So what now?
(Written by kencraw)
Well, that was a very disappointing performance. I’m not sure whether the interviews with the players and coaches give me some confidence or further increase my despair. On the one hand, I was very happy with the taking of responsibility and the attitude. They seemed to be very determined to learn from this loss and get back to work to beat USC. On the other hand, there seemed to be very little recognition of how horrible the game plan was.
The biggest problem was that the Cal offense did nothing to spread the field against Oregon. What happened to all the reverses and the diversity of play calling that we’ve seen in the last 3 weeks? Why were the Bears constantly making in easy on Oregon who wanted to put 9 in the box by bringing in their wide receivers and running a very tight formation? It was just a horrible, horrible offensive game plan.
The defensive performance is harder to judge. The two areas that were clearly an oversight, were not as bad as the offensive scheme problems. One was how they let the TE run wild in the middle. They weren’t having an inside linebacker stay deep enough so that the TE couldn’t escape him for a long gain. The other was corrected as the game went on, the 3 WR’s to one side, they really needed 3 defensive guys there (OLB, CB and Safety) to corral the blocking options. And by the 2nd half they had that figured out.
But in the big picture, this is the side of the ball I give a lot of credit to Oregon. Masoli was on his game and looked really strong offensively. The whole Oregon offense, particularly the offensive line, was in sync and looked sharp. Considering that the Bears offense couldn’t do anything to give them a rest, the Cal defense was given an exceptionally difficult task.
So, I’m left scratching my head. Does the players attitude give me confidence or do the scheme problems bother me too much for that?
I don’t know; I just don’t know…
(more to come)
September 27th, 2009 at 5:59 am
What now? My heart hopes that they will build on this loss and learn from it, but my head tells me we lose to USC and UCLA and drift back toward our rightful place in the middle of the Pac 10, fighting it out for the Sun-Las Vegas-Emerald Bowl and ending the season with 3 to 5 losses. I just don’t know how a team shakes off such a horrible defeat like that. Great teams don’t lose games like this. The Bears were so thoroughly out coached, out schemed and out played at every level. They basically gave up toward the end of the game, showing no heart whatsoever. Even in previous horrible defeats in the Tedford era like Holiday Bowl 04 and Tennessee 06 the Bears fought back later in the game to show a little dignity. Not so yesterday.
I went back and looked, and the Bears are something like 3-12 on the road in the Pac 10 since 2005. That is just horrendous. I love Tedford and I don’t think he should be replaced–simply because I don’t think that the Bears could/would find somebody better. That being said, it’s time for frank and honest discussion regarding this team’s inability to win on the road in conference. It’s sickening. Their has been way too much talent on these teams to go 3-12. Something isn’t working and the questions need to start at the top with Tedford.
September 27th, 2009 at 6:53 am
I watched the Oregon/Boise St. game and some of the Oregon/Purdue game. The Oregon team that clobbered Cal was a different team. The Duck’s offensive and defensive lines were super. Masoli never made a bad decision and hardly missed a pass. Yesterday, we saw Oregon play their best game of the year — by far. Chances are, they will not play better for the rest of their schedule.
Likewise, Cal played their worst game. Their offensive and defensive game plans were inadequate. The defense executed poorly and the offense never had any timing.
For Cal, it was an altogether terrible game.
However, it’s not time to give up on the Bears.
Keep in mind that these are highly talented 18-22 year olds playing a game that requires momentum for success. There can be days when the whole team gets down and plays way below their skill level.
Cal has a good chance to beat USC at home next week. In fact, I predict a win.
With a far lower ranking, the coaching staff and players will keep their focus on preparing for USC. They know they have to win this game and their efforts will be rewarded.
USC is not as good as the Oregon team we saw yesterday.
September 27th, 2009 at 8:23 am
Maybe this will be the bizarro 2007: instead of a win at Oregon leading to a string of horrible defeats–each more painful than the one before, a loss at Oregon will lead to a string of victories–each more glorious than the other!
September 27th, 2009 at 8:48 am
hehe joshiemac, looks like you got a good night of sleep too.
September 27th, 2009 at 9:51 am
After watching the Bears for over 50 years which means I am a long term sufferer I have learned to stay even keeled, not too high and not too low as there must be a institutional curse on the program because no matter who plays or who coaches Cal plays like Cal.
Cal has the two fastest backs in the conference and rarely sweeps. The line zone blocks well but does not pull and get to the outside blocks.
The recievers are running routes like they practice but in games they do not find the soft spot in the coverage and do not come back off a pattern when the QB is in trouble. The receivers are dropping catchable balls in and out of coverage and are not a reliable group.
Riley is a not a pocket passer, he does not progress well through reads and tends to hang in too long. Coaching is forcing Riley to be something he is not rather than addapting the play calling to his strength which is mobility. Riley has success when they play action and roll him out thus limiting his decisions and taking advantage of his abilities.
Cal should study USC QB coaching: deep roll-outs, allowing the QB a bit more time to make a play. Right now Riley is trying to do more than he can and that makes him appear less talented than he is.
The Bears need to be quicker off the snap on both sides of the ball.
This team has the talent in both players and coaching to challange for the conference title; the Bears are a mystery and it must be a curse.
September 27th, 2009 at 4:32 pm
brian anderson, you are SPOT on. tedford does all kinds of crazy junk to qbs that arrive with raw talent, and only one, arron rodgers, has ever really become anything at the next level. the fans loved riley because he was mobile and ballsy. tedford has basically castrated him. it’s disgusting, and a total waste. i am sick of this garbage. i feel bad for riley.