Cal Bears 5-2 Overall (2-2 Conference)

This Week’s Score: Cal 49 – Washington State 17

Next Week’s Opponent: @Arizona State

The Bears did exactly what they were supposed to, handling an over-matched Wazzu team with little trouble. Before the relatively scarce crowd at Memorial Stadium even had a chance to fully settle into their seats, Cal led 35-3 (early in the second quarter). But while the outcome of this game was never in doubt, there were plenty of positives AND a few negatives for Jeff Tedford to take out of the performance.

Let’s start with the good. This Bears offense is starting to kick it into high gear again, and for the second straight week we saw the explosiveness of Jahvid Best (13 carries, 159 yards 3 total TDs) and Shane Vereen (103 total yards 2 TDs) on full display. I was also happy to see QB Kevin Riley put together a solid effort (12/18 229 yards 3 TDs 1 INT), and hopefully his confidence is rising after the horrendous efforts against ‘SC and Oregon.

The receivers didn’t have to do much, but what a day from WR Jeremy Ross! Ross showcased his playmaking in multiple ways, electrifying the crowd on a 76-yard punt return for a TD, while also adding a big kick return and a long catch. Overall, the offense looked as sharp as anyone could have hoped for (totaling 560 yards), and if the unit continues to play with this kind of balance, Cal may not lose another game.

Defensively, the Bears left a lot to be desired on Saturday, as the much-maligned WSU offense generated over 440 yards of offense. While Wazzu QB Jeff Tuel is a promising young player, there is NO excuse for allowing him to go off for 354 yards and two touchdowns. The Cal D made Tuel look like Jason Gesser (or dare I say… Ryan Leaf), and this is now the fourth straight week that an opposing QB has put up good numbers against Bob Gregory’s unit.

I can’t fault the pass rush, which was strong all game, and the linebackers played pretty well too. I believe the problem is with the secondary, as the unit just seems to be a step too slow right now.

Next, Cal will head to Tempe, AZ to take on a struggling Arizona State team. The Cal D should have a chance to regain its confidence against a mediocre Sun Devil attack, and Jeff Tedford’s offense is hitting its stride in time to face an ASU D that may suddenly be lacking confidence.