ESPN: Cal/Tennessee #1 intriguing matchup

ESPN writer Bruce Feldman has named the Cal/Tennessee game the #1 intriguing matchup for September. He writes:

1. Cal at Tennessee, Sept. 2: I know this one pits a team that played in the Vegas Bowl against one that didn’t even go bowling, but I’m fascinated by how the Vols come out. Will there be any hangover from that wreck last season? And what will the Cal Bears get from their QB spot? Are they back to being a top 10 program or have they peaked? I have a feeling the loser of this one, especially if it’s the guys in orange, will be sent reeling. I guess this one is kinda like the Kirstie Alley of games — two programs that had been riding high a few years ago before sliding into some sort of embarrassing downturn. Both are reportedly on their way back into the spotlight again, but we’re not sure just how far back they truly are, and we’re not quite ready to take them too seriously just yet.

I was a little surprised to see that Feldman considered Cal’s last season “embarassing” like Tennessee’s and his statement that he was not ready to take either team seriously. While Feldman has consistently been skeptical of Cal’s legitimacy this season (especially in light of the quarterback situation), these words are a bit stronger than usual. However, I’m glad that he recognizes the stakes of this game for both programs and the article still adds to the building hype to September for Cal.

EDIT 7/28: I’m happy to see that Feldman more or less retracted his “embarassing” statement in response to feedback from a Cal fan:

Jerris in San Carlos, Calif.: I love your blog and think you are spot on with most of your observations, but I do take issue with you characterizing Cal’s last season as “sliding into some sort of embarrassing downturn.” It was an obvious rebuilding year with unproven QBs, WRs and most of the defense. I think you would be hard-pressed to find many Cal fans who thought last year was embarrassing. I think the parallel with Tennessee is strained on that point. But I am psyched you are looking forward to the game as much as I!

Feldman: Yeah, Jerris. You caught me. I kinda cheated a little to make the Kirstie Alley line fit. That really wasn’t that embarrassing of a downturn for Cal especially in light of the nightmarish lengths the Vols sunk to.