[FarmBoy]

Seems they're backing the home team and expect Stanford to experience post-ND depression

Kevin Gemmell: For as bad as Stanford's offense has been on the road, the defense has been pretty darn good. Cal's got a two-game win streak and a win brings them back into bowl contention. I really am split on this, and when that happens, lean toward the home team. Cal 24, Stanford 17.

Ted Miller: I'm with Kevin. I think the Bears get a big win for coach Jeff Tedford. I suspect Stanford, after last week's emotional loss -- and physical game -- will be flat, Big Game or not. Cal 20, Stanford 17.

http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/...ons-week-8

[FarmBoy]

Seems they're backing the home team and expect Stanford to experience post-ND depression

Kevin Gemmell: For as bad as Stanford's offense has been on the road, the defense has been pretty darn good. Cal's got a two-game win streak and a win brings them back into bowl contention. I really am split on this, and when that happens, lean toward the home team. Cal 24, Stanford 17.

Ted Miller: I'm with Kevin. I think the Bears get a big win for coach Jeff Tedford. I suspect Stanford, after last week's emotional loss -- and physical game -- will be flat, Big Game or not. Cal 20, Stanford 17.

http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/...ons-week-8

[Redrum]

We earned it with an offense that isn't offensive in the football sense.  At least not very much.

[Redrum]

We earned it with an offense that isn't offensive in the football sense.  At least not very much.

[OutsiderFan]

Me too, and trust me, there is a contingent of California fans who do NOT want Stanford to lose this weekend.  It will basically save Tedford's job, and that is an extremely unpleasant thought.

I don't put much stock in the hangover from ND loss.  It's Big Game.  Both teams will be cranked up.  There are much more fundamental issues at play.

Stanford's front seven will dominate Cal, more than it dominated USC, UW, and ND.  But just like with UW and ND, Cal has big-time play makers with the ability to score from long range, in Allen and Bigelow.  California can be stopped all game long, but all it takes is one or two big plays and Stanford can lose.  Stanford, OTOH needs long drives and must convert multiple 3rd downs to maintain possession and put together scoring drives, something it doesn't do well, and hasn't done once this year in two road games.

The problem for Stanford is California's front seven is pretty good, and they have two really good CBs who will easily shut down Stanford's WRs in man coverage.  Just like UW and ND, California will stop Stanford's run and challenge Stanford to beat them passing the ball.  The only way it is possible for Stanford to win this game is if Nunes plays way better.  David Shaw seems not to have seen enough to conclude Nunes can't do it.  I have, but hope to be proven wrong.

In any case, no matter who wins, this game is going to be horrifically ugly.  I wouldn't be surprised to see 20 punts. 

[OutsiderFan]

Me too, and trust me, there is a contingent of California fans who do NOT want Stanford to lose this weekend.  It will basically save Tedford's job, and that is an extremely unpleasant thought.

I don't put much stock in the hangover from ND loss.  It's Big Game.  Both teams will be cranked up.  There are much more fundamental issues at play.

Stanford's front seven will dominate Cal, more than it dominated USC, UW, and ND.  But just like with UW and ND, Cal has big-time play makers with the ability to score from long range, in Allen and Bigelow.  California can be stopped all game long, but all it takes is one or two big plays and Stanford can lose.  Stanford, OTOH needs long drives and must convert multiple 3rd downs to maintain possession and put together scoring drives, something it doesn't do well, and hasn't done once this year in two road games.

The problem for Stanford is California's front seven is pretty good, and they have two really good CBs who will easily shut down Stanford's WRs in man coverage.  Just like UW and ND, California will stop Stanford's run and challenge Stanford to beat them passing the ball.  The only way it is possible for Stanford to win this game is if Nunes plays way better.  David Shaw seems not to have seen enough to conclude Nunes can't do it.  I have, but hope to be proven wrong.

In any case, no matter who wins, this game is going to be horrifically ugly.  I wouldn't be surprised to see 20 punts. 

[Cardinal96]

Until I see it with my own eyes, I have a hard time picking us to beat a team with a pulse on the road.  Not with Nunes at QB.

[Cardinal96]

Until I see it with my own eyes, I have a hard time picking us to beat a team with a pulse on the road.  Not with Nunes at QB.

[Spiny_Norman]

Gemmell and Miller may have good reason to suspect a post-ND hangover.  The players have said that it is a tough loss to shake.

The Notre Dame loss has been described by some players as on par with January's 41-38 overtime Fiesta Bowl loss to Oklahoma State as the toughest they've experienced at Stanford.

