The Cal Football Fan

Cal defeats Washington 31-24 in OT thriller

Photo: Jason Snell, Idiots Write About Sports

In Cal’s most exciting game of the season so far, the Bears emerged victorious from Memorial Stadium with an overtime win over a resilient Huskies squad. Despite struggles on offense for both teams and a lackluster first half, they fought hard to the end. Marshawn Lynch and Cal’s defense carried the Bears to the win necessary to stay undefeated in the Pac-10 (5-0). This was a crucial win at the end of a long stretch, and the Bears now have a bye week to recuperate before hosting UCLA in November.

Yes, our predictions were way off. Kudos to Washington for taking advantage of Cal’s slow start and showing up to make a close game despite starting a backup quarterback.

As always, here are thoughts from around the nation:

Contra Costa Times: “Cal survives Washington’s big strike”

In danger of seeing their dreams of an undefeated run through the Pac-10 go up in a cloud of purple smoke on Saturday at Memorial Stadium, the Cal Bears turned to two of their premier players to save the day against Washington.

SportsTicker: “Lynch, Bishop help California overcome ‘Hail Mary’”

Marshawn Lynch and Desmond Bishop ignored a potentially devastating play. Lynch ran for the go-ahead score in overtime and Bishop ended the game with an interception as No. 11 California overcame a successful “Hail Mary” at the end of regulation to defeat Washington, 31-24, in a Pac-10 Conference thriller.

Sacramento Bee: “Cal survives Husky heave”

Bishop and fellow defensive back Robert Peele had the best chances to break up the [Hail Mary] pass but ended up knocking the ball directly down into [Marlon Wood]’s hands. The Huskies’ primary punt returner had only one reception entering the game but took the carom and fell into the end zone to silence the announced Memorial Stadium crowd of 58,534.

Tedford said he was proud of the way his team handled adversity. This was the first game since the season-opening loss at Tennessee his offense didn’t score in the first quarter. In fact, the Bears didn’t score until Tom Schneider made a 21-yard field-goal with two seconds left in the first half. By then, Bonnell had hit wide receiver Anthony Russo with a 49-yard touchdown pass to give Washington a 10-0 lead.

Associated Press: “Cal wins in overtime after miraculous Washington TD”

Marshawn Lynch played on two sprained ankles, and No. 11 California was on its heels all day — particularly after Washington scored the tying touchdown on the most improbable deflected pass either team had ever seen.

Yet Lynch finally got Cal into the driver’s seat with a 22-yard scoring run in overtime. A few seconds later, he was in another driver’s seat — careening around the field at the wheel of a stadium cart to celebrate the Golden Bears’ 31-24 victory Saturday.

Contra Costa Times: “Lynch does it all in carrying Bears to victory”

Truth be told, after warm-ups, Lynch probably would have played if he had a broken leg. By then, according to Tedford, Lynch was in a “frenzy” over what he considered to be an affront by the Huskies to Cal’s team honor.

The Huskies, apparently, decided to warm up near midfield, directly on Cal’s logo at the 50-yard-line.

“They’re out there saying this is their house and they’re going to win,” Cal linebacker Zack Follett said. “We usually do our jumping jacks at the 30. Marshawn grabbed the whole team and we did our jumping jacks at the 50.”

ESPN’s College Gameday recap (video):

Chris Folwer: Most impressive individual player Lee, what do you think?
Lee Corso: Marshawn Lynch from California. Obviously I like California but he made a great run in overtime to win it… over 150 yards rushing. Marshawn Lynch brought California back to a big win.
Kirk Herbstreit: That was big. Then he got the scooter and just took off running…

Seattle Times: “Bonnell’s good fails to outshine bad and ugly”

When it was over, when the wildest game of his injury-burdened college career ended with a 31-24 overtime loss, Washington quarterback Carl Bonnell fell at the 50-yard line. He just rested there, on his back, the last of five interceptions finally pinning him.

