Keys to the Game

As Brent Musburger would say, "Oh baby!" We're one day away from Cal's opener at Michigan State. Despite Stanford and Oregon State's "exciting" game to kick off the season Thursday night, it still hasn't quite hit me yet that we are finally here at the beginning of the 2008-2009 College Football season.

When will it hit me? Not sure. Perhaps it will when I make the trek up to Memorial Stadium with thousands of other Cal fans for tomorrow’s opener. Or maybe when the team takes the field as Cal’s fight song kicks off in the stadium. Or on Jahvid Best’s first huge run. We shall see. But I await it nonetheless.

We’ve talked about the offense. We’ve talked about the defense. Now let’s talk about the keys to the game (in my mind) if we plan on being victorious against what is supposed to be a very evenly matched game with the Michigan State Spartans.

3 Keys to the Game:

1) Keep Javon Ringer under 100 yards.
In my mind, this is the granddaddy of ‘em all. When people ask me if I think we’re going to win tomorrow, I respond with, “Depends on how we do with Ringer.” Javon Ringer, a 5’9 Senior, is considered one of the premier backs in the nation, and will be the focal point of the Spartans offense this season. Tomorrow’s matchup will provide the truest test for how Cal’s new 3-4 defense will fair against a power, up-your-gut, smash mouth run offense. I don’t think we’ll be able to completely shut down Ringer (MSU’s experienced and huge offensive line and Ringer’s talent will see to that), but if we can contain him for minimal yardage, wrap up well, fill in the gaps, and prevent him from breaking off huge runs, especially after initial contact, I think Cal stands a very good chance of winning this one.

This will especially prove to be true in the second half of the game as the initial enthusiasm and energy begins to wear off. How will Cal’s D perform in the trenches late in the 3rd quarter and early in the 4th? That will be the question.

(None of this, please.)

2) Limit Turnovers
I know this is incredibly cliché, as any joe-schmo like yours truly can rattle a statement off like this in pre-game analysis. But this statement remains even truer for Cal’s young offense. Cal will be sending out a QB with only one career start, a whole new crop of wide receivers, and a tandem of running backs with only one running back having any actual in-game carries. Given the youth and inexperience at nearly ever skill position, Cal will need to overcome any early season jitters and focus on executing the offensive game plan, avoiding turnovers, and finishing drives (whether it be field goals or touchdowns). A few early long drives will instill some confidence in this young offense, and hopefully the home crowd will prevent them from too many costly mental errors. An early interception or a few fumbles may make it difficult for Cal to get back into the game if they find themselves behind early.

3) The Big Play
As effective as Cal has been running the ball, Tedford’s most successful teams have never been known for being “work the clock” or “grind the ball” kind of teams. They’ve been known for being explosive. Cal will need that one particular explosive play to fire up the home crowd, and energize the team. It happened last year in the Tennessee game with Follet’s hit and subsequent Worrell Williams recovery run for a touchdown. While Tennessee came right back and responded with a nice drive of their own, it put Cal in the driver’s seat for the rest of the game.

It might come in a punt return, or a forced fumble or an interception, or perhaps a long run by one of our speedy backs, but I believe it will be incredibly important for some type of spark to ignite the entire Cal team tomorrow.

Keep in mind, it can go the other way as well. Busted coverage leading to a long TD pass, a poor tackle allowing Ringer to run 64 yards for a TD, or an early pick six may challenge a lot of the good feelings and team chemistry that the team worked so hard to build in the offseason. Cal will have to work efficiently to prevent Michigan State from making any big plays.

In conclusion:
There are so many other issues that I could have brought up. For Riley to establish a solid timing with his new receivers. For Cal’s D-line to get some pressure on QB Brian Hoyer. Solid tackling. Avoiding stupid penalties. For the Cal fans to make some freaking noise.

The list could go on. But none appear to be as important as the three keys outlined above (at least in my mind). Leave a comment if you think I’m off or am forgetting something else. Other than that, I’ll just be happy to be back at Memorial Stadium, and enjoying a beautiful Saturday evening with the new old Cal faithful. Go Bears!