If you missed the Pac-10 opener for Cal and Washington State, you missed a textbook game illustrating, to a point of exaggeration, the differences between football programs at the two universities.
Final score of the late afternoon game in Pullman? Try 66-3, Cal. Talk about a world class thumping...
Coach Jeff Tedford and his staff not only prepared their troops well, they had them ready to play. Then there's the matter of having the players to execute their game plan. Yes, Cal had 'em both on Saturday.
A week ago, the special teams play of Coach Paul Wulff's Cougs was simply awful. There was virtually nowhere to go but up after the pathetic punts, kicks, and coverage.
The Cougs kicked off in style Saturday. Patrick Rooney booted the opening kickoff deep into the end zone for a touchback.
- B/R Ticket Guide
Nice.
The first play from the Cal Bear offense defined the difference between the two schools. The WSU coaching staff expected Cal to establish the running game early on. That's what they emphasized during practice.
The Cal staff knew that starting defensive lineman A'i Ahmu was suspended for the first half. Adam Hineline got the start instead of the powerful Ahmu.
Where did Coach Tedford attack with a blast play? That's right. Jahvid Best took a handoff off-tackle, broke into a secondary that was completely out of position, and sprinted 80 yards for an impressive and memorable touchdown.
Last week the defense of WSU played well before tiring late in the game. The offense had its moments. Special teams were consistently bad.
This week, Cougar special teams were consistently good. The offense had very few moments, and the defense was simply overmatched.
That said, there was no surprise in the outcome...only the final score. Cal played very well in their home opener and looked even better on Saturday. They are off to a start this season that has just about erased the finish of last season.
The Bears are good. Very good.
Coach Wulff and his staff now have one Pac-10 game under their belt.
Coach Tedford and his staff looked every bit the experienced group they are.
The best thing to take away from this game from both staffs is that "it's over." Each staff will have their own challenges to prepare for their next opponent.
You gotta love college football. Filled with emotion, you never know what to expect.
And then it's over.
comments (9) write a comment »
write a new comment
2 months ago
Cougs are definitely in a rebuilding phase of their football program
They used to have one of the best receiving corps in the nation, and some great college quarterbacks like ryan leaf, and the throwin' samoan', and alex brink,
give this new coach a couple of seasons and he'll get the cougs back on track
from 2 months ago
Hey Cameron,
The Cougs have two of the best receivers in the Pac-10, though they have gone largely unnoticed through the first two games. Brandon Gibson is an All-Pac 10 performer and should go in the first three rounds of the NFL draft next spring. He will be Sunday next year. Jeshua Anderson is coming off hernia surgery, but proved as a true freshman last season that he is going to be a good one, too.
You're so right about Coach Wulff. He has a lot of work to build the WSU program up and back to respectability. I believe that he will. The serious changes should be evident as early as next season.
Thanks for the comment!
Lew
2 months ago
Thank goodness, it's over. It's going to be a long season for Coug fans.
from 2 months ago
Hey Glenn,
In terms of wins and losses, you are probably right about this being a long season for Cougar fans. The thrashing by Cal on Saturday brought back the nightmare of last year in Eugene.
Patience will be rewarded for those who measure Cougar football solely by wins/losses.
Obviously we're on common ground in being grateful that the Cal game is over.
Onward and upward...right?
Lew
2 months ago
Wazzu obviously isn't that good, though interesting enough they come in as a 2.5 point road favorite against Baylor this week
Now, I know Baylor isn't that good, but I've got no idea how Wazzu who, if I'm not mistaken, hasn't had over 200 yards of total offense yet in a game, can be a road chalk to anybody...
thoughts?
2 months ago
Hey Chris,
You're absolutely right about raising an eyebrow after seeing the spread on Baylor/WSU.
Don't have to tell you that Cal has a good team. You saw that the first week of the season.
Here's the real curious point that makes placing WSU a favorite on the road is the way they couldn't move the ball against Oklahoma State. OSU has an improved defense this year, but they aren't going to scare anyone in the Big 12.
Both Baylor and WSU have football programs that are trying to rebound. About the only reason for putting the Cougs as a favorite on the road is their affiliation with the Pac-10. At this point, WSU is not a Pac-10 team in terms of overall caliber. There's plenty of sound reasoning for picking the Cougs to finish 10th in the Pac-10.
If WSU couldn't run their offense against OSU, there's no substantive reason to expect much more against Baylor on the road. Come on. The Cougs don't have a quarterback with game experience on the road. That experience can't be simulated in practice.
Will Baylor end their losing streak with a victory over Washington State? Sadly, there's a pretty good chance that might be the case.
Great question Chris. Clearly you know college football.
Lew
2 months ago
Another thing that I became aware of is this game will be played at 12:30 ET. Now, it may be nothing, but after getting whipped as bad as Wazzu did, I wonder where their heads will be at traveling down South (not a short trip) and having to play a game at basically 9:30 am their time...
Not to mention, Okl St gave up, what, close to 500 yards last week against Houston, so while the Cowboys defense may be improved, I think that stat showcases just how poor this Wazzu offense is compared to how great the OSU defense might be...
from 2 months ago
Hey Chris,
Though the point about the early start is a valid one, I don't think that it plays much for either team. But as for your point about the Cowboy defense, that's spot on. OSU really isn't going to stop anyone else this season. Their wins will have to come from outscoring the other team.
As you know all too well, this Cougar team is going to find out what it's like to play in front of hostile fans for the first time. If Gary Rogers looks lost in front of fans in Pullman, WA, what's going to happen when the faithful in Waco, TX sense that they can influence the outcome of the game? That might be a factor in Coach Wulff deciding who will start at QB. Kevin Lopina won't be fighting to keep the starting job, he'll be fighting to move the offense.
Without more variety in play-calling, neither quarterback will stand much of a chance Saturday.
We may have to re-name this offense the "no scoring" instead of "no huddle"!
Lew
from 2 months ago
HA, even though I like the upside to Lopina more.. I'm on Baylor large here to get the outright win.. (thought I really wouldn't call it an upset)
write a new comment