Well, I had to take a break from our Family Ski vacation to travel over to the Tahoe Biltmore and watch the Bears vs. the Air Force. I have to say that I was glad I did. I also got to lay some coin down and get a bit of a nice return.
This was an interesting game.
First, Nate Longshore was yanked early, when the Bears were down 21-0. But let's be honest - it was not Nate's fault. Nate was 5 for 8, and the last play of the second drive was dropped (on a 4th and something). It was a pass to Layrelle Cunningham, I think. Because Nate did not have the ability to pass to Jordan or DeSean Jackson, who were sitting out the first quarter.
So, Nate got two series with the second team offense, and was yanked. The Bears were down by 21, because of poor defense (DeCoud was also out the first quarter) and poor special teams (the Falcons recoved a non-onside kick for the first time I think I have ever seen that).
Then, Kevin Riley came in and dominated the game. He had 8 series - all of them went for scores, or were the end of the halfs. And both of those there was no doubt that if time had not run out, the Bears would have scored.
It was almost as if this was orchestrated by Tedford to make the transition to Riley. The announcers had all of the details to make the public case for Riley. The lopsided score was just what Tedford needed to bring Riley in to make his presentation, and he did a terrific job. The details were not that important as opposed to the final result, but they were impressive. I think only three missed completions, one of which was a dropped Hail Mary at the end of the first half which should been caught by Hawkins, and was in fact the most apparent pass interference I have ever seen. He ran for first downs, he scored rushing touchdowns. In fact, he threw tight passes.
The difference was when he was in there, the offense clicked. Also, that we called a different game. Forsett was not as featured in the Riley offense. It was much more of a spread feel with the occasional rushing play, as opposed to the pro-style of Nate's offense. But in any event, Forsett had a great game. He ended with 140 yards, but did have the last quarter fumble that could have been a difference maker. But it was nice to see him with 1500 yards for the season.
The worst part of the game was watching Nate on the sidelines. It was a three hour second by second ruination of a career. It was like watching one of those movies where you can see what is coming, the guys falls, and by the end of the film you know he knows it was all over. Except that you know Nate know it as soon as he was taken out. I mean, even if Riley breaks his leg, the chants for Mansion will be too much to overcome. I really feel for the guy.
The defense still had a lot of issues, but Air Force was a good, tough option running team, which is hard to defend against. Their QB is (or, was, after a nasty leg injury) a very good runner and passer. The style of offense they run is the spread run as opposed to the spread pass. The interesting thing is that thier QB was a very good passer. They were a tough team, well coached, and did not give up. Let's face it, they scored more on us than Tennessee, USC, or Oregon did.
The general proposition is that in Bowl games, the teams that were ranked higher at the beginning of the season generally win the Bowl Game. This is based on the fact that they have more overall talent, that the lay-off is too much for most teams that won on momentum lost that momentum, and that the bowl process itself sort of loses the focus of the game, and the most talented teams win. I think that was clearly the case this year, in this bowl. Air Force is a good team, but clearly less talented than the Bears. Cal has a tremendous amount of offensive power, and can overwhelm you. The defense had issues stopping the two talented Air Force offensive weapons. But once the QB was out, the game was over.
So now, what happens? Does everyone think that Riley would have brought us to the National Championship game? Did playing Nate ruin his career? Is there a real competition? Or does winning the Bowl MVP give you the leg up for next year? Does the SAHPC ruling come in our favor? Does Tedford blow his entire half million bonus tonight on a great New Year Party?
More to come from as the Bears turn...
GO BEARS!!
Monday, December 31, 2007
Sunday, December 23, 2007
Devon Hardin
As Devon goes, so go the Bears.
In Cal's two loses this year, Devon is the one element that has not played up to potential, and has cost Cal the game. We need for him, a senior, to be the leader on the team. More importantly, we need him to be consistent.
Last night, he was double teamed and failed to have a big impact. When Leon Powe was in the same situation, he more often than not was the dominant player on the floor. If Devon wants to make it to the next level, he needs to step up a bit, from a consistency standpoint. He is going to be doubled up all year long. Against Kansas State, he took himself out of the game and gave them the lead.
The good news in both of these loses is that the Bears battled back. They certainly have the talent. They just need to be more consistent.
As far as it goes, the calculations remain the same. Cal needs to win 18 games to get into the tournament. That means that we need to now win at least half of our Pac 10 games. That could be a tall order this year, for any Pac 10 team. It certainly will be tough for Cal. Not that I do not expect us to be a tournament team. But it is not going to be easy, even with the quality team that we have this year.
Happy Holidays. More next week before the Bowl Game, and the opening of the Pac 10 for the hoops team.
GO BEARS!!
In Cal's two loses this year, Devon is the one element that has not played up to potential, and has cost Cal the game. We need for him, a senior, to be the leader on the team. More importantly, we need him to be consistent.
Last night, he was double teamed and failed to have a big impact. When Leon Powe was in the same situation, he more often than not was the dominant player on the floor. If Devon wants to make it to the next level, he needs to step up a bit, from a consistency standpoint. He is going to be doubled up all year long. Against Kansas State, he took himself out of the game and gave them the lead.
The good news in both of these loses is that the Bears battled back. They certainly have the talent. They just need to be more consistent.
As far as it goes, the calculations remain the same. Cal needs to win 18 games to get into the tournament. That means that we need to now win at least half of our Pac 10 games. That could be a tall order this year, for any Pac 10 team. It certainly will be tough for Cal. Not that I do not expect us to be a tournament team. But it is not going to be easy, even with the quality team that we have this year.
Happy Holidays. More next week before the Bowl Game, and the opening of the Pac 10 for the hoops team.
GO BEARS!!
Monday, December 17, 2007
Tedford and Cal
FIrst, it has been nice not posting for a while. I got to do a bit of Christmas shopping, meet my kids, get some work done. The weekly pools that I participate in have all dried up. Kids are in finals. The only thing going on is the coaching carnage, which I never believed would impact Cal in the least, at least as far as Tedford goes.
It looks like Cal is starting to get some depth at wide receiver in the recruiting class. I think every Cal fan right now should be praying for Nyan Boeting's final exam grades. But it is nice to see us get some guys over 6 feet tall coming in.
As far as the coaching carnage, there was no way JT was going to go to any of the jobs that opened up. Think about it: He has already moved Cal up to the level of Michigan, or Ohio State. Cal was ranked #9 to #12 pre-season, after losing our three best players to the NFL. That is just like an Ohio State, or a Michigan. We were ranked #2 in the country, and after losing dropped to number 8. That is just like a Michigan or Ohio State. There is a lot of respect out there already for Tedford, the Cal program, and all of that stuff. Yes, we do not have the long tradition of winning, but we do have a long tradition of football, and we do have arguable 5 national championships. We can build what we need over the next 15 or twenty years, and we will also be one of the perennial powerhouses. At least, that is a vision that JT can see, and I think that is a vision that a lot of Cal fans and supporters can see.
Cal is first and foremost an academic institution. But I think everyone realizes the benefits of a strong athletic department. It raises the sense of school pride, it generates income to the school, and it generates a legacy of giving. And, as the state moves away from state funding, the University is going to have to come after the private donor to support the school. This is going to be done in a lot of ways, but I think that the University knows that athletic success is a huge way to involve the community in supporting the school.
There was a pretty good article in the Wall Street Journal last week by Faye Vincent about the endowments at Harvard, Yale and some other big time academic colleges. The general premise is that because of the dominant level of their endowments, they will be able to offer to students free tuition. Right now, if your parents make under $60,000, Harvard is free. Now, they are going to a place where if you make under $200,000, you only have to pay 10% of your income to school tuition. In other words, a 50% discount. Soon, it will come to a point where the school itself will be free.
Cal and other top public schools, on the other hand, are going in the opposite direction. They are starting to charge top dollar for the professional gradutate schools. Law, business, medical and other graduate schools are around $45,000 in just tuition now. The difference is that we were too late in the game. Harvard has a $35 billion dollar endowment. That would fund the entire University of California each year - not just Cal, but UCLA, Irvine, etc.
For Cal to reach the level of academic success to compete against the Harvards and the Yales, and even Stanford, the school needs to reach out to the community to fund it's success. Athletics is a big part of that process. And we need, more than anything, a successful football program to do that. And I think JT knows that. And certainly so does Sandy and the administration. It is nice to get half a billion from BP for energy study. But Cal is not going to sell itself entirely to the highest bidder. We need to have the funds to succeed from the people in our community.
GO Bears!!
It looks like Cal is starting to get some depth at wide receiver in the recruiting class. I think every Cal fan right now should be praying for Nyan Boeting's final exam grades. But it is nice to see us get some guys over 6 feet tall coming in.
