(Written by kencraw)

The first thing I do when looking at an upcoming opponent is to look at their schedule. But the biggest mistake is to just look at their record. Yeah Arizona is 5-2, but who did they beat? So far Utah at home is their most impressive win.

The one common opponent, both at Washington, at first glance seems to be fairly similar. They lost 13-31. We lost 17-41. Except with 5 minutes left in the 3rd, Arizona scored to make it a 5-point game and the Huskies put down the hammer from there. By that point in the game for Cal it was 7-38. Then we put up some garbage time points. So there’s no doubt Arizona played Washington tougher than Cal did.

Nevertheless, Arizona has fattened up on pretty weak teams, teams that for the most part it is reasonable to think the Bears would have beaten as well, with the possible exception of Utah. Cal obviously beats NAU and UTSA. We mostly seem to believe Cal can beat Colorado. Would a game at UNLV been a win for the Bears? Probably. Particularly early in the season.

Hopefully the Bears can bring one of their better performances this Saturday, because based on their schedule/performance so far, I think Arizona is not nearly as good as their record indicates and the Bears may have a shot at beating them.