Anyone who knows me knows I am a diehard University of California supporter. This was one of, if not the most dissapointing seasons in recent memory. For the record, I’ve blocked everything from the hiring of Keith Gilbertson (the West Coast version of Mark Mangino) to the beginning of the JT era. Anyway, here are some of my thoughts:
Nate Longshore: As Nate went, the bears went. Nate, you looked so strong at the begnning of the year. Both the Tennessee and Oregon games were your games to win and you did. Unfortunatly, as you tend to do…you got banged up and choaked a lot at the end of games. You’re a “pocket passer”, meaning you are slow as maple syrup running uphill. I’m sad to say it, but once was an accident and twice is a trend. I think you’re good enough to be a star at this level, but if it were up to me, you’re time would be up.
DeSean Jackson: You and Russell White are the most explosive players I’ve ever seen at Cal. You were 1/1 on turning punts to you into touchdown (Thanks Coach Fullmer). Above average hands. Great speed. Stop on a dime and turn on a nickel. You will be a player on the next level. With that said, I’m not heartbroken you are inevatably going to leave school. Rumors of you spitting in Kevin Reiley’s face post the Oregon State game and saying ”you cost me the heisman” didn’t surprise me. You were hurt for the Stanford game which was one of my lowest points of the year. Sure, it must have been frustrating as hell watching our QB’s struggle to get you the ball but try to show a little more heart. If you can get that right…you’re a star on any level.
Justin Forsett: You are one of the biggest over achievers in the Tedford era. Undersized. Not the fastest back ever but man, are you a hustler. I wish I could take you’re attitude and put it in Desean Jackson. If we could pull that off, I could play quarteback and we’d still never pass the ball. You lead the Pac10 in rushing yards…Congrats. Thanks for keeping this team moving in the right direction.
Kevin Riley: It looks like you earned the starting QB job next year. Baring Brock Mansion being the next comming of Joe Kapp, you should be the guy. You’re mobile and you’ve got a cannon. You’ve redemed yourself from the Oregon State blunder with a great bowl game performance. Limit the turnovers next year and we should be A-Ok on offense next year.
Coach Tedford and Co: Guys, what happened here. Yes, you are the backbone behind the rejuvination of this program. Northern California loves you for the job you’ve done here. With that said, you mishandeled this team badly. Our defensive scheemes only work when we are up by 20 points. You need a pass rush and you can’t leave the middle of the field open all year long. Who uses a 3 man rush? Chances are Bob Gregory is gone. On offense, the quarterback controversy is a huge black mark on your reputation. This is the second time you stayed with an ineffective QB at the cost of the team. I do love the loyalty. I would have gone back to Nate after Oregon State…but…I would have gone back to Riley by USC. Let’s be more flexible on offense and more dynamic on defense. This was a uber-talented team that underperformed.
Next Year: New wide reciever core. Inexperienced but talented running backs. One year more experience on the defensive line. Weaker schedule. QB controversy all over again. At first glance, it looks like this is a 8-4 team, however looking at the talent level and tendency for recent Cal teams to over achieve in off years, I’m going 9-3 with another trip the Holiday or Sun Bowl.
Long live Tedford’s Contract. Cut those damn trees down already and Go Bears!
-b
