Closing the Book on Cal

I must say, it's a little dissapointing to see everyone say Tennessee got "blown out" or "dismantled" when in reality, Cal had two big plays that completly changed the game.  The defensive touchdown, and of course, D-Jack's huge return (why we kicked to him when Colquitt had quad injury, I don't know).  Take away those two plays, and it's 31-31.  

The offense looked good, not great, but good.  We need a deep threat and need to stop throwing swing passes to Foster on 3-10.  For a moment I thought Randy Sanders was phoning in plays from Lexington.  Ainge completed over 30 passes but didn't even have 300 yards, I think that says a lot.

The defense got beat quite a few times and was missing tackles, but I think we all knew Cal had an explosive offense.  Also, D-Jack didn't have too many catches or yards and their "All-Conference" tight end Craig Stevens didn't do much either.  Hawkins killed us!  Forsett ran so well because our defense was spread out so much by the receivers and the safties could not afford to let them get deep.  On the positive, the defense came up with some big stops later in the game to get the offense the ball back, so that was encouraging sight.

All of the young players show promise but need a lot of work.  X needs to sit out this week and heal up for Florida, because they can score.  And can somebody get open DEEP!  Briscoe, Taylor, Vinson, ANYBODY!

Cal looked pretty good and has the look of a team that can beat USC, especially since they play in Berkeley this year.  So maybe by season's end this loss won't look so bad. (Of course now Cal will go lose to Colorado State)

All in all it was dissapointing, but i look at it this way:  I would rather beat Florida than Cal.  Beat So. Miss this week and Florida the next, and we'll be fine, sqaure, all straight.  Losing sucks, but losing conference games really hurts.