For all the good he did — 284 passing yards, 64 rushing yards, three touchdowns, a Hail Mary — the game’s recurring theme tortured him. Bonnell couldn’t stop throwing the ball to California defenders. It seemed like his spirals came with GPS systems.

Seattle Times: “Ecstasy and agony”

Instead, the Huskies were again left with nothing but the dreaded moral victory to assuage the pain of a 31-24 overtime loss to the Bears, who came in as 23-point favorites and played for much of the day like a team that wasn’t expecting much of a fight.

Once pushed against the ropes, however, the Bears didn’t flinch, scoring on the second play of overtime to take the lead.

“I will remember this game for the rest of my life,” Cal defensive tackle Brandon Mebane said.

U-Dub Dish blog (Washington): “The morning after”

But then Cal let everyone know who’s the boss and Marshawn Lynch, grill intact, took it to the house for the game-winning score.

Game over. Hit your head against a table. Tear out your hair. Scream so the neighbors get worried.

Sturdy Golden Blog: “Great Circle (Cal 31, Washington 24)”

Saturday’s Cal-Washington was memorable. But a bit too damned memorable, if you ask me.

TedfordIsGod blog: “First Five Thoughts on Near-Upset Saturday”

When all is said and done, the image that everyone will remember is of Marshawn driving the injury cart in circles around the Momentum turf. It was exciting, hilarious, pointless, dangerous and unlike anything I’d ever seen — kinda like Marshawn’s running style. He may not ever win the Heisman, but 20 years from now, that will still be funny and a somehow appropriate end to a bizarre game. And no, you weren’t the only one who thought that Marshawn was going to ghost ride an injury cart.

SI: Longshore #7 Top College QB

Sports Illustrated has honored Nate Longshore with the nod for the #7 spot in their list of the Top 15 College Quarterbacks. They write:

The beginning of Longshore’s career was far from easy. First, he broke his leg in Cal’s 2005 opener, ending his season. Then he managed just 85 yards passing with an interception before being pulled from Cal’s 2006 opener, a blowout loss to Tennessee. But since the embarrassment in Knoxville, Longshore has compiled 1,501 yards and 17 touchdowns in six straight Cal wins.

They all still have to bring up Tennessee over and over again, sadly. Nevertheless, this is great recognition for Nate.

Next up on Saturday: Washington

vs.

On Saturday the Bears host Washington (4-3, 2-2 in conference), a team much-improved over their last season as the undisputed bottom-feeders of the Pac-10. The Huskies have already posted wins over UCLA and Arizona and have given USC a scare. However, their star quarterback Isaiah Stanback is gone with a season-ended injury sustained in their last week’s loss at Oregon State.

If Washington still had Stanback leading their offense, I would say we’d have a real game on Saturday. With backup QB Carl Bonnell most likely taking over (who went 2-of-6 passes for 10 yards in the fourth quarter at OSU), this matchup may end up reminiscent of other home games this season. The Huskies also have a highly-touted freshman quarterback Jake Locker, but Washington coaches probably don’t want to burn his redshirt (and confidence) against the Bears’ defense in a hostile environment.

USA Today: “Weekend Preview”

No. 11 California, still the league’s hottest team despite last week’s scoreless second half at Washington State, returns to Berkeley to host Washington. The Huskies’ promising season took a disastrous turn when QB Isaiah Stanback (foot) was lost for the duration. His replacement probably will likely be Carl Bonnell as the coaching staff tries to preserve touted freshman Jake Locker’s redshirt year. RB Kenny James must aid the transition. Golden Bears QB Nate Longshore will look for a quick start to shake off his first cool spell since opening week. The explosive potential of RB Marshawn Lynch should help.