As far as the coaching carnage, there was no way JT was going to go to any of the jobs that opened up. Think about it: He has already moved Cal up to the level of Michigan, or Ohio State. Cal was ranked #9 to #12 pre-season, after losing our three best players to the NFL. That is just like an Ohio State, or a Michigan. We were ranked #2 in the country, and after losing dropped to number 8. That is just like a Michigan or Ohio State. There is a lot of respect out there already for Tedford, the Cal program, and all of that stuff. Yes, we do not have the long tradition of winning, but we do have a long tradition of football, and we do have arguable 5 national championships. We can build what we need over the next 15 or twenty years, and we will also be one of the perennial powerhouses. At least, that is a vision that JT can see, and I think that is a vision that a lot of Cal fans and supporters can see.
Cal is first and foremost an academic institution. But I think everyone realizes the benefits of a strong athletic department. It raises the sense of school pride, it generates income to the school, and it generates a legacy of giving. And, as the state moves away from state funding, the University is going to have to come after the private donor to support the school. This is going to be done in a lot of ways, but I think that the University knows that athletic success is a huge way to involve the community in supporting the school.
There was a pretty good article in the Wall Street Journal last week by Faye Vincent about the endowments at Harvard, Yale and some other big time academic colleges. The general premise is that because of the dominant level of their endowments, they will be able to offer to students free tuition. Right now, if your parents make under $60,000, Harvard is free. Now, they are going to a place where if you make under $200,000, you only have to pay 10% of your income to school tuition. In other words, a 50% discount. Soon, it will come to a point where the school itself will be free.
Cal and other top public schools, on the other hand, are going in the opposite direction. They are starting to charge top dollar for the professional gradutate schools. Law, business, medical and other graduate schools are around $45,000 in just tuition now. The difference is that we were too late in the game. Harvard has a $35 billion dollar endowment. That would fund the entire University of California each year - not just Cal, but UCLA, Irvine, etc.
For Cal to reach the level of academic success to compete against the Harvards and the Yales, and even Stanford, the school needs to reach out to the community to fund it's success. Athletics is a big part of that process. And we need, more than anything, a successful football program to do that. And I think JT knows that. And certainly so does Sandy and the administration. It is nice to get half a billion from BP for energy study. But Cal is not going to sell itself entirely to the highest bidder. We need to have the funds to succeed from the people in our community.
GO Bears!!
Tuesday, December 11, 2007
Cal Basketball and other stuff
I did not want to post before the Kansas State game for fear of what would most certainly have been too gushing of a post after dominating a very weak team for 117 points.
However, even in the loss, it was clear that the Bears were the better team on the road against a terrible refereeing crew from the Big 12. It was shame because the Bears would have moved into the top 25 for the first time in a while with a victory. The refereeing was TRULY a joke. This was the most one-sided game ever called in the history of basketball (well, I am just guessing). But it was bad.
All that aside, the Bears should have won anyway. DeVon Hardin played poorly, as is his MO when he gets into early foul trouble, and the Bears got out-rebounded by a significant margin. In addition, there were 20 turnovers. So that is a lot to make up when you are playing with one hand tied behind your back. We needed to be stronger on the boards.
As far as it goes, losing to Kansas State does not do much for us either way. We are ranked currently at 74 in the RPI, and Kansas State is number 86. So it is a fairly close loss. We dropped from 55 after the loss.
We do have two good pre-season wins which will help us down the line in Missouri and San Diego State, both in the top 50 RPI and hopefully staying there. San Diego State has a strong possibility of contending for their conference crown for the third year in a row, and Missouri is also pretty good. So if they play strong, and Kansas State does well, our pre-season will be one that people are semi-impressed about.
Instead, St. Mary's took our spot in the top 25 by beating San Diego State over the weekend, and moving to 24 in the polls. They are also, at 6 - 0, number 1 in the RPI. That is very impressive for the boys from Moraga.
I am assuming that we win out in our preseason, going into the season with an RPI in the mid-40s. Most of the games remaining are against teams that we should definitely beat. And all are at home. The toughest will be against Utah, who has lost to Washington, Oregon and Santa Clara. All tough teams, but the Bears should be as good as that crew.
I just got my East Bay Business times in the mail. There is a postcard advertisement for the Bears, which is pretty impressive. It says something like: Two Naismith Candidates, Three Returning Starters, Seven Returning Lettermen, and the biggest front line in all of NCAA basketball. When you think about it, it is pretty impressive. This should be a great season for the Bears, and I am starting to get excited.
Although not as excited as I was at the beginning of football season. And we all know how that went.
But I do think that the Bears will be playing past the first weekend in the tournament. I think they can win half the games in the Pac 10, which will give them a definite tournament seeding in the top 32. I can see the Pac 10 getting in 7 teams easily, perhaps 8 if Washington can turn it around.
Hopefully, getting Boykins and Theo back will be a positive to the team. I think it gives a bit more flexibility in the lineup to move from a big to small (but not too small) lineup which can be good. This team is so athletic this year, there really is no excuse for not succeeding.
*******************
I apologize that I have not said this before, but CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MEN'S WATERPOLO TEAM for a dominating defense of their National Title. That is the best news in a while. It is great to see Cal at the top again in this sport, where we belong. I always though of Water Polo, Crew and Rugby as the sports where we should win every year. These are sports with a long tradition of victory at the University and we need to ensure that we stay on top.
It would be nice to say that football and basketball have a long history of victory and achievement. But of course we are trying to build that. Two things come to mind when building long term success: Coaches who are good, competent and with a ton of integrity, who can connect with their players and get them to give their best, and coaches who stay at programs long enough for those qualities to be recognized and rewarded with the best recruits. I think in many of our sports, we have started down that path. If you look at the big winners over time (Jack Clark of Cal Rugby, Mike Krzyzewski of Duke, Lute Olsen, Pete Cutino, John Wooden, etc), you will that is the recipe for success. Both Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno had that (until they got too old and probably do not have the pulse of what is really going on now). I think that is what we are trying to do with Jeff Tedford and Ben Braun. I think both of those men have had failures, but the idea is that the program is a positive one, that positive consistency means that players come to you. In other words, if you are 10 years old and look up to the best in the business right now, you would consider Jeff Tedford and Cal one of those. If he is still there in 8 years, that is probably a place where you want to go, if you have a choice, and your parents are smart. It is comforting to know that a good program is in place. That is why Lute Olsen is getting paid big bucks to tell people he will be back next year.
So it is nice to see that in other Cal sports as well - trying to make a transition from a sometime winner to a consistent winner. Our Soccer Teams are trying to get to that level, and our Women's basketball team is certainly building that. Also, Women's Volleyball is doing well for the third straight year (actually beating Nebraska - defending champs - and making it into the final four).
I think a lot of this has to do with an re-emphasis on athletics at Cal, and a lot of this has to do with increasing contributions from alumni due to the success of the football team over the past few year. But most of this has to do with hiring the right coaches, paying them a competitive salary, and making it comfortable for well qualified athletes to make Cal home. But certainly California Athletics is on a very positive upswing over the past 5 years or so.
GO BEARS!!
However, even in the loss, it was clear that the Bears were the better team on the road against a terrible refereeing crew from the Big 12. It was shame because the Bears would have moved into the top 25 for the first time in a while with a victory. The refereeing was TRULY a joke. This was the most one-sided game ever called in the history of basketball (well, I am just guessing). But it was bad.
All that aside, the Bears should have won anyway. DeVon Hardin played poorly, as is his MO when he gets into early foul trouble, and the Bears got out-rebounded by a significant margin. In addition, there were 20 turnovers. So that is a lot to make up when you are playing with one hand tied behind your back. We needed to be stronger on the boards.
As far as it goes, losing to Kansas State does not do much for us either way. We are ranked currently at 74 in the RPI, and Kansas State is number 86. So it is a fairly close loss. We dropped from 55 after the loss.
We do have two good pre-season wins which will help us down the line in Missouri and San Diego State, both in the top 50 RPI and hopefully staying there. San Diego State has a strong possibility of contending for their conference crown for the third year in a row, and Missouri is also pretty good. So if they play strong, and Kansas State does well, our pre-season will be one that people are semi-impressed about.
Instead, St. Mary's took our spot in the top 25 by beating San Diego State over the weekend, and moving to 24 in the polls. They are also, at 6 - 0, number 1 in the RPI. That is very impressive for the boys from Moraga.
I am assuming that we win out in our preseason, going into the season with an RPI in the mid-40s. Most of the games remaining are against teams that we should definitely beat. And all are at home. The toughest will be against Utah, who has lost to Washington, Oregon and Santa Clara. All tough teams, but the Bears should be as good as that crew.
I just got my East Bay Business times in the mail. There is a postcard advertisement for the Bears, which is pretty impressive. It says something like: Two Naismith Candidates, Three Returning Starters, Seven Returning Lettermen, and the biggest front line in all of NCAA basketball. When you think about it, it is pretty impressive. This should be a great season for the Bears, and I am starting to get excited.
