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The media on USC-Cal
Posted by Eric | November 9, 2007 at 10:32 am | In Games | 26 Comments
ESPN: “Top 25 Overview”
Just a few weeks ago, this game was penciled in as a must-see meeting between a pair of top 3 teams. But with five combined losses over the last five weeks, the matchup has lost some luster. USC has won the last three meetings and is 21-0 in November under Pete Carroll.
CC Times’ Jon Okanes on Bear Talk:
There wasn’t a whole lot to report from Thursday’s practice, and maybe that’s the biggest news. It was hard to tell that it was USC week this week. That’s not to say the Bears didn’t have a good and spirited week of practice, it just didn’t seem that different than another week. And it certainly didn’t seem to have the buzz as Tennessee week or Oregon week. That being said, I know the players all regard this as a big game, despite the fact that the stakes aren’t as high as some may have anticipated before the season.
CC Times: “Little, but pride, rides on USC game”
It’s finally here. Nov. 10. USC vs. Cal. The Pacific-10 game everybody has been waiting for this season. The showdown for . . . third place?
A strange thing has happened since ABC chose this game for its “Saturday Night Football” package, since the game sold out before the season, since the Trojans and Bears were the preseason picks as the top two teams in the Pac-10.
The rest of the conference caught up. Now, instead of being a battle for Pac-10 supremacy with possible Bowl Championship Series implications, Saturday’s game at Memorial Stadium simply will be a survival to stay relevant.
Daily Cal: “Remember, it’s still USC”
However, in the month of October, the now-No. 12 Trojans and the No. 24 Bears lost a combined five games, and what was supposed to be the game of the year is just not. But don’t tell Cal coach Jeff Tedford that the game has lost its importance.
“This is still a big conference game for us, maybe it doesn’t have the national attention or the weight,†Tedford said. “If we would have played it four weeks ago, it probably would have had a lot more weight of course but that’s the national thing. It still carries a lot of weight to us, and it still, I’m sure, it carries a lot of weight to USC.â€
Both teams have fallen hard from their lofty rankings. The Bears (6-3, 3-3 in the Pac-10) ascended to No. 2 in national polls for the first time since 1951 before dropping three consecutive games—a first in Tedford’s career.
At the same time, the Trojans (7-2, 4-2) were the No. 1 team in the country. But unexpected losses to Oregon and—even more shocking—Stanford dropped the Trojans off their perennial pedestal.
ESPN: “USC-Cal has diminished intrigue, but still has bowl implications”
[USC’s] star-laden defense, however, has ranged from good to outstanding, though it too has suffered through numerous injuries. It turned in its most dominant performance of the season against the Beavers, piling up nine sacks. That’s probably why Cal coach Jeff Tedford isn’t buying projections that USC’s tumble from the nation’s elite is at hand. …
When Longshore is healthy — i.e., not appearing to favor his right ankle when he throws — Cal’s offense is second only to Oregon’s in the conference. … But when Longshore will be 100 percent is still in doubt. Perhaps in response, Tedford has been more conservative in his play calling of late, which has provoked muted irritation from a fan base that mostly still believes he walks on water.
In the workmanlike 20-17 victory over the Cougars, the Bears produced long drives –17, 20 and 11 plays — but their longest pass went for just 19 yards. Forsett had a 44-yard touchdown run, but gained only 88 yards on his other 31 carries. Moreover, the Bears must contend with this: USC is 21-0 in November under Carroll, though that perfect mark conveniently leaves out last season’s Dec. 2 loss to UCLA that knocked the Trojans out of the national title game.
OC Register: “USC looks to play more aggressive against Cal”
The USC defense … piling up nine sacks and holding the Beavers to fewer than 200 total yards and no touchdowns. But will an aggressive style work against a more intricate Cal offense, with the Pac-10’s best receiving corps and an offensive line that has allowed just eight sacks in nine games?
Somewhat surprisingly, the Trojans have spent a lot of time in aggressive, man-to-man defensive schemes in practice this week. The players seem to love it. …
After praising Cal’s receivers and pass protection, Carroll said, “I’m as confident in our ability to handle these guys as I’ve ever been based on how we’ve played this season.”
Daily Trojan: “Bears not in the position they expected to be when facing USC”
[Longshore] is still not fully recovered but plans to play Saturday against the Trojans. “We’ve been fairly banged up through the season here, and [Longshore] has been a little bit hobbled,” Tedford said. “He’s able to do more things now so he was very efficient last week.”
Despite all of the Golden Bears’ struggles, USC coach Pete Carroll said he still sees the team as dangerous as ever because of Tedford. “He’s done a fantastic job with their program,” Carroll said. “He’s turned the program around and given them a consistency that they haven’t had.”
