.jpg)
It’s not as fun to pick the players of the game in a loss, but sometimes, it's a bit more comforting to pick out the bright spots. Let’s switch things up and award the defense first today.
Defensive Player of the Game: Zack Follett
It was nearly a toss-up between linebacker Zack Follett and DE Tyson Alulau. Alualu had a career day with 8 tackles (5 solo), and also recording his first sack of the season. It was also the defensive line’s first sack of the season.
Alualu has emerged as the defensive line’s most consistent player, constantly creating pressure on the QB and leading the line in tackles.
In the end, I had to give the helmet sticker to Follett however, because he provided the biggest plays on the defensive side of the ball. The Zack Attack was in full force with 5 total tackles, 1 sack, a forced fumble, and a fumble recovery. Follett may not be the most consistent player on the defense, but he most consistently provides the biggest plays on that side of the ball.
Honorable Mentions
Tyson Alualu: 8 tackles (five solo), 1 sack
Rulon Davis: 6 tackles (4 solo) 1 tackle for loss, 1 forced fumble, 1 sack
Syd’Quan Thompson: 6 tackles (5 solo), 1 sack, 1 pass breakup
Offensive Player of the Game: LaReylle Cunningham
Dah. I was really tempted to go with Kevin Riley. I mean the kid had the 3rd highest total for passing yards in a game (423), and attempted a record 58 passes. He also had 3 touchdowns and helped rally the team back in the 4th quarter. He was a big reason the box score didn’t look as bad as the game really was.
But then you have to remember his inconsistencies earlier in the game, being sacked 5 times, completing fewer than 57% of his passes, and leading an offense that didn’t convert a 3rd down until the 3rd quarter.
In the end, I had to give it to the best offensive player of the game yesterday, LaReylle Cunningham, who notched up a career high in 138 receiving yards on 7 catches and led the way for the best performance by the receivers all season. Granted, the receivers were mostly quiet and struggled to get open for the first half, but Cunningham exhibited extraordinary hands, catching nearly everything thrown his way.
Honorable Mentions:
Kevin Riley: 33-58, 423 yards passing, 3 TDs, 1 INT.
Michael Calvin: 5 catches, 69 yards
Cameron morrah: 5 catches, 49 yards, 1 TD
Nyan Boateng: 4 catches, 64 yards, and laid a Maryland defender the F out.
Play of the Game
Jahvid Best doing his best Reggie Bush impression.
Unfortunately, I have to go with the play that actually went against the Bears, simply because it was that job dropping. And stomach churning…
They don’t call him Reggie Bush for nothing. It’s eerie how similar they look:
5 comments:
Didn't Follet have a sack against Washington St? I'm pretty sure I saw him come off the edge like a heat-seeking missile
Yes, I believe Follett has two sacks on the season so far. Not quite on pace to get his 20, but I like where it's going.
Yeah, I agree with Cunningham for offensive player of the game over Riley. Riley just didn't play well enough early on in the game.
Cunningham was by far the best receiver on that Cal team! He didn't get to show it because Tedford had his picks over a veteran player who could have really put up some big numbers not only personally but for the team. I'll never understand Tedford's reasoning for not playing a top-notch kid on and off the field like Cunningham. Great pick for player of the game.
LaReylle Cunningham is an NFL caliber player. I would put him up against any receiver in the country and I would bet he would do as good, if not better than most of them that will get drafted in the early rounds and make millions and not produce.
Post a Comment