Although not as excited as I was at the beginning of football season. And we all know how that went.
But I do think that the Bears will be playing past the first weekend in the tournament. I think they can win half the games in the Pac 10, which will give them a definite tournament seeding in the top 32. I can see the Pac 10 getting in 7 teams easily, perhaps 8 if Washington can turn it around.
Hopefully, getting Boykins and Theo back will be a positive to the team. I think it gives a bit more flexibility in the lineup to move from a big to small (but not too small) lineup which can be good. This team is so athletic this year, there really is no excuse for not succeeding.
*******************
I apologize that I have not said this before, but CONGRATULATIONS TO THE MEN'S WATERPOLO TEAM for a dominating defense of their National Title. That is the best news in a while. It is great to see Cal at the top again in this sport, where we belong. I always though of Water Polo, Crew and Rugby as the sports where we should win every year. These are sports with a long tradition of victory at the University and we need to ensure that we stay on top.
It would be nice to say that football and basketball have a long history of victory and achievement. But of course we are trying to build that. Two things come to mind when building long term success: Coaches who are good, competent and with a ton of integrity, who can connect with their players and get them to give their best, and coaches who stay at programs long enough for those qualities to be recognized and rewarded with the best recruits. I think in many of our sports, we have started down that path. If you look at the big winners over time (Jack Clark of Cal Rugby, Mike Krzyzewski of Duke, Lute Olsen, Pete Cutino, John Wooden, etc), you will that is the recipe for success. Both Bobby Bowden and Joe Paterno had that (until they got too old and probably do not have the pulse of what is really going on now). I think that is what we are trying to do with Jeff Tedford and Ben Braun. I think both of those men have had failures, but the idea is that the program is a positive one, that positive consistency means that players come to you. In other words, if you are 10 years old and look up to the best in the business right now, you would consider Jeff Tedford and Cal one of those. If he is still there in 8 years, that is probably a place where you want to go, if you have a choice, and your parents are smart. It is comforting to know that a good program is in place. That is why Lute Olsen is getting paid big bucks to tell people he will be back next year.
So it is nice to see that in other Cal sports as well - trying to make a transition from a sometime winner to a consistent winner. Our Soccer Teams are trying to get to that level, and our Women's basketball team is certainly building that. Also, Women's Volleyball is doing well for the third straight year (actually beating Nebraska - defending champs - and making it into the final four).
I think a lot of this has to do with an re-emphasis on athletics at Cal, and a lot of this has to do with increasing contributions from alumni due to the success of the football team over the past few year. But most of this has to do with hiring the right coaches, paying them a competitive salary, and making it comfortable for well qualified athletes to make Cal home. But certainly California Athletics is on a very positive upswing over the past 5 years or so.
GO BEARS!!
Wednesday, December 5, 2007
Things
First of all, interesting to note that the real story finally comes out about Nate's ankle. He has a bone chip in it (which, I am sure, swells up during the game) which probably causes him more paid as the game goes on. Who would have guessed?
But enough of that.
It was interesting that the Pac 10 all Academic Team was released. USC had QB Sanchez on as honorable mention. Good thing Booty got injured of they would have been shut out.
Stanford had the most, which is not surprising with their grade inflation. But I was most impressed with Washington State, who had 12 honorees - 6 on the first team. Of course, they immediately fired their coach, since that is not the type of program they want to be running.
Cal came in with 10, which I think was third on the list. Justin Forsett made the grade with a 3.03 GPA in interdisciplinary Studies, for the second team selection. Alex Mack was first team with a 3.5 in legal studies - the only Bear on the first team.
Dennis Dixon made the second team as well. I am sorta impressed by that guy.
GO BEARS!!
But enough of that.
It was interesting that the Pac 10 all Academic Team was released. USC had QB Sanchez on as honorable mention. Good thing Booty got injured of they would have been shut out.
Stanford had the most, which is not surprising with their grade inflation. But I was most impressed with Washington State, who had 12 honorees - 6 on the first team. Of course, they immediately fired their coach, since that is not the type of program they want to be running.
Cal came in with 10, which I think was third on the list. Justin Forsett made the grade with a 3.03 GPA in interdisciplinary Studies, for the second team selection. Alex Mack was first team with a 3.5 in legal studies - the only Bear on the first team.
Dennis Dixon made the second team as well. I am sorta impressed by that guy.
GO BEARS!!
Tuesday, December 4, 2007
Hawaii - Tebow controversy
There is an interesting article on CNN/SI.com which talks about June Jones calling Tim Tebow a system quarterback, and how Colt Brennan is really the best QB, because he runs a pro-style offense. It is actually pretty interesting reading.
I think he may have a point. tim tebow is a man, but he does run the same offense that Urban Meyer ran at Utah, which showcased Alex Smith. And Cal fans (as well as 49er fans) know how that goes.
I guess the question will be should you not draft an Urban Meyer QB? I mean, looking at what Tedford's guys have done recently in the NFL (Rodgers and Boller this past week) compared to Alex Smith's three years at the helm of the sinking ship 49ers, it appears that he is an inadequate developer of NFL talent at the QB position.
I am just kidding - sort of. It is an interesting theory.
Actually, Timmy Chang from Hawaii is a case study in a system QB. But that being said, it is true that Brennan was going to start for Colorado at one point before he went to Hawaii. So he is not just a system QB - he is a damn good QB and highly recruited.
Actually, the Hawaii - Georgia game is the only BCS game that I will definitely watch.
GO BEARS!!
I think he may have a point. tim tebow is a man, but he does run the same offense that Urban Meyer ran at Utah, which showcased Alex Smith. And Cal fans (as well as 49er fans) know how that goes.
I guess the question will be should you not draft an Urban Meyer QB? I mean, looking at what Tedford's guys have done recently in the NFL (Rodgers and Boller this past week) compared to Alex Smith's three years at the helm of the sinking ship 49ers, it appears that he is an inadequate developer of NFL talent at the QB position.
I am just kidding - sort of. It is an interesting theory.
Actually, Timmy Chang from Hawaii is a case study in a system QB. But that being said, it is true that Brennan was going to start for Colorado at one point before he went to Hawaii. So he is not just a system QB - he is a damn good QB and highly recruited.
Actually, the Hawaii - Georgia game is the only BCS game that I will definitely watch.
GO BEARS!!
Monday, December 3, 2007
Pac 10 gets screwed
Once again, the Pac 10 gets screwed by the BCS - costing us 4 million bucks.
Arizona State gets passed over by Illinois. Ron Zooks Illini are in a BCS game. Yes, it hurts. A lot.
If I were Arizona State, and I got screwed by the folks in my own home town from the Fiesta Bowl, I am not sure what I would do. But I sure as hell would stop eating Tostitos. That surely sucks.
The big issue here is the Rose Bowl. Because of their conference tie-ins, they have USC playing Illinois. Who wants to see that game? Illinois is not BCS quality - they lost three games in the BIG 10! - the worst major conference (well, maybe the ACC). ASU lost to USC and Oregon, both ranked in the top 10 when they played them - yes Oregon lost a few games later after Dixon was hurt, but they were the best team in the country at the time.
And the Rose Bowl get's USC and Illinois. That is sad. They should have told the Big 10 to blow off, taken Georgia, and be done with it. Instead, we have these tepid match-ups. They need to change thier rule - only take the winners of the Big 10 or Pac 10, and if they are in the National Championship game, then they get an at large. But it does not have to be a crappy team like Illinois.
This is how the BCS games should have been, based on the current ratings and what I think would have been the best matchups:
Championship Game
Ohio State vs LSU
Rose
USC vs Georgia
Fiesta
Arizona State vs Oklahoma
Orange
Virginia Tech vs Hawaii
Sugar
West Virginia vs Missouri
We would get to see what would have happened if the last two 1 and 2 didn't choke. We would get to see the SEC vs Pac 10 thing. We would get to see the Dennis Erickson eviscerate the Stoops brothers. We would get to see Hawaii lose brutally to a decent team (well, you can't have it all). We would still be stuck with a lousy Championship game, but we would have something to do over the holidays. Oh well.
The conference affiliation thing for the Rose Bowl really screwed the pooch this year. I am still a BCS supporter, but they need to have some flexibility.
And Kansas getting in over Missouri is a joke. Big time.
Arizona State gets passed over by Illinois. Ron Zooks Illini are in a BCS game. Yes, it hurts. A lot.
If I were Arizona State, and I got screwed by the folks in my own home town from the Fiesta Bowl, I am not sure what I would do. But I sure as hell would stop eating Tostitos. That surely sucks.