The hype has died down for what was supposed to be a game that would determine the Pac-10 winner and possibly a trip to the national championship. And no one could be happier with the diminished attention than Tedford, whose team is taking baby steps on its way back to becoming a national power after snapping its three-game losing streak. “I think we have learned one thing – that winning does not come easy,” Tedford said. “We really need to appreciate it when we do get them.”
ESPN’s Mel Kiper: “5 to watch”
The best one-on-one matchup this week might very well take place in Berkeley between USC DT Sedrick Ellis (No. 5 on my Top 25 Big Board) and California center Alex Mack. Ellis is the fourth on the team in tackles, including 10½ stops behind the line of scrimmage and 7½ sacks. Mack is a junior but he might be the best pivot man in all of college football this [season].
Three other players to keep an eye for the Trojans are: Rey Maualuga, who leads has 7½ tackles for loss from the linebacker position; and cornerbacks Terrell Thomas and Cary Harris. Both will be extremely busy trying to keep tabs on Cal’s wide receiver duo of DeSean Jackson and Lavelle Hawkins.
SJ Mercury’s Jon Wilner: “Pac-10 picks of the week: What to make of Cal-USC”
USC (minus-4) AT CAL: Cal struggled to score against quality defenses of Oregon State and UCLA, and the Trojans’ D is at least as good. Will DeSean Jackson play big (like he did against Tennessee and Oregon) or disappear (like he did last year against USC)? Look for the Trojans to run the ball until Cal proves it can stop Washington/Johnson/McKnight. The Bears will have to be aggressive to get pressure on John David Booty, which means play-action could work wonders for the Trojans, especially play action to tight end Fred Davis, a nightmare matchup for everyone in the conference. If USC limits turnovers, it’s hard to see Cal winning. GIMME: USC.
SJ Mercury’s Jon Wilner: “Cal could get thumped”
Been pondering the Cal-USC game for a few days, and I can’t escape the feeling that the Bears are gonna get thumped.
I’m not talking about a four-touchdown differential or anything like that. I’m talking about a no-frills beat down … Cal makes a few big plays early, maybe even grabs the lead, but USC grinds away, takes control and wins by 10 or 14 points. Cal fans leave Memorial Stadium feeling like the Bears were never really in the game in the second half — never really had a legit chance to win.
I’m not sure why I feel that way, don’t have a great reason for thinking that: The Bears haven’t played well lately, but neither has USC — until last weekend, which it torched Oregon State.
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Unfortunately, I have the same feeling as John Wilner, “I’m not talking about a four-touchdown differential or anything like that. I’m talking about a no-frills beat down … “.
Cal has not played well against the run and USC has the personnel to grind them up over 4 quarters.
1. Comment by Pug — November 9, 2007 @ 11:44 am #
its good when we keep our expectations low. we seem to win big games when our fans dont support us. Once again Pug, keep up to good work. Go Bears!
2. Comment by Jaq — November 9, 2007 @ 1:26 pm #
The thing that really sucks is that, like always, the USC fans will come stroll into Berkeley like they own the place. Has anyone had a chance to see USC? They don’t have the star players they once did. They are a mediocre team that has been playing just good enough to win. I hope our guys realize just that and play their asses off. USC players put their pants on one leg at a time and they all sit on their asses to crap like the rest of us. Bring it to ’em Bears! Forget about the fans, forget about the media, forget about the rankings, and play for each other! Go Bears!
3. Comment by fungmunkey — November 9, 2007 @ 8:14 pm #
Hey Jaq, lay off bro. How was he not supporting the team? All he did was make a completely rationale assessment. Apparently that is something the kegs filled with koolaid have prevented you from doing. Sad.
4. Comment by Jaq (get) off — November 10, 2007 @ 1:39 pm #
What the F&*$ is Tedford thinking!!!!!! 1st and goal on the 2 and, once again, Forsett up the gut for 4 straight plays with 1 fumble and a lucky PI call. Jesus!!!!
5. Comment by SB — November 10, 2007 @ 6:06 pm #
I saw a pregame shot from the tree people and I swear I caught a glimpse of Tedford up there smokin’ some “hippie lettuce”. I finally understand why his play calling sucks!!!!
Longshore just threw an interception after the fumble recovery on our own goal line. Great! Longshore needs to be benched!!!!
Please! Please!!! Please, put in Riley!!!
Longshore SUCKS!!!!!!
6. Comment by SB — November 10, 2007 @ 7:14 pm #
Longshore is the WORST!!!!!!!!!
Season OVER!!!!
