Oregon Recap

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

All in all, you had to feel pretty solid about Cal’s win against Oregon. The Bears contained a dangerous Oregon offense, made some big plays on offense and special teams, and most importantly, really took advantage of the opportunities they were given off of Oregon turnovers.

Some people might be concerned about the number of turnovers Cal had, but I’m not sure those same people were at the game. It was really freaking wet. And cold. And windy. Not that any of these conditions excuse the number of turnovers, but it certainly provides a level of context when simply looking at the stat sheet. I don’t think we’ll see a 4 turnover day too often this season.

Defense Does it Again
Defense deserves another tremendous pat on the back after Saturday’s performance against the Ducks. While the Bears did give up 196 yards on the ground, most of those yards came on a few drives in which Cal’s D did in fact appear to be a bit out of sorts and let Oregon drive down the field with ease.

However, Cal’s defense did an great job of really buckling down in the red zone and held the conference’s top offense (averaging 41.5 ppg and 474.9 yards per game) to just 16 points and 290 yards.

The Bears defense also continues to come with big turnovers week after week. Sean Cattouse had second interception on the season near the endzone to kill one of the Ducks’ best drives, and Worrell Williams returned Masoli’s second interception down to the Ducks’ 3 yard line to set up Cal’s next TD.

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

Further, Cal held Jeremiah Masoli to 7-21 passing for only 44 yards to go with his two picks. Justin Roper didn’t fare much better going 4-11 for only 40 yards. While those numbers are a bit indicative of Oregon’s inconsistent passing game, it does a very telling job of exemplifying the great job Cal did in flushing Masoli out of the pocket and forcing him to pass more than the Ducks would have wanted.

Regardless of how Cal finishes the season, Cal’s 3-4 has been a resounding success this season and Cal’s improvement on defense from last year can’t be overstated.

Tedford’s 2 QB System

(AP Photo/Ben Margot)

The quarterback story this season never ceases to amaze me.

Starting QB Kevin Riley appeared shaky on Cal’s first drive, with a few passes sailing high and throwing his 3rd interception on the season after being hit throwing a screen pass to Jahvid Best. Riley settled down on the next driving, going 7-8 including a TD strike to Jeremy Ross.

However, near the end of the first quarter, Riley neglected to dive on a QB scramble and got a taste of some Duck sandwich, leaving the game with a concussion. Nate Longshore was then forced into the game to the collective “…” of many fans in the stadium.

Longshore wasn’t spectacular by any means, but he did a really admirable job stepping into the game under those conditions. I was particularly impressed with the way that Longshore stood tall in the pocket despite some pretty heavy pressure to make some critical completions, particularly on third down. Longshore got hit More importantly, Longshore didn’t commit any backbreaking turnovers, critical in a game as bizarre and as close as it was

While Longshore didn’t do anything to establish himself as the starter for next week, Cal fans might have a bit of a better understanding of what Coach Jeff Tedford meant when he said we would need both QBs to win this year. And on a day when the starting quarterback went down, it was good to see the way Longshore stepped in and stepped up.


Wide Receivers Rising
Cal’s wide receivers had one of their best games all season. Again, while the stat sheet might not appear too impressive, what was most encouraging to see was the receivers step up and make some big time catches in some clutch situations. There were still a few drops, but their performance was a lot more even than it had been in previous weeks.

Also, I think you’re really starting to see some receivers rise up and emerge as some go to receivers. Namely, Jeremy Ross, Nyan Boateng, and Verran Tucker have really come on as of late and have proven to be the more consistent receivers of the bunch in the past few games. We’ll see if they can maintain a level of consistency to finish the season, but it’s still good to see some receivers begin to step up.

Offensive Line
I had been particularly concerned about how well Cal’s offensive line would protect his quarterback, and I must say I was very much encouraged and relieved by the results.

I thought by and large that Cal’s offensive line played about as well as one could have hoped for considering how banged up they were going into the game. Facing off against best some of the pass rushers in the conference, the Cal O-line held their own allowing only one sack on the day and a modest 130 yards on the ground.

Special Teams
Knowing how close the games in the Cal Oregon series have been, I anticipated that Special Teams might play a big enough of a role that it might ultimately determine the game’s winner. And hey, I was right!

There were plenty of gaffes on special teams for both the Bears and the Ducks going into the fourth quarter, the Ducks had botched a point after attempt, and had a snap on a punt sail over the punter’s head for a safety. The Bears also had missed a field goal and Nate Longshore fumbled the snap on another.

However, the fourth quarter is where Special Teams really decided the game.