The big issue here is the Rose Bowl. Because of their conference tie-ins, they have USC playing Illinois. Who wants to see that game? Illinois is not BCS quality - they lost three games in the BIG 10! - the worst major conference (well, maybe the ACC). ASU lost to USC and Oregon, both ranked in the top 10 when they played them - yes Oregon lost a few games later after Dixon was hurt, but they were the best team in the country at the time.
And the Rose Bowl get's USC and Illinois. That is sad. They should have told the Big 10 to blow off, taken Georgia, and be done with it. Instead, we have these tepid match-ups. They need to change thier rule - only take the winners of the Big 10 or Pac 10, and if they are in the National Championship game, then they get an at large. But it does not have to be a crappy team like Illinois.
This is how the BCS games should have been, based on the current ratings and what I think would have been the best matchups:
Championship Game
Ohio State vs LSU
Rose
USC vs Georgia
Fiesta
Arizona State vs Oklahoma
Orange
Virginia Tech vs Hawaii
Sugar
West Virginia vs Missouri
We would get to see what would have happened if the last two 1 and 2 didn't choke. We would get to see the SEC vs Pac 10 thing. We would get to see the Dennis Erickson eviscerate the Stoops brothers. We would get to see Hawaii lose brutally to a decent team (well, you can't have it all). We would still be stuck with a lousy Championship game, but we would have something to do over the holidays. Oh well.
The conference affiliation thing for the Rose Bowl really screwed the pooch this year. I am still a BCS supporter, but they need to have some flexibility.
And Kansas getting in over Missouri is a joke. Big time.
Now what?
After the horrible mess on Saturday, where everyone decided to act like 5 year olds and sit and cry on the sidelines and not play, I go to the message boards and it was a blood-bath. Fire the coach, change it all - I am not going to go to any more Cal games any more - BOO- HOO.
Good riddance, losers. Go away.
This is the result of Jeff Tedford being too nice a guy and providing for us Bear fans a new level of expectation.
Tedford goes to the families of his players, recruits them, brings in guys who have good families, who have solid backgrounds, who have good skills, and who want to go the most prestigious university in the world. They come for the degree, and the chance to play big-time football on a big-time team.
In other words, they are spoiled little kids. And at the first sign of adversity, they quit on their coach, and on themselves. Nate is not having a good year, I quit. I am not getting enough receptions, I guess i'll drop the ones I do get. Even Forsett didn't look himself on Saturday.
Tedford doesn't understand that these players are not killing themselves like he did, because they have something to fall back on. They get the Cal degree, so they don't have to make it in the league. Zack Follett was inspired, played well, and called the team out. We need more Zack Folletts.
These guys are babies, and the played like it. Sometimes, you have to go through a bunch of adversity to finally grow up. I have hired college kids who think they know it all, and are lousy employees. You have to fire those guys or they will never get it. You have to be brutal and tell them they suck, learn from you elders, and stop being a bunch of smart-ass kids. I think we have a bunch of smart-ass kids who have a lot of talent, and who think they know it all. The Bears need a bunch of guys who have been through adversity.
So Tedford is to blame for that. He is looking for leaders on the team. Well, he has to create them. I would start by opening every job up for competition for the bowl game. I would throw it all away. I would find the guys who want to play. That is what USC does, and I think they are pretty successful. Yes, they are USC and they get the good players, but they have hard competition every week. We have lost these last 6 games on the line of scrimmage on both sides. We probably have the best offensive line in the Pac 10 physically, yet we let Stanford and Washington push up around. We have defensive linemen who were supposed to be great. It is not that hard to play the guys who want to play. But they were crap this year. We had no warriors out there.
Yes, Nate had problems, but this is clearly not a Nate issue. We should have had 45 points in most games. Nate still threw for 60% on the season. Yes, he had turnovers, but so did every other team in the Pac 10. This was a team that thought they deserved it - not that they had to earn it. They crushed Tennessee, and they thought it was gravy from there. That is the problem.
Dennis Erickson plays it differently, and that is why he is successful. He gets guys that only have one shot - make it big in football or else you got nothing. Cal does not have those players. Now, Dennis Erickson is slime. But that aspect of his program is part of what makes his guys play tough.
We need some of those kids on our team. We are not tough. Everyone has too many aspiration - Michalczik - want to be a head coach, forgot that the game is won on the line of scrimmage. Gregory is busy thinking about Washington State. Tedford is frankly the only one who is focused on his job, but forgot that the National Championship is not a goal. Winning each game is the goal. He forgot that, and left Nate in all season, ruining Nate's career.
The good news is, this is just the thing we needed. We will get the kids in who want to play. And we will be much better going forward for this. I truly believe that. Some coaches and players will be let go. The guys who want to win will stay. Because it clearly is not talent. It is will to win, and to put in the hard work. and not to quit.
GO BEARS!!
Good riddance, losers. Go away.
This is the result of Jeff Tedford being too nice a guy and providing for us Bear fans a new level of expectation.
Tedford goes to the families of his players, recruits them, brings in guys who have good families, who have solid backgrounds, who have good skills, and who want to go the most prestigious university in the world. They come for the degree, and the chance to play big-time football on a big-time team.
In other words, they are spoiled little kids. And at the first sign of adversity, they quit on their coach, and on themselves. Nate is not having a good year, I quit. I am not getting enough receptions, I guess i'll drop the ones I do get. Even Forsett didn't look himself on Saturday.
Tedford doesn't understand that these players are not killing themselves like he did, because they have something to fall back on. They get the Cal degree, so they don't have to make it in the league. Zack Follett was inspired, played well, and called the team out. We need more Zack Folletts.
These guys are babies, and the played like it. Sometimes, you have to go through a bunch of adversity to finally grow up. I have hired college kids who think they know it all, and are lousy employees. You have to fire those guys or they will never get it. You have to be brutal and tell them they suck, learn from you elders, and stop being a bunch of smart-ass kids. I think we have a bunch of smart-ass kids who have a lot of talent, and who think they know it all. The Bears need a bunch of guys who have been through adversity.
So Tedford is to blame for that. He is looking for leaders on the team. Well, he has to create them. I would start by opening every job up for competition for the bowl game. I would throw it all away. I would find the guys who want to play. That is what USC does, and I think they are pretty successful. Yes, they are USC and they get the good players, but they have hard competition every week. We have lost these last 6 games on the line of scrimmage on both sides. We probably have the best offensive line in the Pac 10 physically, yet we let Stanford and Washington push up around. We have defensive linemen who were supposed to be great. It is not that hard to play the guys who want to play. But they were crap this year. We had no warriors out there.
Yes, Nate had problems, but this is clearly not a Nate issue. We should have had 45 points in most games. Nate still threw for 60% on the season. Yes, he had turnovers, but so did every other team in the Pac 10. This was a team that thought they deserved it - not that they had to earn it. They crushed Tennessee, and they thought it was gravy from there. That is the problem.
Dennis Erickson plays it differently, and that is why he is successful. He gets guys that only have one shot - make it big in football or else you got nothing. Cal does not have those players. Now, Dennis Erickson is slime. But that aspect of his program is part of what makes his guys play tough.
We need some of those kids on our team. We are not tough. Everyone has too many aspiration - Michalczik - want to be a head coach, forgot that the game is won on the line of scrimmage. Gregory is busy thinking about Washington State. Tedford is frankly the only one who is focused on his job, but forgot that the National Championship is not a goal. Winning each game is the goal. He forgot that, and left Nate in all season, ruining Nate's career.
The good news is, this is just the thing we needed. We will get the kids in who want to play. And we will be much better going forward for this. I truly believe that. Some coaches and players will be let go. The guys who want to win will stay. Because it clearly is not talent. It is will to win, and to put in the hard work. and not to quit.
GO BEARS!!
Saturday, December 1, 2007
Cal vs Missouri
There is a big game today for the Bears, and it takes place in Haas Pavillion. The Bears vs Missouri will be a big indicator of how well we are going to be this year.
Missouri has played 8 games this year, losing twice to Arkansas and Michigan State, two teams who have a strong shot at playing well into march. And they lost both of those by three points. So they are definitely a good team - a type of team that the Bears have to play and win if they want to have any shot of getting through the Pac 10 season semi-intact. In fact, the Bears have a somewhat tougher pre-season than any that I can remember us playing, facing San Diego State, Missouri, and Utah and Kansas State coming up. These are all teams that can win games and will be RPI 100 teams or better at the end of the season. In other words, just about as good or better than Cal last year.
For the Bears to make the Tournament, I think they have to win 18 games. If they do, they have a shot. For a team that for most analysts is the 7th or 8th best in the Pac 10, that is a tough order. The nice thing is, we do have a tougher pre-season than most so we will be able to get in with less than a winning Pac 10 record. I think if we can move through the pre-season undefeated, we will need only 7 or so Pac 10 wins. That would be all victories against the teams slated below us, plus an upset somewhere along the line. The only games that we SHOULD win are against Oregon State and Arizona State. Everything else is going to be a struggle.