Rivals.com: “Sekou Picks the Pac-10, Week 7″

California looks to stay hot when it hosts the Washington Huskies. UW limps into Berkeley with out the service of its all everything quarterback Isaiah Stanback. Obviously Coach Willingham will hope his run game will be able to carry the offense. Expect backs Kenny James and Louis Rankin to get extra carries to make up for their missing dual threat. Cal should be well prepared for this course of action. The Bears defense should force turnovers and have one of its most dominating performance of the year; possibly even more so than last week. On offense, the Bears will look to get back in its 40+ rhythm against a defense that will be deflated by lack of offensive production. Expect the Huskies to limit some of Marshawn Lynch’s carries, but eventually Lynch and back-up Justin Forsett will find the creases to have big runs; similar to the type of game Oklahoma back Adrian Peterson had against UW earlier in the year. Quaterback Nate Longshore is efficient, the defense and special teams score, and the Bears blow this game open and win it 40-7.

ESPN’s Ted Miller: “Cal looks to keep streak rolling vs. Huskies”

Not long ago, Cal playing Washington meant one thing: A Huskies’ victory. But after losing 19 in a row in the series, the Bears have now won four straight, and the average score of the last three has been 51-12. Last year, they won 56-17, setting a school record for most points scored on the road.
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Carl Bonnell… with his first assignment as the new starter being a visit to California, perhaps the hottest team in the nation. The Bears have whipped the Huskies four consecutive games, the last three by a margin of 152-36.

Scout.com: “Week 8: UW (4-3) at California (6-1)”

Washington comes off of their worst performance of the season, a 27-17 shellacking at the hands of Oregon State, while California enters this contest on the heels of a 21-3 road win at Washington State. Cal has won six in a row while Washington has dropped their last two.

Sports Network: “Red-hot Bears host Huskies in Berkeley”

The Golden Bears are steam-rolling the competition in-conference and a Washington team on the road without its starting QB is just the next victim on the docket.

Sports Network Predicted Outcome: California 34, Washington 13

ESPN’s Bruce Feldman: “Picks”

No. 11 Cal 38, Washington 7: The Huskies being without Isaiah Stanback, their play-making QB, is going to really hurt. More importantly, U-Dub and its worst pass defense in the Pac-10 looks mighty vulnerable against QB Nate Longshore and all of the Bears skill talent. Thing that has me sold: Washington’s terrible pass defense.

Eric’s prediction: 52-17, Cal.

Steve’s prediction: 48-10 Cal.

Despite win, Cal drops in AP poll; first BCS poll ranks Cal #10

Despite yesterday’s 21-3 win over WSU, Week 8’s polls have Cal gaining votes, but moving down a spot in the AP and staying the same in the Coaches poll. Cal dropped to #11 in the AP this week, as Auburn jumped back up to #8 after their win over Florida. Cal also dropped from #9 to #11 this week in the ESPNU rankings, while FoxSports has ranked Cal #6, one ahead of USC.

Despite dropping in the AP, in the first release of the BCS rankings, Cal is ranked #10, slightly edging out Tennessee. With the AP pulling their poll out of the BCS last year, the new BCS rankings are now based off the Coaches Poll and Harris poll, both of which have Cal ranked at #11, and the computer rankings, which also factor in strength of schedule. With USC ranked at #2, Tennessee at #11, and Oregon at #14, Cal’s computer ranking this week was ranked at 0.760 out of a maximum 1.000, making it #6 in the computer rankings behind USC, Michigan, Ohio State, Florida, and Auburn.

Bears’ defense stands firm in 21-3 victory over WSU

In their first win in Pullman stadium since 1979, the Bears’ defense shined on an uncharacteristically low-scoring offensive day. Despite three trips into Cal’s red zone, WSU was limited to scoring only one field goal. Marshawn Lynch also played well, rushing for 152 yards and 2 touchdowns on 25 carries. Special Teams also came up big, blocking a first quarter punt that set up one of Lynch’s touchdowns.