7. Comment by SB — November 10, 2007 @ 8:28 pm #
Let’s bring back Ayoob!!!! It can’t be any worse!
8. Comment by SB — November 10, 2007 @ 8:41 pm #
I was watching on Gametracker and was quite excited to see us make it to the USC 17 yard line until I realized it was a turnover.
I hope our boys can pull it together for the last two games of the season.
9. Comment by B — November 10, 2007 @ 8:47 pm #
Longshore is the second coming of Ayoob. Bench him please!!!
10. Comment by TM — November 10, 2007 @ 8:54 pm #
FOUR losses – Tedford continues to hang with Longshore – not getting the job done.
Ayoob > Longshore > YIKES > Cal needs a quarterback – it simply hurts to watch this collapse > and it continues :-(
11. Comment by CalRick — November 10, 2007 @ 8:56 pm #
Longshore just cannot thrive under any sort of pressure whether it be pressure from the pass rush or the pressure from playing in the 4th quarter. The ability to make the clutch play is what sets a good player apart from a great player, however, Longshore does not seem to even be a good player. Miscommunication, poor reads, and poor throws at crucial moments are starting to make Longshore a liability just like Ayoob was in 2005. Forsett played a wonderful game, and the defense did just enough to give Cal a chance to win or at least send it to overtime. The team needs to begin grooming the next quarterback and improving their run defense.
12. Comment by Sad Fan — November 10, 2007 @ 9:03 pm #
It seems as though Longshore gets progressively worse each game. Tennessee was his best game this year. After he was sacked tonight, I was really hoping Tedford would put Riley in. Even the touchdown pass to Hawkins to tie the game was off and Hawkins had to dive for the ball to make the catch. Longshore seems to have no confidence in his throwing abilities and hopefully they can start getting Riley some playing time to prepare. Defense played well and Forsett was able to get his running game going giving the team more momentum.
13. Comment by KS — November 10, 2007 @ 9:39 pm #
I wonder if there is something Tedford knows about Riley’s ability that we do not know? It just make no sense to keep going with Nate Loscore……..
14. Comment by CalRick — November 10, 2007 @ 10:29 pm #
There is nothing Tedford knows about Riley we haven’t already seen. Remember back in 2005 when I came in for Ayoob during the Sac St. game and kicked ass? Remember how Tedford then didn’t go back to me until the season was lost? He will do the same with Nate and Kevin this year. I could have really helped the team win some games in 2005 but Tedford and Ayoob were bed buddies.
15. Comment by Steve Levy — November 11, 2007 @ 9:10 am #
Yeah, Steve, I could have helped last night, too!
16. Comment by Chuck Muncie — November 11, 2007 @ 10:37 am #
Seroiusly, fellow Bear Backers, can we make the following promises next year:
1) Don’t come to the first game of the season carrying a rose in your hands.
2) Don’t buy the Cal website hype supporting this player or that player for the Heisman Trophy.
3) Don’t wear those Pac 10 Co-Champions T shirts. USC beat us last year, beat us this year, and we STILL need to get over that hump before we can be true Pac 10 champions.
Still… I love those Bears
17. Comment by Pete Maloney — November 11, 2007 @ 10:44 am #
Did we ever have a chance or what? Pre-game was electric, the fans were in into it and it had all the feelings and makings of another big win like Tennessee. Even Nate was throwing and pushing off his foot like he used to. He looked to be at least 85-90%. It even seemed like Coach’s dumb play calls were held to a minimum. Then Neato-Nate got his hands on the ball. I don’t like to bag on college guys, because they aren’t paid and are under a great deal more pressure than pros, but son of a bitch Nate!?! This loss lies soley on his shoulders. I still believe that he checks out of plays on the line. Why else would Forsett run a dive up the middle on 3rd and 25? USC was not that good but again, Coach Gregory in all his infinite wisdom decided not to put any pressure on Booty and let him have a chance all night. Thankfully Booty isn’t much better than Nate or it would have been a lot worse than it was.
I’m also getting a little tired of others labeling anyone a ‘bad fan’ if they comment on Tedford or the team. Yes, true fans stand by the team, even when the merlot has ran out and the team is down. But with ticket prices the way they are, not to mention parking, clothing, and all the hype about the team, we have a right to criticize and expect the best. We will never become a championship team if we as fans allow mediocrity. Any other athletic director in the Pac-10, SEC, ACC, etc would be in Coach’s office on his ass about these stupid losses this year. What makes it even harder to swallow is that we have the players, we have the heart, but we can’t get the right plays in to utilize our strengths. There isn’t a team in the Pac-10, including USC, that can beat our guys when our guys are running on all eight cylinders.