So, having the toughest Pac 10 season in years, plus the toughest out of conference schedule in years is a recipe for either the greatest season we will have had in years, or disaster. Tonight will be a big test.
Here is looking at a great Bears season.
GO BEARS!!
Missouri has played 8 games this year, losing twice to Arkansas and Michigan State, two teams who have a strong shot at playing well into march. And they lost both of those by three points. So they are definitely a good team - a type of team that the Bears have to play and win if they want to have any shot of getting through the Pac 10 season semi-intact. In fact, the Bears have a somewhat tougher pre-season than any that I can remember us playing, facing San Diego State, Missouri, and Utah and Kansas State coming up. These are all teams that can win games and will be RPI 100 teams or better at the end of the season. In other words, just about as good or better than Cal last year.
For the Bears to make the Tournament, I think they have to win 18 games. If they do, they have a shot. For a team that for most analysts is the 7th or 8th best in the Pac 10, that is a tough order. The nice thing is, we do have a tougher pre-season than most so we will be able to get in with less than a winning Pac 10 record. I think if we can move through the pre-season undefeated, we will need only 7 or so Pac 10 wins. That would be all victories against the teams slated below us, plus an upset somewhere along the line. The only games that we SHOULD win are against Oregon State and Arizona State. Everything else is going to be a struggle.
So, having the toughest Pac 10 season in years, plus the toughest out of conference schedule in years is a recipe for either the greatest season we will have had in years, or disaster. Tonight will be a big test.
Here is looking at a great Bears season.
GO BEARS!!
Friday, November 30, 2007
Oski Talk
I guess I am pretty surprised at the idiocy going on in Media world. Yes, the Bears took a big fall at the end of this year - but it is pretty simple to figure out why. It is not rocket science to see that Nate was hurt, played poorly, and the team lost focus and desire after they were number 1 in the country for three hours.
So now it is time to change everything about the program? Ratto suggesting that Tedford may be considering moving on? Wilner suggesting that Tedford is ready to leave now that his kid is done with High School? What a load of crap. Jeff Tedford will be the coach of the Bears for the next 15 years if he wants, even if we never get to a rose bowl or National Championship game. Years and years of winning 8,9 and 10 games per season will be just fine with the powers that be at Cal, and frankly, for fans like me who are used to winning four and five games per year.
The issue is, it probably is not fine for Tedford. He is the one who will decide what the issue is, what to do about it, and who is going to be doing it. And no one else.
I can see how dealing with these idiots may make him want to leave. But he would get that anywhere.
Lets face it - they are just pissed off that JT says nothing in the press conferences that is juicy enough to write salacious stories about. Wilner whined - 'he ALWAYS protects his players!" I think that is why the players like him. But I can guarantee you that it is not that way in practice. I am sure that the players have a healthy respect and fear for the coach.
That is what the is most impressive about JT. He cares about his team and what they are going through, and he will not throw them under the bus, like the media wants. Remember last year, when Ayoob was told he was not going to start, and JT though he would transfer for his senior year. He was so impressed with Joe that he stayed at Cal. He was impressed because JT keeps his QB through the year, and will not play games like that. No Matter What. So if you do not like that, then forget being a fan of the Bears. If you are OK with that, take if for what it is worth, and move on with your life. The idiots who think he was about to start Kevin Riley are the same idiots who think Kevin Riley would transfer. He will never leave because he knows once it is his turn the coach has his back TOTALLY. Riley will get the job, then Mansion, then whoever else is the annointed one. That is why Reed left, and Riley will stay.
That is probably a flaw but it is the way it is and it probably will not change. JT firmly believes that the QB is the most important position on the team - not just a physical leader but the primary leader from an emotional standpoint as well. And that leader must be protected as much as possible. Even to the degree that they let the guy struggle a bit and lose a game or two because that individual is playing poorly. There will be no in-season QB controversy in Tedford's mind.
That being said, there is no way in hell that the Bears lose tomorrow. They made a strong statement by benching guys who were not playing on defense. The offense at Washington actually played well. But the defense played poorly, just about as poorly as they ever have under JT.
In any event, after the season, there will be time for everyone to settle down, and Tedford to figure out who is left from the coaching changes that look like they may take place - like Gregory leaving. I have to say, for the people on the message boards, there is a lot of discussion about how Gregory is the scourge of the team, etc. But no where else do people bag on Cal's defense. In fact Stewart Mandel has been complimentary of Gregory and Cal's defense in the past, calling for him to move up to the head coaching ranks in prior seasons. I do not think that the Cal defense is that big of an issue. I mean, we held USC to 24, Oregon to 24. We laid an egg at Washington. But frankly, if Cal could have average 32 points a game, like we have every other year of Tedford's tenure on campus, we would have won all but one game - the Washington game. And a few of those scores are Defensive scores - like at UCLA, on the Pick Six, or the short fields after all of Nate's touchdowns.
So I think looking at it, if we lose Gregory, we will be in pain. Gregory has a good, complimentary defense that matches JT style. We just need to score at least 30 per game to win. And that really should not be a problem for our team.
I am not going to analyze Stanfurd. There is no point. They are terrible. They have lousy players. We should trounce them. If we don't it will be disappointing to say the least. But I think, sad as it is, this is a statement game for our players. And I think they will say something.
So now it is time to change everything about the program? Ratto suggesting that Tedford may be considering moving on? Wilner suggesting that Tedford is ready to leave now that his kid is done with High School? What a load of crap. Jeff Tedford will be the coach of the Bears for the next 15 years if he wants, even if we never get to a rose bowl or National Championship game. Years and years of winning 8,9 and 10 games per season will be just fine with the powers that be at Cal, and frankly, for fans like me who are used to winning four and five games per year.
The issue is, it probably is not fine for Tedford. He is the one who will decide what the issue is, what to do about it, and who is going to be doing it. And no one else.
I can see how dealing with these idiots may make him want to leave. But he would get that anywhere.
Lets face it - they are just pissed off that JT says nothing in the press conferences that is juicy enough to write salacious stories about. Wilner whined - 'he ALWAYS protects his players!" I think that is why the players like him. But I can guarantee you that it is not that way in practice. I am sure that the players have a healthy respect and fear for the coach.
That is what the is most impressive about JT. He cares about his team and what they are going through, and he will not throw them under the bus, like the media wants. Remember last year, when Ayoob was told he was not going to start, and JT though he would transfer for his senior year. He was so impressed with Joe that he stayed at Cal. He was impressed because JT keeps his QB through the year, and will not play games like that. No Matter What. So if you do not like that, then forget being a fan of the Bears. If you are OK with that, take if for what it is worth, and move on with your life. The idiots who think he was about to start Kevin Riley are the same idiots who think Kevin Riley would transfer. He will never leave because he knows once it is his turn the coach has his back TOTALLY. Riley will get the job, then Mansion, then whoever else is the annointed one. That is why Reed left, and Riley will stay.
That is probably a flaw but it is the way it is and it probably will not change. JT firmly believes that the QB is the most important position on the team - not just a physical leader but the primary leader from an emotional standpoint as well. And that leader must be protected as much as possible. Even to the degree that they let the guy struggle a bit and lose a game or two because that individual is playing poorly. There will be no in-season QB controversy in Tedford's mind.
That being said, there is no way in hell that the Bears lose tomorrow. They made a strong statement by benching guys who were not playing on defense. The offense at Washington actually played well. But the defense played poorly, just about as poorly as they ever have under JT.
In any event, after the season, there will be time for everyone to settle down, and Tedford to figure out who is left from the coaching changes that look like they may take place - like Gregory leaving. I have to say, for the people on the message boards, there is a lot of discussion about how Gregory is the scourge of the team, etc. But no where else do people bag on Cal's defense. In fact Stewart Mandel has been complimentary of Gregory and Cal's defense in the past, calling for him to move up to the head coaching ranks in prior seasons. I do not think that the Cal defense is that big of an issue. I mean, we held USC to 24, Oregon to 24. We laid an egg at Washington. But frankly, if Cal could have average 32 points a game, like we have every other year of Tedford's tenure on campus, we would have won all but one game - the Washington game. And a few of those scores are Defensive scores - like at UCLA, on the Pick Six, or the short fields after all of Nate's touchdowns.
So I think looking at it, if we lose Gregory, we will be in pain. Gregory has a good, complimentary defense that matches JT style. We just need to score at least 30 per game to win. And that really should not be a problem for our team.
I am not going to analyze Stanfurd. There is no point. They are terrible. They have lousy players. We should trounce them. If we don't it will be disappointing to say the least. But I think, sad as it is, this is a statement game for our players. And I think they will say something.