Some Recap Articles:

• AP/ESPN: “Lynch, Cal breaks Martin Stadium curse”
• Contra Costa Times: “Sack leader can’t get past Cal line”
• Daily Cal: “Defense Takes Over to Ensure Victory for Cal”
• Los Angeles Times: “California Puts and End to Streak”
• San Francisco Chronicle: “Cal bumbles, fumbles — but wins”
• Scout.com: “Cal vs. WSU: Offense Struggles, Defense Excels”

During College Gameday Recap, Analyst Desmond Howard’s Top 5 picks included Cal at #4, just ahead of USC:

To me, Cal is the most impressive 1-loss team in the country, and they’re playing great football.

Today, Washington State

Our predictions for today:

Eric’s prediction: 49-21, Cal.
Steve’s prediction: 38-14, Cal.

And, if you can’t make it up to Memorial Stadium, here are your listening options:

Radio:

• KALX Radio (90.7 FM, Berkeley)
• KGO Radio (810 AM, San Francisco)
• KKGO Radio (1260 AM, Los Angeles)
• KKGO Radio (540 AM, San Diego)
• KESP Radio (970 AM, Modesto)
• KNRO Radio (1670AM, Redding)

Online:

• Online KGO stream
• Online KALX stream

Saturday’s matchup at Washington State

The Bears head up to Pullman, WA to face the Cougars tomorrow. Here are some thoughts about the matchup:

ESPN’s Bruce Feldman: “Picks”

No. 10 Cal 38, WSU 34: The Bears are the hottest team in the Pac-10, but my hunch is that the Cougars’ potent passing game will give Cal some problems. The Bears have struggled against the pass quite a bit this season (ninth in the Pac-10 in pass D), although I think some of that is a reflection of them being so far ahead of some of their teams. Thing that has me sold: Wazzu’s passing attack keeps it close.

Scout.com’s “Mike and Jay’s College Picks”

California has climbed back into the top ten after demolishing Oregon last week (as well as crushing one of my upset picks), and looks to continue airing it out against the Cougars. On paper, this doesn’t look too intriguing, but we’re all aware of how WSU can surprise people, and it certainly helps that Cal hasn’t won in Pullman since 1979. Also, if you ignore the 40-14 loss to Auburn (yeah, I know, can you really ignore a 26 point loss?), the Cougars have made a pretty good showing this year, mostly thanks to their defense. They sure gave USC a scare a couple of weeks ago. I think California gets a scare, here, but ultimately pulls out the victory. Look for the Golden Bears to trail early on, and maybe even at halftime, but ultimately win this one by 10.

SportsTicker: “California looks to keep rolling at Washington State”

However, Cal has lost 10 straight meetings in Pullman, including a 51-20 setback in the last one, in 2001.

Washington State (4-2, 2-1) rebounded from a tough, 28-22 loss to Southern California with a 13-6 triumph at Oregon State last weekend. The only touchdown came on a 29-yard pass from Alex Brink to Jason Hill in the third quarter.

ESPN’s “Lies, damn lies and statistics”:

40: Wazzu will be challenged to keep that run alive against a Cal offense that’s clicking on all cylinders. The Bears’ 45-24 romp over Oregon marked their fifth straight game scoring more than 40 points. That’s a school record.

27: In order to slow down the Golden Bears, the Cougars will need to figure out a way to stop DeSean Jackson. Jackson has scored a TD from at least 27 yards out in all six of Cal’s games this year. That includes a 36-yard TD reception and a 65-yard punt return last week against the Ducks.