With the Bears clinging onto a lead 19-16 in the fourth, one got the sense that the momentum was swinging heavily in Oregon’s favor. Despite missing a field goal, the Ducks were able to force the Bears to punt and were ready to take control of the game.

However, after signaling for a fair catch, Jairus Byrd muffed the punt return and Cal recovered the ball on inside the 6 yard line, setting up the Bears’ eventual final score.

It’s been an up and down year for the Bears’ Special Teams. Cal fans have really seen the entire gamut of special teams plays. But it was good to see the Special Teams make the plays when needed.

Oh, and major props to Syd’Quan Thompson for fielding those punts cleanly in that weather.

And on and on we go
It’s almost a shame that Cal is already looking forward to USC this upcoming week. It almost passes over one of Cal’s biggest wins this season and one of the funkier, more fun games all year.

The Bears haven’t immediately turned into the conference champion favorites by any means with the win. But at least Cal fans know that the team is capable of stepping up and winning some big games this year.

Now if only they can win on the road (sorry, couldn’t resist).

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Rankings Update: Week 10

The Bears back in the rankings this week following their win over previously ranked Oregon.

Cal is ranked 21st in the AP Polls with 288 points, and 22nd in the USA Today Polls with 192 points. The BCS Standings should be out later today.

While it was nearly a given that Cal would jump back into the polls following their win, they moved up a few more spots due to a large number of Top 25 teams suffering losses this week with a good number of them falling out of the polls completely:
#25 (BCS) Connecticut, #24 South Florida, #23 Oregon, #20 Minnesota, #19 Tulsa, #16 Florida State, #8 Georgia, and #1 falling to Texas Tech in a thriller. What a treat for those who got to watch that one.

If only BYU had lost. Dah CSU!

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Keys to the Game: Oregon

("Oh hell...to the yes.")

Very few conference rivalries achieve the consistent level of excitement as Cal v. Oregon. Since Coach Jeff Tedford left the Oregon program as its offensive coordinator to become the head coach at Cal, no other series for Cal has had come close to consistently churning out nail biters and close games between these typically evenly matched teams.

Ken Crawford has a pretty good breakdown of the history of this exciting series.

Knowing the game is more than likely to be decided on the final play, very few things get me as pumped (while knocking off a few years of my life) as when Cal faces off against Oregon.

This year shouldn’t be too different.

Oregon, again features a potent offense, highlighted by its videogame like running game, and also features a monster defensive line and scrappy secondary. Cal comes into the game riding on the strength of its new 3-4 defense, and will have answer questions regarding inconsistency on offense. Its banged up patchwork of an offensive line shouldn’t provide much comfort.

Let’s breakdown the top keys to the game.

Pass Protection
On offense, this will be the biggest key to success. Oregon features one of the fiercest pass rushes off the edge in the country, led by DEs Nick Reed and Will Tukuafu who lead the conference in both Tackles for Loss and Sacks. Under normal circumstances, this would be reason enough to worry. But with injuries to our offensive line (out: RTs Chet Teofilo and Matt Laird, as well as a banged up Noris Malele), Cal will featuring an offensive line that consists of second and third stringers.

Both tackles Donovan Edwards and Mitchell Schwartz will have their toughest test of the season, and their ability to limit the damage off the edge will give Cal a fighting chance in the game. However, if Cal’s O-line begins to resemble the 49ers,’ then you might see their passing game follow suite. Translation: a lot of 3 and outs, and some turnovers.

One has to think this is the biggest reason Riley will get the starting nod, due to his mobility and ability to make plays when pressured in the pocket. But one has to also think that Tedford liked in Riley’s decision making, with Riley avoiding any costly turnovers when pressured in the pocket. Considering the expected level of pocket pressure, and the game’s near certainty that it will be a close contest, both factors with Riley could be huge.


Force Masoli to pass
Oregon features the 5th best rushing attack in the nation, averaging 278.75 yards per game on the ground. Let me repeat that. 278.75 rushing yards.

A big part of their rushing success in recent games have come on the legs of their QB Jeremiah Masoli who has rushed for 255 yards and two touchdowns on 32 carries in the past two games.

“I think of myself a passer first.” – Oregon QB Jeremiah Masoli

Well that must be fun to say and all, but Masoli’s numbers indicate otherwise. While Masoli has been ripping it up on the ground, he has only passed for a meager 189 yards in those games.

While I don’t question Masoli’s ability to throw the ball, it’s obvious that a strong part of Oregon’s offense revolves around keeping Masoli as a legitimate running threat. If Cal can limit Masoli and the running crew on first and second down, and force the Ducks into constant passing situations, Cal stands a good chance at preventing Oregon from putting up Madden like numbers on Saturday.