But can the Cardinal put that frustration aside and prepare properly for Cal? "Definitely, yesterday (Monday) it wasn't gone," Chase Thomas said. "But once we start focusing on Cal, I'm hoping everyone can forget about it. It's definitely a tough one to let go of. For the Big Game we've got to refocus and regroup as a team and make sure everyone's attention is on this game."

http://www.gostanford.com/sports/m-footb...12aab.html

[Spiny_Norman]

Gemmell and Miller may have good reason to suspect a post-ND hangover.  The players have said that it is a tough loss to shake.

The Notre Dame loss has been described by some players as on par with January's 41-38 overtime Fiesta Bowl loss to Oklahoma State as the toughest they've experienced at Stanford.

But can the Cardinal put that frustration aside and prepare properly for Cal? "Definitely, yesterday (Monday) it wasn't gone," Chase Thomas said. "But once we start focusing on Cal, I'm hoping everyone can forget about it. It's definitely a tough one to let go of. For the Big Game we've got to refocus and regroup as a team and make sure everyone's attention is on this game."

http://www.gostanford.com/sports/m-footb...12aab.html

[Cardinal96]

Did I miss something last week? Did we lost to Northern Indiana Parochial College by 50 points? We lost to a top 10 team, on its home field, in overtime, on a bad call. Please explain to me how you get from that to "I have a hard time picking us to  beat a team with a pulse on the road."

Simple.  I have seen us play on the road and I don't like what I have seen.  You can downrate me 100 times if you like for saying it.  Doesn't change that fact.

Notre Dame is overrated in my opinion.  They have a great defense but mediocre offense.  They are getting national title consideration talk and I don't think they are near the level of the true contenders.  With or without that bad call, at best we would have tied the game and brought it to 2nd overtime.  No guarantee we win that one if that happens.

Washington is an average team at best and they beat us on the road, largely resulting from our inability to score an offensive touchdown.

I have a bad feeling about Big Game.  This Cal team is very hungry for a win, and we have looked very bad on the road so far this season.  I have mentioned elsewhere that my hunches have been mostly wrong so hopefully that means we win.

[Cardinal96]

Did I miss something last week? Did we lost to Northern Indiana Parochial College by 50 points? We lost to a top 10 team, on its home field, in overtime, on a bad call. Please explain to me how you get from that to "I have a hard time picking us to  beat a team with a pulse on the road."

Simple.  I have seen us play on the road and I don't like what I have seen.  You can downrate me 100 times if you like for saying it.  Doesn't change that fact.

Notre Dame is overrated in my opinion.  They have a great defense but mediocre offense.  They are getting national title consideration talk and I don't think they are near the level of the true contenders.  With or without that bad call, at best we would have tied the game and brought it to 2nd overtime.  No guarantee we win that one if that happens.

Washington is an average team at best and they beat us on the road, largely resulting from our inability to score an offensive touchdown.

I have a bad feeling about Big Game.  This Cal team is very hungry for a win, and we have looked very bad on the road so far this season.  I have mentioned elsewhere that my hunches have been mostly wrong so hopefully that means we win.

[ChicagoCard]

I know it's annoying how much hype ND gets, and is getting. But I've noticed some mild reservation in some commentators' reactions this week. Not the majority certainly, although Kirk Herbstreit for one said he wasn't so sure they were top 5 in response to a leading question about how good ND might be.

By the way, had that goal line call gone the other way I sure would have sweated the extra point try. Or maybe Shaw would have gone for two (just kidding).

[ChicagoCard]

I know it's annoying how much hype ND gets, and is getting. But I've noticed some mild reservation in some commentators' reactions this week. Not the majority certainly, although Kirk Herbstreit for one said he wasn't so sure they were top 5 in response to a leading question about how good ND might be.

By the way, had that goal line call gone the other way I sure would have sweated the extra point try. Or maybe Shaw would have gone for two (just kidding).

[Farm93]

All is fine in the world because Wilner (19-25-2 ATS this year) picked UCB to cover and win!!!

Whew!  OK!  Now I feel a whole lot better about the game. 

[Farm93]

All is fine in the world because Wilner (19-25-2 ATS this year) picked UCB to cover and win!!!

Whew!  OK!  Now I feel a whole lot better about the game. 

[fullmetal]

I don't have faith in the offensive playcalling, but maybe Nunes has improved a little bit--enough to throw an effective slant or short out route...maybe.

[fullmetal]

I don't have faith in the offensive playcalling, but maybe Nunes has improved a little bit--enough to throw an effective slant or short out route...maybe.

[Farm93]

I don't have faith in the offensive playcalling, but maybe Nunes has improved a little bit--enough to throw an effective slant or short out route...maybe.