That said, Longshore needs to swallow his pride and ask Coach to sit him out this next game. He’s the ‘class clown’, great. He keeps the team in high spirits, great. Let him do that in practice on the scout team where that kind of crap doesn’t affect the outcome of a game. We need a quarterback with half a brain and a sense of urgency. This is not high school and this team was playing for a hell of a lot more than one game.
Comment #17 makes a good point. Let’s cut the crap with pre-season this, and Heisman that. Can we please get back to good old fashioned Nor-Cal style smash mouth football? Leave the hype to the wine and cheese crowd. The rest of us non-affiliated, non-alumni, Cal football fans want our winning team back. STILL here, still rootin’, Go Bears!
18. Comment by fungmunkey — November 11, 2007 @ 11:50 am #
It’s sad that Tedford’s stubborn attitude cost seniors like Justin Forsett and Thomas Decoud a chance to end their careers with a home win against a foe like USC. Poor goal line play calling and sticking with Nate Longshore is the worst display of coaching you can see. If there were any NFL calls on Coach Tedfords’s phone for coaching positions, I would be surprised if they haven’t stopped and his phone is silent now. Let’s at least make sure the Seniors get to leave with the axe. Start Riley, please!!!!!
19. Comment by JC — November 11, 2007 @ 9:21 pm #
Look people, I am the decider! I know what I am doing otherwise I wouldn’t be here. I will not play Riley this year or next. Nate has shown his great potential throughout this season. All of you arm chair quarterbacks make me sick, as you know nothing of what it takes to win. Nate has all the right stuff to be the greatest Cal QB ever! I will NEVER, EVER bench him. If you don’t like that tough. I AM THE DECIDER! NEVER FORGET THAT!
20. Comment by Jeff Tedford — November 12, 2007 @ 2:14 pm #
Oh yeah, just look at the 2005 season. There was a ton of pressure on me to put in Levy but I didn’t, because I CALL THE SHOTS! The case this year is very similar but my will to do what I want will never be broken. You see I am the DECIDER! I realize I have put Cal in a position to lose the rest of our games by not putting in Riley, but such is my prerogative, NOT YOURS! I AM THE DECIDER!
21. Comment by Jeff Tedford — November 12, 2007 @ 2:16 pm #
Jeff, your comments seem to indicate lack of flxibilities on your part. This in itself is alarming since to be successful in any profession , you need to adapt to the ever changing situation and progression of events .
The next 2 games are very winnable and it would be good to at least let Kevin play some snaps , let ‘s say 30-40 % of the offensive plays.
This way , even if you do not plan to start him next year, he would still gain valuable experience in case Nate ever goes down with injury.
22. Comment by calbay — November 12, 2007 @ 3:37 pm #
Calbay,
I am not sure who you think you are, but you have some balls trying to tell me what I should do. Have you forgotten that I am the head coach? Have you forgotten all of the great games Nate has played? Have you forgotten how Riley cost us the OSU game? Look, even if Nate does have a broken ankle and a shattered psyche, I will decide when he plays and when he doesn’t. I would take him out but then I would look weak to my subjects, i.e you, the fans. No, you’re going to have to suffer through the rest of the season with Nate, and if you don’t support ME ME ME 100% I will throw the Big Game and make a pretty penny doing it!
Watch yourself.
23. Comment by Jeff Tedford — November 12, 2007 @ 6:27 pm #
Hey Coach Tedford! Just curious… if San Leandro alum Dennis Dixon had chosen Cal over Oregon, would you have tailored the offense to his special skills and abilities, or would you have turned him into a straight drop-back passer?
P.S. don’t it seem odd the the ‘old man’ Brett Favre seems to have more mobility than Longshore?
24. Comment by Pete Maloney — November 13, 2007 @ 7:12 am #
I would do no such thing. The QB’s MUST learn to do what I feel is the right offensive scheme for our team. Maybe if we had three stud WR’s we could do something like that, but we don’t Why else do you think I pushed Reed out? He would never have been able to become a drop back passer.
As far as Favre goes, shut up. What difference does any of that make? Nate is a great kid with a huge heart. Just because he plays terribly and has singlehandedly cost Cal three loses this year, you don’t throw him under the bus. No, I will allow Nate to play out his time here with us. He will be the starter next year and the QB battle will not be open. I am set in my ways boys, learn to live with it. I am still pissed that I was FORCED to put Levy in for Big Game 05. You will never be able to put enough pressure on me to make me do something like that again.
25. Comment by King Tedford — November 13, 2007 @ 11:14 am #
Who is Jeff Tedford and King Tedford ?
I am wondering if these aliases can be authenticated ?
26. Comment by calbay — November 14, 2007 @ 9:27 am #