Fortunately, I believe Cal’s 3-4 defense will be a good match against the run. Let’s not forget that it was Cal’s success running the 3-4 against spread rushing offenses like the one Cal faced last year against Air Force that even got Cal considering making the switch in the first place. I believe Cal has the speed and athleticism on defense to chase the Oregon rushers from stretching the field too vertically.

If they can match that speed with a physical brand of defense, which they will need against running backs Jeremiah Johnson and LaGarrette Blounte, Cal won’t be able to stop Oregon from scoring, but they’ll be able to limit them.

Special Teams
I’m not Miss Cleo. I’m not that weird dude on FOX who can speak to dead people. I even suck at picking which helmet is hiding the ball in that helmet switch game played on the giant screen at Memorial Stadium (it IS luck).

Point is, I can’t tell the future. I don’t what aspect of Special Teams will be our downfall or our potential savior on Saturday, but I’ve got a feeling Special Teams will be involved somehow. It usually is, and has been, in the close games Cal has played with Oregon the past few years. Remember the missed extra point in 2004? The missed field goal in 2005 to push the game into overtime? DJax’s punt return which pushed Cal’s momentum over the edge in 2006? The field goal that sailed OVER the crossbar in 2007?

There were obviously a lot of other major factors involved in those games, but Special Teams can’t have a performance like they did last week against UCLA. They can’t give up big field position on kickoff or punt returns to a dangerous Duck Offense. They can’t afford to miss more than one field goal, or ANY extra points. And they certainly can’t allow punts to be blocked for a crucial 6 points in what is bound to be a game decided by less than a TD.

At the same time, Cal blocking a kick, or forcing a fumble on a kickoff return, or a big return by Syd’Quan might be just what the Bears need to spark their momentum when playing at home.

Which will it be? I don’t know. But I know it will matter.

Heads or Tails?

Jekyll and Hyde type of performances might have worked against Arizona State or UCLA, but they won’t work against the Ducks. Is there a chance the Ducks might be overrated? Maybe. But looking at our history against them, it will hardly matter.

And especially considering the conference ramifications, this is undoubtedly the biggest game of the year for the Bears. As each game from here on out will be.

I’m just going to say it: Cal will need to play its best game of the season to beat the Ducks on Saturday. The team will have to be balanced and consistent on offense, disciplined on defense, and nearly flawless on Special Teams.

Will the Bears win? Hell if I know. But it will be fun to find out.

Prediction (if I have to): Bears 28 Oregon 24

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Bear Bits: Riley will start, Vote for Mack, and Recruiting Update

A few notes as we officially begin Duck Hunting Season this week.

Riley will start
All signs point to Kevin Riley starting this Saturday when the Bears host the Oregon Ducks. After several weeks of not announcing the starter until a few days or just before the game, Coach Tedford announced during his weekly press conference that Riley is the starter...for now. The team will gameplan around Riley starting, but will still continue to split first team reps between Riley and Nate Longshore.

Tedford appeared to be happy about how Riley played on Saturday, with the biggest plus being Riley's decision making and avoiding any costly turnovers. He also proceeded to maintain that he would prefer not to go with a two quarterback system and just have one established starter - it just hasn't happened yet. Tedford also dismissed the continued splitting of reps deeply affecting their chemistry with the receivers.

Hmm. Your guys' thoughts?

Be Ready for Oregon
Coach Tedford also made his usual plea for fan support to help the Bears create a difficult home atmosphere against the Ducks and their spread offense.

Coach Tedford: "People should get an extra hour of sleep or whatever, have a little bit more tailgate or do whatever they need to do, but we need our crowd this week."

Translation: Even if it means getting blazed before the game, Bears fans need to come ready to rock.

FINE! I'm not a drinker, but if Tedford says so...

Vote for Alex Mack!
Someone emailed this link to me asking that I post this on the site: Your opportunity to vote for Alex Mack for the Lowe's Senior Class Award. Would love to. Cal fans should be thanking the football gods daily that Big Mack decided to stick around for his senior year. Our offensive line, entire offense, and the team wouldn't be the same without his play or his leadership.

The guy is also an absolute friendly bear off the field, and was one of the nicest players to talk to during the fan appreciation day, actually getting up out of his seat to take a photo with yours truly. He must have known greatness when he saw me. Cough.

Recruiting Update
Greg Biggins with the ESPN West Coast Recruiting Blog has some good stuff regarding possible Cal prospects.