Wednesday, November 28, 2007
Pac 10 Coaching
Well, it looks like there are going to be some coaching changes. The Washington State job is interesting - there are a whole bunch of people who are interested in it and they are interested in them. Dirk Koetter, both of our own Coordinators (Gregory and Michalczik), Mike Price, and a host of others, including the current offensive coordinator for Missouri.
The one thing I would say is that this is a job that will go to a coordinator. Koetter fits the bill, currently the offensive coordinator for the Jaguars. So do our two guys. I guess the thing that is interesting is that Washington State will not have a ton of money to give to the new coach, and certainly not the new assistant coaches. So it will either be a re-tread (a la Tony Bennett with the basketball team) or a young guy trying to make his mark. All of the assistants have been let go at this point. So the cougs are out almost three million this year. The new guy will be paid probably about the same as Doba was, which is about half a million per year. While that is a step up for most college assistants, for another College Head coach, or a pro assistant, it is not a big financial upgrade. I do not think that Koetter is making significantly less at Jacksonville than he would be in Washington, and frankly, I think if he does a good job, he may be setting his sights on a NFL slot. So he may not want to leave. Besides, it is a lot warmer in Florida.
So, if you look at Mike Price, he may fit the bill, but I bet it is not a huge increase in salary from the UTEP job. While Washington State is a big BCS school, it is still in the middle of nowhere with a problem with recruiting from urban areas on the west coast. It has lost some of it's appeal as the maid draw from Idaho and Utah, with the continued strong teams from Boise and BYU, so it is not an easy project. At least at UTEP, you have a much larger pool to recruit from, and you ought to be able to make some headway there.
The best candidate for the cougars would be Dave Christensen, who is the offensive coordinator for Missouri. He is a three time Broyles award nominee, and will probably win it this year. He is in his 7th year at Missouri, and was 7 years prior to that at Toledo. He has been a coach and player in Washington State and Idaho, before moving to Toledo. He is clearly not afraid of the cold miserable weather in Eastern Washington, since that is the same, cold miserable weather he gets in Missouri. He may miss the barbeque,. But clearly he runs the type of high volume passing attack that washington State needs to be successful, like they run at Boise. Having that type of coach there would be fun for all those recruits who may be too small to play elsewhere, but are fast and could be a good fit for Washington State. If I were the athletic director that is who I would take.
The only issue is, Missouri is going to be playing until January 8, so he may miss out on some of these coaching opportunities. But Washington State is the place where I think he would fit in best.
The guy at Boise makes more than Doba did, and I do not see him moving to what is essentially a lateral position (although going 11 - 1 and not making a BCS game has to be a little frustrating). He has already said he is not leaving.
But there are our two guys out there as well. It sounded like Gregory (who is a Broyles award guy himself) is a candidate for the job, and Michalczik threw his hat in the ring. Both are Washington State grads, so there is a degree of loyalty there. I think Gregory is probalbly the leading candidate, since he has been a coordinator longer, but Michalczik has been the assistant head coach at Cal for a few years, and is well regarded.
I can see a lot of scenarios where either of those guys go. Frankly, I do not think that that the salary is a big deal, but they would probably get a fairly significant bump up. But we do pay our assistants well. So the biggest thing would be, do you want to be a head coach. And clearly, these guys do. i think either would be gone in a flash if they were given the opportunity.
The other thing that will happen is that UCLA will have a bunch of assistants who are going to be leaving, along with a head coach. One of the most interesting thing that could happen is if Washington State picks up Dorrell. They are very interested in hiring an african american coach and Dorrell clearly has the experience. Also, he has the recruiting connections in Southern California that they would love to have. And, frankly, he is cheap - he was making only $900,000 at UCLA. He would go for about $600,000 to Washington State. And he could bring in a staff ready made.
Now, the issue is, is Dorrell a good coach. Well, he is good enough. If he can bring his defensive coordinator with him, and get a good spread offensive guy, I think that they would be a strong team. DeWayne Walker would be a strong candidate as head coach as well.
Another option would be for Gregory to move to Washington State. How fast do you think Tedford would be on the phone to Walker after he gets let go on Saturday at 8:00 PM?
It will be interesting to see what happens. i think these changes will move along pretty quickly next week. I frankly do no see Christensen moving before the Championship game. If it was just another BCS game, maybe. But this is a once in a lifetime thing. So if he does not Washington State is frankly in a tough bind. They need to move quickly to get the recruits in house, which is the main reason they canned Doba.
Also, surprisingly, Harbaugh is being brought up as coaching material. You have got to be kidding me! But he is on the list for the Michigan folks. I suggest we do the nice folks from Michigan a favor and crush the Furds this weekend, so they do not get the idea that he can coach. The Mouth that Roared maybe is what those guys need after a few years of the walking dead. Who knows.
My guess is that Washington is still OK with Willingham, although losing to Washington State had to hurt. If they take Hawaii out of the BCS this year, preserving the Pac 10 second slot for sure, he deserves another shot.
And the idiots at Arizona have already given Stoopid another vote of confidence. They will probably name the town after him if they be Arizona State.
Anyway, it will be fun to watch. If we do not lose someone right away, then I assume that we will wait until we make any changes in our staff until after the bowl game.
GO BEARS!!
The one thing I would say is that this is a job that will go to a coordinator. Koetter fits the bill, currently the offensive coordinator for the Jaguars. So do our two guys. I guess the thing that is interesting is that Washington State will not have a ton of money to give to the new coach, and certainly not the new assistant coaches. So it will either be a re-tread (a la Tony Bennett with the basketball team) or a young guy trying to make his mark. All of the assistants have been let go at this point. So the cougs are out almost three million this year. The new guy will be paid probably about the same as Doba was, which is about half a million per year. While that is a step up for most college assistants, for another College Head coach, or a pro assistant, it is not a big financial upgrade. I do not think that Koetter is making significantly less at Jacksonville than he would be in Washington, and frankly, I think if he does a good job, he may be setting his sights on a NFL slot. So he may not want to leave. Besides, it is a lot warmer in Florida.
So, if you look at Mike Price, he may fit the bill, but I bet it is not a huge increase in salary from the UTEP job. While Washington State is a big BCS school, it is still in the middle of nowhere with a problem with recruiting from urban areas on the west coast. It has lost some of it's appeal as the maid draw from Idaho and Utah, with the continued strong teams from Boise and BYU, so it is not an easy project. At least at UTEP, you have a much larger pool to recruit from, and you ought to be able to make some headway there.
The best candidate for the cougars would be Dave Christensen, who is the offensive coordinator for Missouri. He is a three time Broyles award nominee, and will probably win it this year. He is in his 7th year at Missouri, and was 7 years prior to that at Toledo. He has been a coach and player in Washington State and Idaho, before moving to Toledo. He is clearly not afraid of the cold miserable weather in Eastern Washington, since that is the same, cold miserable weather he gets in Missouri. He may miss the barbeque,. But clearly he runs the type of high volume passing attack that washington State needs to be successful, like they run at Boise. Having that type of coach there would be fun for all those recruits who may be too small to play elsewhere, but are fast and could be a good fit for Washington State. If I were the athletic director that is who I would take.
The only issue is, Missouri is going to be playing until January 8, so he may miss out on some of these coaching opportunities. But Washington State is the place where I think he would fit in best.
The guy at Boise makes more than Doba did, and I do not see him moving to what is essentially a lateral position (although going 11 - 1 and not making a BCS game has to be a little frustrating). He has already said he is not leaving.
But there are our two guys out there as well. It sounded like Gregory (who is a Broyles award guy himself) is a candidate for the job, and Michalczik threw his hat in the ring. Both are Washington State grads, so there is a degree of loyalty there. I think Gregory is probalbly the leading candidate, since he has been a coordinator longer, but Michalczik has been the assistant head coach at Cal for a few years, and is well regarded.
I can see a lot of scenarios where either of those guys go. Frankly, I do not think that that the salary is a big deal, but they would probably get a fairly significant bump up. But we do pay our assistants well. So the biggest thing would be, do you want to be a head coach. And clearly, these guys do. i think either would be gone in a flash if they were given the opportunity.
The other thing that will happen is that UCLA will have a bunch of assistants who are going to be leaving, along with a head coach. One of the most interesting thing that could happen is if Washington State picks up Dorrell. They are very interested in hiring an african american coach and Dorrell clearly has the experience. Also, he has the recruiting connections in Southern California that they would love to have. And, frankly, he is cheap - he was making only $900,000 at UCLA. He would go for about $600,000 to Washington State. And he could bring in a staff ready made.
Now, the issue is, is Dorrell a good coach. Well, he is good enough. If he can bring his defensive coordinator with him, and get a good spread offensive guy, I think that they would be a strong team. DeWayne Walker would be a strong candidate as head coach as well.
Another option would be for Gregory to move to Washington State. How fast do you think Tedford would be on the phone to Walker after he gets let go on Saturday at 8:00 PM?
