Rewind - National Championship Game, and other forward looking thoughts

Well, I have to say that The Ohio State Buckeyes blew this game. They had ability to win, but they gave it away. It was like looking at Cal over the pre-Riley era: Stupid penalties, blown special teams plays, and turnovers.

Not that it was theirs to give away. I mean, LSU looked to be the better team, as we all knew. Ohio State played in the patsy Big 10 and was not as good as advertised. I do think that next year they will be the team to beat. In fact, I think next year, the big four will be the last big four: Florida, Ohio State, USC and LSU. I am giving the SEC two teams because they always seem to whine about it.

Georgia could make a stink about not getting in the top 4 but lets see if they beat the Gators next year before we move them up.

And, yes, same for Cal and Michigan. I think that we are about the same spot, with Cal a step ahead. I mean, we already know the players. Rodriguez has to meet them first. But they will be tough sooner or later. I have a lot of respect for him, for some strange reason.

I also have respect for Tressel. He is a good coach. Which is why I laid $50 for tOSU to cover. Not a lot, mind you. But enough to get my Ohio State friends off my back. In fact it was the only game this bowl season where I went against my tried and true method = the team ranked higher at the beginning of the season is the one to take in the Bowl games. Especially if they are the underdogs. TOSU was ranked I think 12 or so at the beginning of the year, the LSU at #2. So that was a bad pick clearly (especially since I spent the entire season ridiculing them about how bad the Bid 10 was this year).

I think it will be interesting to see where people have Cal next year. We are losing most of our offense: our QB (I assume that Riley will start), our running back, our top three receivers, and three of our offensive linemen. As well as our top 2 defensive players. That does not feel good to me. Note - I am assuming Mack and DeSean go pro, based on the most recent comments of Tedford - he sounds just like last year when he was counseling Marshawn.

That being said, our fullback is a stud (I can see a huge year for him next year) as well as our receiving tight end. Our incoming QB will be a dynamo in his third year in the system, with Nate to back up when he inevitably screws up (if I were Nate I would declare right now, but that is a different story - easy to lay the ineptness on a fouled ankle than lack of talent when it counts). If we can get Calvin, Boateng, and maybe Ross or Cunningham or possibly Langeman (oh how I wish DeSean would sprain his ankle right now...just kidding...maybe.).

We need some running backs to step up, meaning be able to run 25 times per game and put up 125 yards. I know that Best can run 15 times for 100 yards. But we need another 20 or so running plays, Montgomery and Slocum and Vareen need to make it work. Maybe all of them. To be honest, I think a 4 or 5 back rotation would not be such a bad thing. Go with the hot hand, as USC did this year. I wonder if Cal will have a pre-season ranking. I would imagine that the west coast Media would once again vote for the Bears at 2 or three in the Pac 10, depending on who starts at QB. That being said, if we are 2 or three in the Pac 10, then we should be ranked.

Speaking of USC, I think they look like they are going to have some problems. Specifically, they are going to have an interception happy QB throwing behind the 5 offensive linemen, with NO BACKUPS!! I think I am right, but someone correct me if I am not. In looking at their roster, I only see 5 offensive linemen total returning. I see that they have 5 more recruited, but that is cutting it really close. I mean, they are going to have to start some of those freshmen. Which they will, but that will be great. Frankly, this was the year for SC. And they blew it by leaving Booty in for the Stanfurd game when he clearly was not doing well (I know, I know - so did we). But now, Booty is leaving, 4 of the 9 running backs are leaving, and many of the offensive linemen are leaving. But they have a good defense next year returning. So it will be ugly games for them. Not that they wont win a bunch defensively, but if we can score we have a great shot next year. I also think that Oregon will be down next year with the departure of Dixon and the starting of a redshirt sophomore. It has to suck starting a redshirt sophomore....oh, wait...oops.

Anyway, I will post some more on the Coaching changes as I figure out more about what I want to say, My initial thoughts are that it is good to make some changes. We are bringing in two new coaches, both with experience, and both pretty good assistants. I am a bit concerned about Tosh Lupoi, but I think that can work, as it did in the early days of the Tedford era. So it may be OK.

GO BEARS!!