The two most interesting notes is standout defensive lineman Deandre Coleman, who recently backed out of an early commitment to Washington (can't blame you kid) has Cal at the top of his list while also considering UCLA, both Arizona schools, and Colorado.

"Coach [Tosh] Lupoi has been recruiting me for awhile and I really like him a lot. I liked the campus, the players on the team, basically everything about the visit was cool."

Although nothing is certain, Coleman would be an absolute great get as a future stud at Cal's critical nose tackle position.

Also, wide receiver Caleve Deboskie, brother of current Cal redshirt running back Covaughn Deoskie, received his official offer from Wyoming, and is fielding potential offers from San Diego State, Utah, Montana State, as well as Oregon State. No word yet as to the level of interest Cal has in nabbing the second Deboskie brother, or if Caleve would like to even consider going to the same school as Covaughn.

Let's hope so. Caleve already has 23 catches for 493 yards and seven touchdowns on the season. Would mind another pass catching threat at all…

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UCLA Helmet Stickers and Play of the Game

Defensive Player of the Game: Mike Mohammed

It was a standout game for many Cal defenders. While it was difficult to choose, I thought it appropriate to give this week's helmet sticker to a player who's been solid all season long.

Coming into the season, a number of fans were perplexed as to why Mohammed, who had done fairly well in a backup role the previous season wasn't chosen as the fourth linebacker in the new 3-4 scheme, with the spot instead going to Eddie Young.

At the time, Defensive Coordinator Bob Gregory explained that Mohammed would be more beneficial as a utility linebacker, because of his ability to play all four linebacker spots on the field. The results thus far have been outstanding with Mohammed currently second on the team in tackles. In fact, in his utility role, Mohammed has actually seen more reps this season than any other linebacker.

Saturday was a bit of a breakout game for Mohammed, who has been solid thus far this season. Mohammed posted 9 tackles including a sack and another tackle for a loss. His also ran his first career interception in for a touchdown to seal the game for the Bears in the fourth quarter. Also, a play that might go unnoticed to some in the midst of a day shrouded number of quirky plays, took place in the closing minutes of the first half, when the Bruins faced a 3rd and 1 inside the Cal's 5 yard line. Tt was Mike Mohammed who chased down Khalil Bell for a loss as Bell raced towards the first down marker to hold the Bruins to a field goal on that drive.

[Update: Mohammed was just named Defensive Pac-10 Player of the Week]

Congrats Mike, and keep it up.

Honorable Mentions:
Syd'Quan Thompson: 10 tackles, 2 pass breakups
Tyson Alualu: 6 tackles, 2 sacks, 2 tipped balls from line of scrimmage
Marcus Ezeff: 2 INTs (1 returned for a TD)


Offensive Player of the Game: Jahvid Best
Jahvid Best was again one of the few bright spots for an offensive unit that by and large, struggled for the first three quarters of the game. Best was productive on the ground, consistently gaining positive yardage on most his runs, despite being hampered by a nagging sprained ankle. Best rushed 17 times for 115 yards, including a spectacular 34 yard touchdown score. Again, watch it in slow motion and be amazed.

Honorable Mentions
Kevin Riley: 11-22 for 153 yards, 2 TDs
Shane Vereen: 14 rushes, 99 yards, 1 TD
Nyan Boateng: 2 catches, 67 yards, 1 TD

Play of the Game: 53 yard Flea Flicker TD pass
It was an interesting day in the sense that while the offense was bogged down for most of the game, there were still a handful of highlight reel plays that would deceive a highlights only viewer to believe that Cal was an offensive juggernaut.

Jeremy Ross' E-Honda-like double stiff arm kick return drew some "oohs" from the crowd, as did his leap over a UCLA defender on a reverse. It didn't matter that the run was called back on Riley's illegal block in the back, the crowd was still impressed.

Marcus Ezeff and Mike Mohammed's interception returns were also fun to watch.

But the honor this week goes to the 53-yard flea flicker from Riley to Boateng that re-energized the team, the crowd, and sparked the Cal team to roll onto 24 straight points in the fourth quarter. But it was also special for other reasons.

It was almost as if the play were like a super move in Street Fighter that took the entire battle to charge up. The play would not have worked had Cal not consistently run the ball throughout the game to bait the safeties to move up and bite on the fake toss.


Also impressive, was Kevin Riley's ability to sidestep a rushing Brian Price who beat Noris Malele at the line, before launching the ball deep. I'm not so sure that play would have been made with Longshore in the pocket.

Finally, the play was sweet vindication for a Cal team who had been burned deep by the same play last year against the Bruins down in the Rose Bowl. Karma's a biznatch eh?

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