BERKELEY — For the second week in a row, Cal shall be up towards the highest-scoring group within the Pac-12 Convention on Saturday.
The No. 10 Oregon Geese, who took cost of the convention race with a 45-30 rout of beforehand undefeated UCLA, present one other massive problem for Cal after Washington’s go to to Memorial Stadium.
Cal’s 28-21 loss Saturday evening was its third in a row, however the Bears (3-4, 1-3) confirmed indicators of life on offense towards Washington (6-2, 3-2). After scoring only one landing in every of their losses at Washington State and Colorado, the Bears reached the endzone 3 times within the second half towards the Huskies after trailing 6-0 on the break.
“I believe this group might beat anyone,” stated sophomore vast receiver J.Michael Sturdivant, who accounted for 2 of the touchdowns in a career-best day of eight catches for 104 yards. “This was a recreation we let slip away. I believe each recreation from right here on out is unquestionably winnable.”
Oregon (6-1, 4-0) gained’t be simple. The Geese have gained six in a row since shedding 49-3 to No. 1 Georgia in Atlanta and lead the Pac-12 in scoring at 42.4 factors per recreation.
Cal held a Washington offense that was averaging 42.1 factors per recreation to a season-low complete.
So sure, there was progress. Cal led within the third quarter (7-6) and the sport was tied at 14 getting into the fourth. It simply didn’t add as much as a victory.
“Within the first half we didn’t fairly get sufficient occurring offense, and within the second half we would have liked yet another cease,” Cal coach Justin Wilcox stated.” We didn’t get it performed. That’s the underside line.”
Listed here are the takeaways:
OFFENSE STEPS UP: The Bears had simply 83 yards and 5 first downs in a scoreless first half, giving them simply two touchdowns over a span of 10 quarters. They awoke to pile up 223 yards and 13 first downs after halftime and scored touchdowns on their first two possessions of the third interval.
“I believed the second half the offense performed rather well, however the first half we didn't,” stated quarterback Jack Plummer, who completed the evening 21 for 34 for 245 passing yards with three touchdowns and no interceptions.
The O-line continues to be fluid, and the newest adjustments imply that no Cal lineman is enjoying the identical spot he did within the season’s opening recreation.
“We’ll simply maintain constructing. These guys are good gamers they usually care,” stated Plummer, who was sacked 5 occasions. “Yeah, they get shuffled round however I believe they’ll mesh collectively and we’re nonetheless received lots of soccer left.”
DEFENSE STARTS FAST, SLIPS UP: The Huskies, who had scored a landing on the primary possession in every of their first seven video games, had been restricted by Cal to a pair of discipline targets within the first half.
However quarterback Michael Penix Jr. received the Huskies revved up within the second half, scoring three touchdowns and a two-point conversion to safe the victory.
“I believe there have been some positives about how we performed defensively. But it surely solely issues should you win,” stated senior linebacker Jackson Sirmon, a switch from Washington who had 11 tackles towards his former group. “First half was good. Second half, received to wash stuff up.”
Similar to the offense, the Cal protection is looking for a complete-game efficiency. “Once we do this,” Sirmon stated, “the end result shall be rather a lot higher.”
INJURY UPDATE: Wilcox introduced after the sport that fifth-year senior offensive lineman Matthew Cindric, a group caption whose 33 profession begins are essentially the most on the group, is out for the season.
Cindric started the season because the Bears’ heart then was moved to proper guard. He was injured early within the Colorado recreation every week in the past.
“He’s an especially robust man,” Wilcox stated. “He received injured early within the recreation final week and actually didn’t point out it, simply performed all the recreation. Sadly, it’s an damage that must be repaired. He's a warrior of an individual.”
“A giant loss,” Plummer known as it.
Broad receiver Jeremiah Hunter and cornerback Lu-Magia-Hearns III, each starters, missed the Washington recreation however are anticipated again for Oregon. No phrase but on junior vast receiver Mason Starling, who had his greatest recreation with 4 catches for 49 yards earlier than being injured within the second half.