It will be interesting to see what happens. i think these changes will move along pretty quickly next week. I frankly do no see Christensen moving before the Championship game. If it was just another BCS game, maybe. But this is a once in a lifetime thing. So if he does not Washington State is frankly in a tough bind. They need to move quickly to get the recruits in house, which is the main reason they canned Doba.
Also, surprisingly, Harbaugh is being brought up as coaching material. You have got to be kidding me! But he is on the list for the Michigan folks. I suggest we do the nice folks from Michigan a favor and crush the Furds this weekend, so they do not get the idea that he can coach. The Mouth that Roared maybe is what those guys need after a few years of the walking dead. Who knows.
My guess is that Washington is still OK with Willingham, although losing to Washington State had to hurt. If they take Hawaii out of the BCS this year, preserving the Pac 10 second slot for sure, he deserves another shot.
And the idiots at Arizona have already given Stoopid another vote of confidence. They will probably name the town after him if they be Arizona State.
Anyway, it will be fun to watch. If we do not lose someone right away, then I assume that we will wait until we make any changes in our staff until after the bowl game.
GO BEARS!!
Monday, November 26, 2007
Stuff
I spoke too soon - the Bears did get an at large invitation to the NCAA tournament even though they came in third in the MPSF tournament for Water Polo. So we get a shot at the National Championship game. This will take place this weekend. We got back in it by beating Stanford, which was pretty nice. So we came in third in our conference tournament, but got the invitation to the NCAAs over UC Irvine, which beat us but was #5 coming into the tournament.
In any event, it is great to get a shot at the National Championship again. Most likely it will come down to Cal vs USC for the final prize. That will be at Stanford this weekend.
Onto football - Steward Mandel has the Bears projected to play in the Emerald Bowl against Maryland. I think that would be great. First of all, he is assuming we beat Stanfurd. I am assuming that as well, but I have been wrong before this season. But i think that would be great for Cal - we are going into Maryland next year on the road early. That is the kind of game that can freak out a young team. It would be nice for us to have some sort of measuring stick against those guys. I am hoping that JT has whipped the team into shape by December 28th and we could come out and crush those guys. It is essentially a home game for Bears fans (at AT&T Park) and it will help in the early part of next year. I think Bear Fans would be lucky to get that bid. I mean, what else can we hope for?
I do want to mention that Stanfurd lost to Notre Dame. Oregon lost to UCLA, who sucked in victory, in what was by far the worst football game in history. And it is clear that the only thing holding Oregon together the last two years was Dennis Dixon. When he was on last year, they were good. When we went down hill after we beat him, they sucked. When he was hurt this year, they were done. Washington lost to Washington State, whose Coach is most likely getting the boot. I feel confident that next year, there will be 5 teams that we will be better than in the Pac 10. That is an improvement on this year. I also think that our schedule is much easier. So that helps.
Also, after watching a bunch of football and not having to worry about another loss this weekend, I have a new perspective on the Washington game. I think it was just what the doctor ordered. Let's face it - that was the most embarrassing loss in a long time, to Washington, the cellar dwellar. If that doesn't trigger some introspection and ass-kicking, then nothing will. I think we will see a new team. And frankly, I doubt that Tedford lets that happen again. At least I hope so.
I also think that there is something to be said for the lack of competition in practices as the season goes on. USC is better in November because they are constantly making the guys go full speed in practice, even late in the season. I think it is important that when it starts to get cold, and the guys are tired that they go full speed, even at the risk of injury. I think a lot of coaches are somewhat against that - they want their guys fresh. But if you are too tired to practice, you are going to be out muscled in games late in the season. I think the Bears always generally look pretty good in Bowl games (Texas Tech excepted) because that is the time JT lets the younger guys get in there and go full speed in practice. So the really banged up starters get a chance to sit out, but the other guys who are able to practice go up against a guy who want to show what they can do. It makes them better. That is why I think we always tend to slow down at the end of the season. Too much scheming and not enough head knocking. I hope that this weeks practice was all about head knocking.
GO BEARS!!
In any event, it is great to get a shot at the National Championship again. Most likely it will come down to Cal vs USC for the final prize. That will be at Stanford this weekend.
Onto football - Steward Mandel has the Bears projected to play in the Emerald Bowl against Maryland. I think that would be great. First of all, he is assuming we beat Stanfurd. I am assuming that as well, but I have been wrong before this season. But i think that would be great for Cal - we are going into Maryland next year on the road early. That is the kind of game that can freak out a young team. It would be nice for us to have some sort of measuring stick against those guys. I am hoping that JT has whipped the team into shape by December 28th and we could come out and crush those guys. It is essentially a home game for Bears fans (at AT&T Park) and it will help in the early part of next year. I think Bear Fans would be lucky to get that bid. I mean, what else can we hope for?
I do want to mention that Stanfurd lost to Notre Dame. Oregon lost to UCLA, who sucked in victory, in what was by far the worst football game in history. And it is clear that the only thing holding Oregon together the last two years was Dennis Dixon. When he was on last year, they were good. When we went down hill after we beat him, they sucked. When he was hurt this year, they were done. Washington lost to Washington State, whose Coach is most likely getting the boot. I feel confident that next year, there will be 5 teams that we will be better than in the Pac 10. That is an improvement on this year. I also think that our schedule is much easier. So that helps.
Also, after watching a bunch of football and not having to worry about another loss this weekend, I have a new perspective on the Washington game. I think it was just what the doctor ordered. Let's face it - that was the most embarrassing loss in a long time, to Washington, the cellar dwellar. If that doesn't trigger some introspection and ass-kicking, then nothing will. I think we will see a new team. And frankly, I doubt that Tedford lets that happen again. At least I hope so.
I also think that there is something to be said for the lack of competition in practices as the season goes on. USC is better in November because they are constantly making the guys go full speed in practice, even late in the season. I think it is important that when it starts to get cold, and the guys are tired that they go full speed, even at the risk of injury. I think a lot of coaches are somewhat against that - they want their guys fresh. But if you are too tired to practice, you are going to be out muscled in games late in the season. I think the Bears always generally look pretty good in Bowl games (Texas Tech excepted) because that is the time JT lets the younger guys get in there and go full speed in practice. So the really banged up starters get a chance to sit out, but the other guys who are able to practice go up against a guy who want to show what they can do. It makes them better. That is why I think we always tend to slow down at the end of the season. Too much scheming and not enough head knocking. I hope that this weeks practice was all about head knocking.
GO BEARS!!
Sunday, November 25, 2007
Cal Water Polo
I think the Bears are out of the National Championship hunt.
Cal lost to UC Irvine and in the MPSF semifinals. That means that Cal plays Stanford for third place. Only two teams from the MPSF can get invitations to the NCAA championship finals. So the Bears are most likely out of the National Championship hunt. I think USC is probably now the favorite.
That sucks.
GO BEARS!!
Cal lost to UC Irvine and in the MPSF semifinals. That means that Cal plays Stanford for third place. Only two teams from the MPSF can get invitations to the NCAA championship finals. So the Bears are most likely out of the National Championship hunt. I think USC is probably now the favorite.
That sucks.
GO BEARS!!
What I noticed watching the SEC and the Big 12 Play
It was interesting watching football this weekend. First, I noticed what a gambling defense can do. LSU had 8 in the box almost all night, and was totally burned by McFadden, because as soon as he broke through the first level, he was gone . Gregory's defense would not have allowed that to happen, at least with LSUs players. LSU would have won with Gregory as the Defensive Coordinator. That being said, they still did not put enough pressure on the Arkansas QB to make mistakes (when he actually was in there).
It also was interesting to see how mobility at the QB position changed the game for Arkansas. When McFadden was lined up back there, they all knew he was going to run, but they had no ability to stop him many times. Which is why I have been a little confused why we ahve not been lining up Forsett in the backfield later in the season, as we did earlier. It was interesting how Houston Nutt stole the Tim Tebow from Florida with McFadden at QB. I love the power run at the goal line, and then stop and todd it right over the middle to the Tight End.
LSU, the Greatest Team Ever (with 2 losses) was really pretty average this year. They have struggled through games and have won when they offensively have gambled, but the defense has been relatively strong. But they have given up a LOT of big plays. I think that when playing in a run - strong conference like the SEC, it is important to oversell the run. But frankly, it is difficult to play that way and not give up a lot of big plays.
This was also the first time I saw Missouri play. I loved that offense. That is what Cal should look like. If we had Aaron Rogers another year, that is what we would have looked like. Before watching that game, I was sold on McFadden for Heisman. After watching that, I was close to becoming a Chase Daniels for Heisman guy. Both of them were fantastic.
I hope Tedford was at home watching that game.
