10-03-2015, 06:39 PM
I don't think there is evidence that Cal's offense is better than Utah's. 34 points on Washington State is nothing to write home about. Neither, apparently, is posting 45 on Texas, as we found out today. Nor is putting up 35 against San Diego State (they gave up 34 against South Alabama, and 37 against Penn State). And sorry, you could post a gazillion points against Grambling State and I would not be impressed. Especially if you factor in the number of turnovers that the defense has generated, the offensive production has not been amazing.
I'm much more impressed by a team that put up 24 on Michigan (who has allowed 14 against its next four opponents combined) and 62 against Oregon. Yeah, the Oregon defense is not that great, but 62 is still twice as much as Michigan State put up, and 28 points more than Cal put up against Washington State.
Football outsider's offensive S&P rating gives Cal a slight edge. 35.6 - 33.4 (before the WSU game). I suspect that it will be closer now. The key thing Utah has that Cal doesn't is offensive balance.
BC
I'm much more impressed by a team that put up 24 on Michigan (who has allowed 14 against its next four opponents combined) and 62 against Oregon. Yeah, the Oregon defense is not that great, but 62 is still twice as much as Michigan State put up, and 28 points more than Cal put up against Washington State.
Football outsider's offensive S&P rating gives Cal a slight edge. 35.6 - 33.4 (before the WSU game). I suspect that it will be closer now. The key thing Utah has that Cal doesn't is offensive balance.
BC