stipulated to wait 48 hours for an appeal to be filed, and if one is, then to wait until the Court of Appeal decides the merits of a stay. Bottom line: if Cal wins at Monday’s Order to Show Cause hearing, the 7 day window + automatic 20-day stay is eliminated, judgment is entered on 8/25, the appeal is probably filed on 8/26, and then (I would think), the Court of Appeals decides on the stay within 20 calendar days (by 9/15), if not before. We’ll see!
Steven Harris ’93 just got back from his 20th High School Reunion… he feels older and more successful than he thought. He appreciates his family even more now and appreciates the Cal family that welcomed him with open arms so long ago! Speaking (writing?) about appreciation, please take a moment and appreciate and thank Sandy Barbour and the Athletic Department staff for all their hard work to support Cal’s traditions! She could have left a long time ago after the tree-sitters mess quagmired and tree sitter management wasn’t in her job description, so thanks very much Sandy! Soon to be 3-year-old Jeremy Harris says: My name is Jeremy and I am 2… Michigan State doesn’t have a clue! GO BEARS!
Saturday, August 23, 2008
Steve Harris August 21, 2008
From: Steven Harris
-- Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008
-- Subject: And the QB is... Kevin Riley!
I can't believe it either! There's hope for Cal football after all! Per the Oakland Tribune's Jonathan Okanes about 90minutes ago, Coach Tedford said that Kevin Riley will start... but Nate Longshore will probably see action as well. This is a big, big opportunity.
Remember that the Pac-10 opener is in the second week, AT Washington State. Sure, WSU is going to be very weak this year, but it's still the Pac-10 opener, and Coach Tedford doesn't want to mess around with that important game, particularly a road matchup.
So what does this mean? I think it means that if Riley has a strong opener against Michigan State, then he's got the job. If Riley struggles, then Nate could easily win the job back. I'm just happy that Coach Tedford was open-minded enough to see past some extreme loyalty and select the QB who has the best potential to win. Longshore, God bless him, plateaued. Well worth the growing pains to see what Riley has for us.
Just so you can see the announcements for yourself...
SF Comical...Riley wins starting QB job at CalThursday, August 21, 2008 -- Berkeley, Calif. (AP) -- Kevin Riley will start the season opener at quarterback for California against Michigan State with former starter Nate Longshore expected to play as a reserve. Kevin Riley has won the nod as the starting QB at Cal. Coach Jeff Tedford made the announcement about his quarterbacks after practice on Thursday. The Golden Bears open the season Aug. 30 at home against the Spartans. "We feel like both of them have had great camps, but Kevin's going to take the first snaps and we'll see how it goes from there," Tedford said. "Nate will play in the game. I don't know exactly when, but Kevin will start." Riley saw action in four games last year as a redshirtfreshman, throwing for 563 yards and five touchdowns. In Riley's first career start last season, he tried to run with the ball in the final seconds instead of throwing it away, costing the Bears the chance at a game-tying field goal in a 31-28 loss to Oregon State. Cal would have been in position to move up to No. 1 in the poll with a win, but instead lost six of its final regular season games. Riley did excel in the Armed Forces Bowl for Cal, entering with a 21-0 deficit in the second quarter and leading the Bears to a 42-36 victory over Air Force. Riley was 16-for-19 for 269 yards and three touchdowns to earn MVP honors in the game. "I'm just getting ready for Michigan State," Riley said. "It's an honor to be named the starter, especially after what Nate's done at Cal. We're in good hands having two good quarterbacks here. I just have to prepare, watch film and get ready for this game." Longshore ranks fourth all-time at Cal in passing efficiency (133.1), sixth in passing touchdowns (62)and seventh in passing yardage (5,732). He is also second all-time at Cal with 18 victories as a starting quarterback.
-- Date: Thu, 21 Aug 2008
-- Subject: And the QB is... Kevin Riley!
I can't believe it either! There's hope for Cal football after all! Per the Oakland Tribune's Jonathan Okanes about 90minutes ago, Coach Tedford said that Kevin Riley will start... but Nate Longshore will probably see action as well. This is a big, big opportunity.
Remember that the Pac-10 opener is in the second week, AT Washington State. Sure, WSU is going to be very weak this year, but it's still the Pac-10 opener, and Coach Tedford doesn't want to mess around with that important game, particularly a road matchup.
So what does this mean? I think it means that if Riley has a strong opener against Michigan State, then he's got the job. If Riley struggles, then Nate could easily win the job back. I'm just happy that Coach Tedford was open-minded enough to see past some extreme loyalty and select the QB who has the best potential to win. Longshore, God bless him, plateaued. Well worth the growing pains to see what Riley has for us.
Just so you can see the announcements for yourself...
SF Comical...Riley wins starting QB job at CalThursday, August 21, 2008 -- Berkeley, Calif. (AP) -- Kevin Riley will start the season opener at quarterback for California against Michigan State with former starter Nate Longshore expected to play as a reserve. Kevin Riley has won the nod as the starting QB at Cal. Coach Jeff Tedford made the announcement about his quarterbacks after practice on Thursday. The Golden Bears open the season Aug. 30 at home against the Spartans. "We feel like both of them have had great camps, but Kevin's going to take the first snaps and we'll see how it goes from there," Tedford said. "Nate will play in the game. I don't know exactly when, but Kevin will start." Riley saw action in four games last year as a redshirtfreshman, throwing for 563 yards and five touchdowns. In Riley's first career start last season, he tried to run with the ball in the final seconds instead of throwing it away, costing the Bears the chance at a game-tying field goal in a 31-28 loss to Oregon State. Cal would have been in position to move up to No. 1 in the poll with a win, but instead lost six of its final regular season games. Riley did excel in the Armed Forces Bowl for Cal, entering with a 21-0 deficit in the second quarter and leading the Bears to a 42-36 victory over Air Force. Riley was 16-for-19 for 269 yards and three touchdowns to earn MVP honors in the game. "I'm just getting ready for Michigan State," Riley said. "It's an honor to be named the starter, especially after what Nate's done at Cal. We're in good hands having two good quarterbacks here. I just have to prepare, watch film and get ready for this game." Longshore ranks fourth all-time at Cal in passing efficiency (133.1), sixth in passing touchdowns (62)and seventh in passing yardage (5,732). He is also second all-time at Cal with 18 victories as a starting quarterback.
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