Less than 48 hours away now, but for me the key is for the D to not repeat the UofA experience.  5 out of 6 games the D has been amazing.  2 out of 6 games the O has been good.  The team has 4 wins because of the D, and Stanford could easily have 6 wins with just one additional defensive stop in each loss even with Nunes's play in those games.

Every team UCB has played has scored 17 points.  With the Stanford D doing their thing, 17 points might be enough.  Sure want Stanford to get more than 17 of course, but suspect the Stanford D will have a great game (AGAIN). 

[Farm93]

I don't have faith in the offensive playcalling, but maybe Nunes has improved a little bit--enough to throw an effective slant or short out route...maybe.

Less than 48 hours away now, but for me the key is for the D to not repeat the UofA experience.  5 out of 6 games the D has been amazing.  2 out of 6 games the O has been good.  The team has 4 wins because of the D, and Stanford could easily have 6 wins with just one additional defensive stop in each loss even with Nunes's play in those games.

Every team UCB has played has scored 17 points.  With the Stanford D doing their thing, 17 points might be enough.  Sure want Stanford to get more than 17 of course, but suspect the Stanford D will have a great game (AGAIN). 

[fullmetal]

#partyinthebackfield

Also, I take heart from the Holiday Bowl last season when Texas, also with an inept offense and strong defense, beat kal silly at the line with a dominant defensive performance.  Several forced fumbles and sacks gave the Texas offense very short fields that turned into scores.

[fullmetal]

#partyinthebackfield

Also, I take heart from the Holiday Bowl last season when Texas, also with an inept offense and strong defense, beat kal silly at the line with a dominant defensive performance.  Several forced fumbles and sacks gave the Texas offense very short fields that turned into scores.

[Spiny_Norman]

Cal self-destructing or Stanford physically dominating are not likely scenarios. 

Stanford fans should expect Cal to play well.  See 2009 when Cal gashed the Stanford defense and harassed Luck into a 10 for 30 day.  Last year Cal let a few opportunities slip away, otherwise they were almost even with the #4 team in the country on their (very wet) field.  Tedford has a history of getting his team up for Stanford.  If Stanford plays no better than they did on both sides of the ball vs. ND, it will not be a surprise if they lose.

Also sorry for screaming here, but I have to get this off my chest and directed at the defense - BE READY FOR THE FREAKING REVERSE!!  Cal runs gadget plays almost every year vs. Stanford, usually with great success.  It would be a welcome sight finally to blow up those plays.

Finally, Jamal-Rashad Patterson should not go anywhere near the Cal team before the start of the game. 

[Spiny_Norman]

Cal self-destructing or Stanford physically dominating are not likely scenarios. 

Stanford fans should expect Cal to play well.  See 2009 when Cal gashed the Stanford defense and harassed Luck into a 10 for 30 day.  Last year Cal let a few opportunities slip away, otherwise they were almost even with the #4 team in the country on their (very wet) field.  Tedford has a history of getting his team up for Stanford.  If Stanford plays no better than they did on both sides of the ball vs. ND, it will not be a surprise if they lose.

Also sorry for screaming here, but I have to get this off my chest and directed at the defense - BE READY FOR THE FREAKING REVERSE!!  Cal runs gadget plays almost every year vs. Stanford, usually with great success.  It would be a welcome sight finally to blow up those plays.

Finally, Jamal-Rashad Patterson should not go anywhere near the Cal team before the start of the game. 

[socalstanfan1]

Until I see it with my own eyes, I have a hard time picking us to beat a team with a pulse on the road.  Not with Nunes at QB.

NYCCF may have phrased his sentiments a bit harshly, but I agree with the thrust of them.  Until I actually see the offense run with just a little bit of efficiency and take advantage of the field position that is so often provided by the defense, I have have a hard time seeing us win on the road.  I would love to see Nunes and the rest of the offense make a quantum leap forward sometime, and I thought I saw it against Arizona.  But last week (admittedly, against a great defense), was a clear step back.

Of course, I'd also like to see just the slightest bit of a spark of imagination from Shaw/Hamilton in the play calling.  How about this guys: if Kelsey Young really is our most explosive playmaker, lets be sure to get the ball in his hands at least 10 times this game.

[socalstanfan1]

Until I see it with my own eyes, I have a hard time picking us to beat a team with a pulse on the road.  Not with Nunes at QB.

NYCCF may have phrased his sentiments a bit harshly, but I agree with the thrust of them.  Until I actually see the offense run with just a little bit of efficiency and take advantage of the field position that is so often provided by the defense, I have have a hard time seeing us win on the road.  I would love to see Nunes and the rest of the offense make a quantum leap forward sometime, and I thought I saw it against Arizona.  But last week (admittedly, against a great defense), was a clear step back.

