What the East Bay papers are saying about Cal...

[DDRMSU]

From today's 2008 Preview of Cal in the Contra Costa Times:

"Key question: are the Bears' wide receivers any good? Cal appears to be in good shape everywhere else on the offense, but none of the current wideouts are proven Division 1 players."

"Can't live without: Center Alex Mack. He may be the best center in the country, but his leadership is just as important an asset."

Quarterback: "Starter Kevin Riley has played all of seven quarters in his career, but he has teased fans with his potential. Senior Nate Longshore has had success in the past. The two pushed each other during training camp, making both top-level Pac-10 QBs in the process. The Bears will have the luxury of playing whomever is performing best"

Running Back: "Soph Jahvid Best has the potential to go the distance every time he touches the ball....Backup Shane Vereen has yet to play in a college game but is explosive. The Bears have one of the Pac-10's best fullbacks in sneior Will Ta-ufo-ou.

Defensive Back: "The secondary was uninspiring last year ...."

Linebacker: "This group looks terrific on paper but didn't make as much of an impact as expected last season. Williams and Fielder each registered over 100 tackles, but the LBs failure to make plays helped contribute to a defense that ranked sixth in the Pac-10. A key is a healthy Zack Follett, who strikes fear into opponents with his combination of speed and strengthy. Eddie Young joins the starting group in the four-lineback alignment. The strength here is depth...."

[Brock F@%ing Samson]

Originally Posted by DDRMSU

From today's 2008 Preview of Cal in the Contra Costa Times:

"Key question: are the Bears' wide receivers any good? Cal appears to be in good shape everywhere else on the offense, but none of the current wideouts are proven Division 1 players."

"Can't live without: Center Alex Mack. He may be the best center in the country, but his leadership is just as important an asset."

Quarterback: "Starter Kevin Riley has played all of seven quarters in his career, but he has teased fans with his potential. Senior Nate Longshore has had success in the past. The two pushed each other during training camp, making both top-level Pac-10 QBs in the process. The Bears will have the luxury of playing whomever is performing best"

Running Back: "Soph Jahvid Best has the potential to go the distance every time he touches the ball....Backup Shane Vereen has yet to play in a college game but is explosive. The Bears have one of the Pac-10's best fullbacks in sneior Will Ta-ufo-ou.

Defensive Back: "The secondary was uninspiring last year ...."

Linebacker: "This group looks terrific on paper but didn't make as much of an impact as expected last season. Williams and Fielder each registered over 100 tackles, but the LBs failure to make plays helped contribute to a defense that ranked sixth in the Pac-10. A key is a healthy Zack Follett, who strikes fear into opponents with his combination of speed and strengthy. Eddie Young joins the starting group in the four-lineback alignment. The strength here is depth...."

[Delta Grove]

2 questions :

1) What's your take on the game?

2) Has your tailgate party started yet?

[DDRMSU]

Originally Posted by Delta Grove

2 questions :

1) What's your take on the game?

2) Has your tailgate party started yet?

Three answers to two questions....

1) We're going to be able to run on Cal and count on 3 - 5 yards per carry. If the LB's cheat in, Hoyer has an untested and small secondary to pass into. All good if the MSU offense can get in gear. The challenge will be in our "D" containing what will likely be the 2nd fastest RB that we'll see this year. And Riley, Cal's QB, is unfortunately but most likely going to put up big numbers against MSU. I've got about 5 bets down with Cal alum here right now. I'm either going to be living large or paying up a lot of lunches, beer, and dinner after Saturday.... My prediction - MSU beats the spread, but I'm not willing to go out on a limb and predict we beat what will be a pretty solid Cal team....
2) Hell, no. Have a freaking family BDay party to go to Saturday at noon. I told my lovely wife to drop off the cake, hug the nieces and nephews and be ready to leave no later than 2:30. This will get me to the game 90 minutes before kickoff - just enough time to have a couple of beers, hoot on the Cal fans, and throw some rocks at freaks in trees.
3) Something is missing from this game.... let's see.... I had two extra tickets at the 45 yard line, back to the Bay and the setting sun, 20 rows up for this game. They had your name on them, too. Finally gave 'em to Schultz, my buddy from grad school whose family has the house across the lake from you up north. He is grateful you're not making the trip for the game. I'm still in shock that you turned down a long weekend of golf, wineries, pubs and Spartan football on me.... You'll likely never have a better opportunity to allow me to return the favor for the final four tix. But - wait ... there MIGHT be the Rose Bowl... we can hold out hope for that....

[SadbutTrue]

Originally Posted by DDRMSU

Three answers to two questions....

1) We're going to be able to run on Cal and count on 3 - 5 yards per carry. If the LB's cheat in, Hoyer has an untested and small secondary to pass into. All good if the MSU offense can get in gear. The challenge will be in our "D" containing what will likely be the 2nd fastest RB that we'll see this year. And Riley, Cal's QB, is unfortunately but most likely going to put up big numbers against MSU. I've got about 5 bets down with Cal alum here right now. I'm either going to be living large or paying up a lot of lunches, beer, and dinner after Saturday.... My prediction - MSU beats the spread, but I'm not willing to go out on a limb and predict we beat what will be a pretty solid Cal team....
2) Hell, no. Have a freaking family BDay party to go to Saturday at noon. I told my lovely wife to drop off the cake, hug the nieces and nephews and be ready to leave no later than 2:30. This will get me to the game 90 minutes before kickoff - just enough time to have a couple of beers, hoot on the Cal fans, and throw some rocks at freaks in trees.
3) Something is missing from this game.... let's see.... I had two extra tickets at the 45 yard line, back to the Bay and the setting sun, 20 rows up for this game. They had your name on them, too. Finally gave 'em to Schultz, my buddy from grad school whose family has the house across the lake from you up north. He is grateful you're not making the trip for the game. I'm still in shock that you turned down a long weekend of golf, wineries, pubs and Spartan football on me.... You'll likely never have a better opportunity to allow me to return the favor for the final four tix. But - wait ... there MIGHT be the Rose Bowl... we can hold out hope for that....

You will be seeing the fastest RB you see all year. Beanie will be the best back you see, but Best will blow by him in any kind of foot race.

Didn't read the rest though.