The other thing I loved was the absolute gutsy-ness of the Missouri attack. Fake field goals to start the game (we never do that!!!) - using the Tight Ends all over the field. This was the year that we had all of the great position guys, but out QB got hurt, was not that mobile to begin with, and the backup was a head case. What those guys had at Missouri is what the TedSpread should have been. Kansas, on the other hand, was more predictable, less gutsy, and therefore lost. The Kansas defense was also less able than Missouri's. But that was a great game and a great educational experience.
Florida is interesting. It is the Tim Tebow show. I do not know what else they have, though. He will also be in NY at the Heisman ceremonies. Those three guys are the guys. If they invite Dixon, or Colt Brennan, it will just be to be nice.
That being said, I am still in the Nate camp. I believe in the guy, and more to the point, I believe that in the Pac 10 a Senior QB is the best weapon that you can have. We have two games to win. I think Nate is probably done with school after this year, and will be pretty focused next year. At least, I hope that is the case. If not, yeah, bring in Riley or Mansion. But get it done early.
Anyway, I hope everyone had a good Holiday. I was thankful that the Bears had a week off after the crapfest of last week.
GO BEARS!!
It also was interesting to see how mobility at the QB position changed the game for Arkansas. When McFadden was lined up back there, they all knew he was going to run, but they had no ability to stop him many times. Which is why I have been a little confused why we ahve not been lining up Forsett in the backfield later in the season, as we did earlier. It was interesting how Houston Nutt stole the Tim Tebow from Florida with McFadden at QB. I love the power run at the goal line, and then stop and todd it right over the middle to the Tight End.
LSU, the Greatest Team Ever (with 2 losses) was really pretty average this year. They have struggled through games and have won when they offensively have gambled, but the defense has been relatively strong. But they have given up a LOT of big plays. I think that when playing in a run - strong conference like the SEC, it is important to oversell the run. But frankly, it is difficult to play that way and not give up a lot of big plays.
This was also the first time I saw Missouri play. I loved that offense. That is what Cal should look like. If we had Aaron Rogers another year, that is what we would have looked like. Before watching that game, I was sold on McFadden for Heisman. After watching that, I was close to becoming a Chase Daniels for Heisman guy. Both of them were fantastic.
I hope Tedford was at home watching that game.
The other thing I loved was the absolute gutsy-ness of the Missouri attack. Fake field goals to start the game (we never do that!!!) - using the Tight Ends all over the field. This was the year that we had all of the great position guys, but out QB got hurt, was not that mobile to begin with, and the backup was a head case. What those guys had at Missouri is what the TedSpread should have been. Kansas, on the other hand, was more predictable, less gutsy, and therefore lost. The Kansas defense was also less able than Missouri's. But that was a great game and a great educational experience.
Florida is interesting. It is the Tim Tebow show. I do not know what else they have, though. He will also be in NY at the Heisman ceremonies. Those three guys are the guys. If they invite Dixon, or Colt Brennan, it will just be to be nice.
That being said, I am still in the Nate camp. I believe in the guy, and more to the point, I believe that in the Pac 10 a Senior QB is the best weapon that you can have. We have two games to win. I think Nate is probably done with school after this year, and will be pretty focused next year. At least, I hope that is the case. If not, yeah, bring in Riley or Mansion. But get it done early.
Anyway, I hope everyone had a good Holiday. I was thankful that the Bears had a week off after the crapfest of last week.
GO BEARS!!
Pac 10 BCS Chances
Right now, the entire conference should be hoping that Arizona State does not pull it's regularly scheduled meltdown at the end of the season, and actually beats Arizona. They will go to a BCS game if they win. If they do not, the Pac 10 most likely will not have two representatives in the BCS and the conference will forfeit the extra 4.5 million for the second BCS entry.
USC is most likely going to go to the Rose Bowl. If they lose, they still have 9 wins and will probably make a game somewhere in the BCS. If UCLA goes to the Rose Bowl, I think I will never watch another college football game. USC has got to win for the good of the conference.
The BCS has a difficult issue this year. The limitation of only two teams for BCS games means that the Big 12 and the SEC can only have two each. The Big 10 currently only has one eligible ( with Illinois being the closest to being eligible at 15). Oregon is at 18, but has another game to play, and would probably slide over Illinois in the polls. They already are ahead in the computers. The ACC currently has two teams eligible but Boston College will be eliminated when they lose to Virginia Tech again in the ACC championship game. Or else Virginia Tech will be eliminated. Either way, there is only one team from the ACC, Big East (West Virginia) and Big 10. With Hawaii sneaking in (with the worst strength of schedule in the history of the BCS), that leaves the requirement that the SEC, Big 12 and Pac 10 provide two conference picks. The voters saved the BCS this week by putting Hawaii in the top 10 for votes. If they lose to Washington, the BCS will have to change it's rules to allow a non-top 14 team into the series. Which would be either the loser of the ACC championship game (could be likely if VA Tech loses) or Illinois. If Oregon wins, ASU loses and USC wins, Oregon may make it back into the BCS mix.
For the second time this season, both the number 1 and number 2 teams lost the same weekend. In fact, both times, it was LSU who was number 1. I do not think that a number 1 teams has lost twice in the same season and been number 1 both times before. What a whacky season. Of course, the last time that happened was when Cal lost to Oregon State.
Ohio State is in the hunt for the National Championship game, waiting for Missouri to lose the Big 12. Based on what I saw during the game, the Big 12 championship game is going to be a doozy. I think that Missouri wins, giving Kansas the slot for the Big 12. Missouri is a damn good team. What a game that was. Hopefully they do not lose, since I, for one, do not think that the Big 10 deserves to have their champion play for the top prize. Nor, frankly, do I think that West Virginia deserves to play for it either. The Big East was fairly weak. Kansas, by virtue of losing yesterday, is guaranteed a spot in the BCS since they do not have the ability to lose another game in the Big 12 championship.
It was nice to see Tennessee win the SEC east. I hope they beat the crap out of LSU, whose boss is busy this week negotiating with Michigan. If Tennessee wins, they go to the Sugar Bowl. If they lose, they are not eligible for a BCS berth, and LSU will go to the Sugar Bowl. No matter what, Georgia goes to a BCS bowl game, as the second rated SEC team. Lucky for them they do not have to play in the SEC title game.
Cal, by the way, is 43rd in the BCS standing. Good news - we are the highest rated 6-5 team!
USC is most likely going to go to the Rose Bowl. If they lose, they still have 9 wins and will probably make a game somewhere in the BCS. If UCLA goes to the Rose Bowl, I think I will never watch another college football game. USC has got to win for the good of the conference.
The BCS has a difficult issue this year. The limitation of only two teams for BCS games means that the Big 12 and the SEC can only have two each. The Big 10 currently only has one eligible ( with Illinois being the closest to being eligible at 15). Oregon is at 18, but has another game to play, and would probably slide over Illinois in the polls. They already are ahead in the computers. The ACC currently has two teams eligible but Boston College will be eliminated when they lose to Virginia Tech again in the ACC championship game. Or else Virginia Tech will be eliminated. Either way, there is only one team from the ACC, Big East (West Virginia) and Big 10. With Hawaii sneaking in (with the worst strength of schedule in the history of the BCS), that leaves the requirement that the SEC, Big 12 and Pac 10 provide two conference picks. The voters saved the BCS this week by putting Hawaii in the top 10 for votes. If they lose to Washington, the BCS will have to change it's rules to allow a non-top 14 team into the series. Which would be either the loser of the ACC championship game (could be likely if VA Tech loses) or Illinois. If Oregon wins, ASU loses and USC wins, Oregon may make it back into the BCS mix.
For the second time this season, both the number 1 and number 2 teams lost the same weekend. In fact, both times, it was LSU who was number 1. I do not think that a number 1 teams has lost twice in the same season and been number 1 both times before. What a whacky season. Of course, the last time that happened was when Cal lost to Oregon State.
Ohio State is in the hunt for the National Championship game, waiting for Missouri to lose the Big 12. Based on what I saw during the game, the Big 12 championship game is going to be a doozy. I think that Missouri wins, giving Kansas the slot for the Big 12. Missouri is a damn good team. What a game that was. Hopefully they do not lose, since I, for one, do not think that the Big 10 deserves to have their champion play for the top prize. Nor, frankly, do I think that West Virginia deserves to play for it either. The Big East was fairly weak. Kansas, by virtue of losing yesterday, is guaranteed a spot in the BCS since they do not have the ability to lose another game in the Big 12 championship.
It was nice to see Tennessee win the SEC east. I hope they beat the crap out of LSU, whose boss is busy this week negotiating with Michigan. If Tennessee wins, they go to the Sugar Bowl. If they lose, they are not eligible for a BCS berth, and LSU will go to the Sugar Bowl. No matter what, Georgia goes to a BCS bowl game, as the second rated SEC team. Lucky for them they do not have to play in the SEC title game.
Cal, by the way, is 43rd in the BCS standing. Good news - we are the highest rated 6-5 team!
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