Of course, I'd also like to see just the slightest bit of a spark of imagination from Shaw/Hamilton in the play calling.  How about this guys: if Kelsey Young really is our most explosive playmaker, lets be sure to get the ball in his hands at least 10 times this game.

[Cardinal96]

Northern Indiana Parochial College is overrated in my opinion.  They have a great defense but mediocre offense. They are getting national title consideration talk and I don't think they are near the level of the true contenders.

So that's your definition of a team without a pulse? Well, that certainly puts your criticism of Stanford into perspective.

I don't know why you are so troubled by my criticism.  I am not saying anything many others aren't thinking.  We did not look very good last Saturday.  Just because we played an overrated team close does not change that fact.

Until I see us move the ball consistently against an average defense, I am admittedly very nervous about our chances going forward this season.

Our defense is great and so much fun to watch.  But they need help.

[Cardinal96]

Northern Indiana Parochial College is overrated in my opinion.  They have a great defense but mediocre offense. They are getting national title consideration talk and I don't think they are near the level of the true contenders.

So that's your definition of a team without a pulse? Well, that certainly puts your criticism of Stanford into perspective.

I don't know why you are so troubled by my criticism.  I am not saying anything many others aren't thinking.  We did not look very good last Saturday.  Just because we played an overrated team close does not change that fact.

Until I see us move the ball consistently against an average defense, I am admittedly very nervous about our chances going forward this season.

Our defense is great and so much fun to watch.  But they need help.

[washingtonismoney]

I don't know why you are so troubled by my criticism.  I am not saying anything many others aren't thinking.  We did not look very good last Saturday.  Just because we played an overrated team close does not change that fact.

Overrated != team without a pulse. This isn't hard.

[washingtonismoney]

I don't know why you are so troubled by my criticism.  I am not saying anything many others aren't thinking.  We did not look very good last Saturday.  Just because we played an overrated team close does not change that fact.

Overrated != team without a pulse. This isn't hard.

[Cardinal96]

[quote author=NYCCardinalFan link=topic=6687.msg49972#msg49972 date=1350612356]

I don't know why you are so troubled by my criticism.  I am not saying anything many others aren't thinking.  We did not look very good last Saturday.  Just because we played an overrated team close does not change that fact.

Overrated != team without a pulse. This isn't hard.
[/quote]

But we didn't beat them either and in my opinion they outplayed us and deserved the win.  When push came to shove, their players made the key plays and ours didn't.

We are getting bogged down in semantics.  The thrust behind my posts in this thread is my belief that we are an average team who has trouble moving the ball and sustaining drives.  When you go on the road with that kind of team, you are not likely to beat teams unless they are bad.

[Cardinal96]

[quote author=NYCCardinalFan link=topic=6687.msg49972#msg49972 date=1350612356]

I don't know why you are so troubled by my criticism.  I am not saying anything many others aren't thinking.  We did not look very good last Saturday.  Just because we played an overrated team close does not change that fact.

Overrated != team without a pulse. This isn't hard.
[/quote]

But we didn't beat them either and in my opinion they outplayed us and deserved the win.  When push came to shove, their players made the key plays and ours didn't.

We are getting bogged down in semantics.  The thrust behind my posts in this thread is my belief that we are an average team who has trouble moving the ball and sustaining drives.  When you go on the road with that kind of team, you are not likely to beat teams unless they are bad.

[doublespiral]

I don't know why, but for some mysterious reason, I think we come out mad and curb stomp the Bears.

I'm rarely irrationally optimistic, but I think it'll be a 3 score game - and I'll go ahead and pick 31-13 out of thin air. (That's it: maybe I'm hypoxic.)

[doublespiral]

I don't know why, but for some mysterious reason, I think we come out mad and curb stomp the Bears.

I'm rarely irrationally optimistic, but I think it'll be a 3 score game - and I'll go ahead and pick 31-13 out of thin air. (That's it: maybe I'm hypoxic.)

[needle]

I'm pretty pessimistic on this one. I see kal scoring the low 20s with Stanford just unable to muster more than a single offensive touchdown.

No defensive scoring this week would mean a loss, imo, and that's what I'm predicting. Hope I'm wrong.

[needle]

I'm pretty pessimistic on this one. I see kal scoring the low 20s with Stanford just unable to muster more than a single offensive touchdown.

No defensive scoring this week would mean a loss, imo, and that's what I'm predicting. Hope I'm wrong.