Scout.com’s “Mr. Pac 10’s Week 7 Picks”:

This could be the best game of the week, especially given how well the Cougars have played of late. Ever since their week one blowout loss at Auburn, Wazzu has really turned it around and played at a much higher level, especially in their close loss to the Trojans two weeks ago. If they can replicate that performance, they definitely have a shot.
On the Other Hand:
Even in (arguably) Wazzu’s best game of the year, they still lost by six points. And truth be told, in the last couple of weeks Cal has played appreciably better than USC, which isn’t at all a good sign for the home team.
Bottom Line:
Maybe this game will be close, but it’s much more likely that it’ll be a relatively easy win for the Bears.
Cal 34, @ Washington State 14

More praise, hopes for Cal from around the nation

Coming off Oregon and heading into Washington State, Cal is a hot topic for pundits around the nation. Many are already looking forward to the showdown on November 18 at USC’s Coliseum. Here are a few tidbits:

ESPN’s Kirk Herbstreit:

I think Nate Longshore is playing with as much confidence as any QB out there. And you knew it was a matter of time with his ability and with Jeff Tedford’s offensive scheme. And DeSean Jackson is one of my favorite players in the country. Not only does he have freakish skills, but he has a rage and desire to take the ball to the house everytime he touches the ball that I love. For those of you not on the west coast, do yourself a favor and check out No. 1 on the Cal Bears. The guy is as an explosive player as there is in the country. And whatever you do, never talk trash to the guy and try to bully him. See Oregon for an example.
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My top 5 right now [for the Heisman] are Troy Smith, Brady Quinn, DeSean Jackson, Adrian Peterson and Calvin Johnson.

ESPN’s Bruce Feldman: “Midseason Hot 100 list”

16. Daymeion Hughes, California, CB: Tall corner has 5 picks and a Pac-10 high 9 PBUs.
22. Marshawn Lynch, California, RB: The Pac-10’s leader in all-purpose yards at 142 per game.
32. Nate Longshore, California, QB: The Bears’ big gun has thrown 17 TDs and just 5 INTs while completing 65 percent.
37. DeSean Jackson, California, WR-KR: Double threat, he is averaging 127 total yards per game.

Sports Network: “Look out America, here comes California”

With USC struggling to win games each week, California has overtaken the Trojans as the most talented team in the Pac 10.

SI’s “Top 10 Remaining Games” (#3):

The Golden Bears kicked off the year in embarrassing fashion, suffering a 35-18 shellacking at the hands of Tennessee. But since then Cal has looked fabulous in five straight blowout wins. While the Trojans are undefeated, they have looked far from dominant. Can Cal knock off USC and end the Trojans’ four-year streak of Pac-10 titles?

ESPN: “Bears looking to challenge the Trojans”

Well, the Bears still may be a new national power. After five consecutive dominant victories, they’ve re-entered the nation’s top 10 and appear poised to challenge USC for the Pac-10 title.
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What’s next: Perhaps a Rose Bowl? The Bears can win every remaining game on their schedule, including a Nov. 18 visit to USC.

ESPN’s Beano Cook:

The Golden Bears could win the Pac-10…all they have to do is beat USC! They probably regret playing the Tennessee game. That defeat may keep them out of the championship game.

Cal responds to criticism, will offer live broadcast in Memorial

Great news to Cal fans in the Berkeley area: Cal Athletics is working on offering a live video feed of the WSU game from their scoreboard in Memorial Stadium on Saturday. Audio from Joe Starkey’s radio broadcast will also be fed through the stadium’s PA system as well.

Seating will be open and free for all Cal fans, so it should be an exciting and new viewing experience different than our living rooms. Unfortunately, our ideas for a barbeque/party probably won’t be permitted:

All seating will be open in the stadium, however, fans are encouraged to bring food and drinks as concession stands will not be open. There will be no alcohol allowed and field access will also be prohibited.

Cal reminds fans that this will be the Washington State scoreboard feed; “Go Bears” cheers are strongly encouraged despite any contradictory scoreboard messages coming from Pullman.

As a reminder, kickoff will be at 2pm. I will update this as more information is available.

DC Gregory wins national award

Defensive coordinator Bob Gregory has been honored by the Master Coaches Survey for his defensive game plan that shut down the high-powered Oregon offense on Saturday.