rickrock,
I remember that game well. I even brought it up in another thread this week.
Right from the get go Harbaugh made a point of getting under Pete Carrol's skin.
True that he took Walt Harris's 1-11 team from the previous year and went 4-8.
True that one of those 4 wins was a victory over USC but that isn't what I'd call
a turn around, (4-8?)
The fact is that Harbaugh didn't have a winning season at Stanford for 3 years.
Doing an instant turnaround in the first year s a superhuman feat for anyone,
especially going from 1-11 the previous season. It took him 4 years to pull off
a complete turnaround. (12-1 in his 4th season as Stanford's HC) I brought this
up because he's only in his 2nd year at Michigan. They may slip a notch or two
because Jim Harbaugh hasn't had enough time to re-craft his roster the way he
wants it.
It was I that predicted a Tex beatdown here...
Coming from a Cal fan...born in Berkeley...
Although this will be the first road start for the Tex Fresh Qb I believe it will not have an affect because:
1. One third of the crowd + will be Texas fans.
2. Tex will be playing two qb's.
3. Like previously stated by another poster, qb Buechele has already played in a national tv spot vs ND.
Cal does have a good offense and an excellent passing game. They make a great underdog in a shootout (as does Wassu) getting back door covers. They did put up huge yards and points vs a very good Sdst defense, a defense that is likely better than Texas'. But this defense is different as the size and speed should be able to match up with Cal, wear it down and provide a pass rush and good coverage. Nd moved the ball well vs Tex but they are bigger and much better in the trenches than Cal. Texas' new kicker looks good too and Tex holds the special teams advantage and those aren't even the matchups that worry me.
Its the Tex offense that is gonna steam roll this Cal defense. I watch all the Cal games, they are terrible tacklers that don't have good fundamentals, discipline or angles. The defensive depth is the the second major issue. Tex could bring in Swoops at qb and rb run, qb run, qb run, qb pass all day on Cal.
To wrap it up,
I like Texas very much in the fundamental matchups.
I believe Tex is in the better situational spot (revenge, bye week on deck. Cal opens conference play @ ASU).
Technical spot is neutral as the line has moved already. I haven't looked up public betting or sharp book leans.
A lot of sharp people had Tex as a high variance team this year as did I, and everything seems to be falling into place to fulfill the higher end side of their potential . Trust in the Vegas linemaker I do, but every once in a while they miss on one. I believe this is that spot.
Thanks for the .02, I always look for your commentary and picks on here!
I too like Ucla, I think I wrote a little something on them here, but I am watching the injury news on Vanderdoes.
It's probably a testament that he even had two games come down to the wire, because not dealing with elite Oregon was Pac 12 wide. This isnt that Oregon and Riley has more to play with than probably any of his beaver teams with a home crowd that gives him enough that he's stepping on an even playing field against the Ducks for once. I don't have a great feel on who wins this, but I'm growing into liking the under every day. That may sound crazy, but Im just not sold on what I've seen from Oregon (nor Nebraska for that matter). What I feel strong about is that Oregon's run defense is really bad and so far Riley has held true to his promise to pound it out. Eating clock has to be the game plan. Nebraska has to pick it's chances wisely through the air and wait for the 4th qtr where they carry a 50-0 edge, a product of the conditioning. On the other side, not letting Royce get loose is huge. I think its the run defense, not the pass rush, that makes or breaks Oregon. Good run defense is what got them last year. The one thing Banker's D has gotten right is the run. Of course, we know that OU can go 3 and out, then come back and score in 3 plays. Prukop also has never seen a fbs road crowd that will be ready. Imo, it comes down to the end....36-29 [insert winner]
Nice read RLR.
What every DC in the PAC-12 fears...
Warning!! First down machine below.
#21 Royce Freeman
I hate to resort to a homie opinion
but Royce Freeman leads in rushing
in the Big 5 conferences. And exactly
what is with Leonard Fournette?
IMHO I think the Ducks will prevail
due to their immense fire power.
What every DC in the PAC-12 fears...
Warning!! First down machine below.
#21 Royce Freeman
I hate to resort to a homie opinion
but Royce Freeman leads in rushing
in the Big 5 conferences. And exactly
what is with Leonard Fournette?
IMHO I think the Ducks will prevail
due to their immense fire power.
Having second thoughts...
What Charlie Strong says....
"Well I know I told you that you Longhorns would take it to CAL
when they came here last year, but we'll really do it this time.
We'll kill them in their own back yard."
The more I think of that the less I like Texas on the road.
Damn I hate fading Papa Bear in Strawberry Canyon in
a big game like this. I keep thinking about Tennessee
coming to Berkeley back in '06 (I think).
I also think CAL's passing game won't be stopped. In
any event I don't see the Whorns running too far away
with this one.
The home dog thing counts for a lot in the Pac.
What Charlie Strong says....
"Well I know I told you that you Longhorns would take it to CAL
when they came here last year, but we'll really do it this time.
We'll kill them in their own back yard."
The more I think of that the less I like Texas on the road.
Damn I hate fading Papa Bear in Strawberry Canyon in
a big game like this. I keep thinking about Tennessee
coming to Berkeley back in '06 (I think).
I also think CAL's passing game won't be stopped. In
any event I don't see the Whorns running too far away
with this one.
The home dog thing counts for a lot in the Pac.
Another, pretty scathing, editorial on Leach and the WSU football program from one of their local writers. As the felony arrests continue to mount (they had another one just two days ago), the natives get more restless:
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/sep/14/john-blanchette-leach-draws-up-some-misdirection-i/
http://www.spokesman.com/stories/2016/sep/14/john-blanchette-leach-draws-up-some-misdirection-i/
Conan,
I agree with your WSU play. Just check the weather the day of the game as some rain is predicted. Leach's passing game is not as good in the rain. Think Portland State last year. BTW, Idaho and New Mexico State got kicked out of the Sun Belt. Idaho had no choice. Idaho going back into the Big Sky is best for all parties. This topic is actually covered in my new ebook on Amazon Kindle, College Football Odyssey
I agree with your WSU play. Just check the weather the day of the game as some rain is predicted. Leach's passing game is not as good in the rain. Think Portland State last year. BTW, Idaho and New Mexico State got kicked out of the Sun Belt. Idaho had no choice. Idaho going back into the Big Sky is best for all parties. This topic is actually covered in my new ebook on Amazon Kindle, College Football Odyssey
