The Big Game

Saturday is the big game. Thank goodness that Versus is showing the game in glorious HD. This is the 25th anniversary of the 1982 Big Game with "The Play". The game was replayed on Thanksgiving day and Versus has a show with Joe Starky, John Elway, the guy that scored the touchdown and the band member that he destroyed. Most people can remember watching the "The Play"; but not everyone knows that NFL Legend John Elway was Stanford's quarterback and had lead them down the field from a 4th and 17 on their own 10 yard line with 1 minute left to take a 1 point lead with 4 seconds left on the clock. Well, and the rest is history.

But anyways, Cal is 6-5 and Tedford's "Worst" season was 7 wins in his first year. He took the same 1-10 team and made them 7-5 the next year. With a win this year over Stanford, Cal would have mirrored Tedford's first year, when he won Pac-10 Coach of the Year. What is different is that this year is considered a monumental failure, while 2002 was a monumental success. The amount of criticism that Tedford has taken this year has been enormous, which just adds to his stress. In a sense, the rising expectation and growing criticism is just a product of his own success. Sucks, huh? But I wouldn't worry, he's being paid millions to coach a game. And I truly believe that greatness can only come out of the darkest of times.

Having said that, I still don't believe Cal has hit rock bottom yet. The anticipation of watching the Golden Bears on Saturday is overwhelming, but deep down inside, I feel like I'm in for another dissapointment. I have this inkling that Stanford wants this game more than us. And just because we show up on Saturday with CAL on our uniforms does not guarantee a win. It's whoever plays best that day and, however much I hate to say it, I think our Bears are looking towards next season already. Desean is gone; watching him run off the field against Washington and then start to limp around on the sideline with a phantom injury has me believing that he's mentally checked out.

I'm wishing for a victory. I want to see Forsett run between the tackles; I want to see Hawkins fly for a touchdown; I want to see Jordan make a spectacular grab; I want to see Stevens run up the gut and catch a ball thrown over his head; I want to see Best run east and west for major yardage. Damn, I'm getting excited again. GO BEARS!!!!

Longshore Go Home

It was a monsoon at Memorial Stadium. The rain was relentless. In my last post, I noted two key points that Cal needed to get a victory. (1) Justin Forsett to be effective and (2) Cal needed to win the turnover margin. Well, Forsett was a beast; he was brilliant. But we lost the turnover war and the game. Longshore had 3 turnovers by himself (2 interceptions and a fumble).

All I have to say is that Longshore is a bum. He's clearly not going to the NFL this season, and I hope Tedford benches him for the next two games and next season. Riley needs to start and I think Bear Nation is ready for a change. I can't stomach another game watching Longshore throw away all that talent we have on the field. My heart goes out to Forsett. At his last game in Memorial Stadium, he played like a champion. But he never had the chance to finish, as Longshore threw another interception on the Bear's last possession. Longshore is clearly immobile and has no accuracy. The guy has no redeeming qualities right now as our QB. With nothing to lose, Tedford should give Riley some more experience this season, so he can hit the ground running next season.

Longshore, do yourself a favor and go home. Just be glad you are graduating next season with a degree from Cal. But don't suit up; nobody wants to see you out on the field.

Trojens Coming to Town.

Yes, I know, it's been ages since my last update. But the Angry Cal has left his old job and found a new one; so things have been busy, to say the least.

But, I'm back! This weekend is CAL vs USC. Pre-season, this game was definately the biggest game in the Pac-10. Now, this game isn't even televised nationally; too bad for the east-coasters that won't be able to tune in for this one.

So, Longshore will start. Bear fans rejoice? I am very torn on this one. I want Longshore to do well; I want the Bears to win! But if the Bears win and Longshore shines, then he will most likely start again for Cal next year. I have mixed feelings about that, as I truly believe Kein Riley is the future for Cal. Longshore just does not have any mobility and that can truly hurt Cal's chances next year. All the best teams in College Football have either a) very mobile quarterback or b) a quarterback that can at least make the first guy miss. Longshore isn't either.

Back to the game. So, as most teams tend to play better as the year progresses (USC), Cal is getting worse and worse with each passing game. However, this game is completely up for grabs. Cal is going to need to win the turnover margin and Justin Forsett must have a huge game. I love that kid. This will be his last time suiting up and playing at Memorial Stadium. He is 0-3 against USC, and I just know he will run his heart out. But can our O-line open up the holes? Can Forsett carry the ball 20-30 times? Only time will tell, but if we win the turnover margin and Forsett has a good game, Cal will win and then it'll be time to party!

GO BEARS!