Despite a few bad decisions, Mendoza looks poised and impressive in first three starts against rated teams. Bright future.

Goff was a True Freshman and had a worse OL

wc22 said:

---

Goff was a True Freshman and had a worse OL

---

And didn't have an All-American RB to handoff to.

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/california/2013.html

Brendan Bigelow
K. Muhammad
Daniel Lasco
Richard Rodgers
Chris Harper
Bryce Treggs
Kenny Lawler
Darius Powe
Stephen Anderson
Maurice Harris

Marginally worse RB core.
Arguably better WR core.

wc22 said:

---

Goff was a True Freshman and had a worse OL

---

did Goff lose the starting center? Cendric according to some was a floor general out there.

thought it was more of an issue of the O-line using a different technique with Goff's first year that made a dogs breakfast out of things

Fernando is going to be great at Cal.

My only concern with the crazy new rules is if he transfers to Miami down the line, apparently his father is an alum and was a former teammate of their current HC Cristobal...

Comparing their first years, Mendoza looks better than Goff but worse than Riley, ie it is early, but early returns are extremely positive.

Cal88 said:

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Fernando is going to be great at Cal.

My only concern with the crazy new rules is if he transfers to Miami down the line, apparently his father is an alum and was a former teammate of their current HC Cristobal...

---

His father is also a doctor and probably values education. However, two years from now when he has a Cal degree and Wilcox gets fired….

calumnus said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Fernando is going to be great at Cal.

My only concern with the crazy new rules is if he transfers to Miami down the line, apparently his father is an alum and was a former teammate of their current HC Cristobal...

---

His father is also a doctor and probably values education. However, two years from now when he has a Cal degree and Wilcox gets fired….

---

What if Mendoza approximates the trajectory we all are hoping for?

burritos said:

---

calumnus said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Fernando is going to be great at Cal.

My only concern with the crazy new rules is if he transfers to Miami down the line, apparently his father is an alum and was a former teammate of their current HC Cristobal...

---

His father is also a doctor and probably values education. However, two years from now when he has a Cal degree and Wilcox gets fired….

---

What if Mendoza approximates the trajectory we all are hoping for?

---

Then he leaves for the NFL or Alabama after next season?

There are too many possibilities these days to speculate. You just develop as many players as you can and enjoy them while you have them and if you lose them hopefully you have someone else or can bring in someone else. I do think Mendoza will be loyal to Cal given the opportunity he was given and the education but he will need to make decisions that are best for him,

Mendoza gives me Joe Burrow vibes and I hope he leads a miraculous turnaround as the unquestioned starter next year.

Tnish18 said:

---

Mendoza gives me Joe Burrow vibes and I hope he leads a miraculous turnaround as the unquestioned starter next year.

---

We will see if we can hold this team together or even improve on it, but the team we put on the field today wins more games than it loses in the ACC.

calumnus said:

---

burritos said:

---

calumnus said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Fernando is going to be great at Cal.

My only concern with the crazy new rules is if he transfers to Miami down the line, apparently his father is an alum and was a former teammate of their current HC Cristobal...

---

His father is also a doctor and probably values education. However, two years from now when he has a Cal degree and Wilcox gets fired….

---

What if Mendoza approximates the trajectory we all are hoping for?

---

Then he leaves for the NFL or Alabama after next season?

There are too many possibilities these days to speculate. You just develop as many players as you can and enjoy them while you have them and if you lose them hopefully you have someone else or can bring in someone else. I do think Mendoza will be loyal to Cal given the opportunity he was given and the education but he will need to make decisions that are best for him,

---

He's not the kind of guy who would transfer to Alabama, he almost went to Yale, but he's from Miami, the son of a former player, and probably grew up a fan of the Hurricanes. I think it's unlikely he transfers there, but that could be the only place he might consider transferring to.

Cal joining the ACC might actually increase his comfort level with potential road games in Miami the next 3 years.

Cal88 said:

---

calumnus said:

---

burritos said:

---

calumnus said:

---

Cal88 said:

---

Fernando is going to be great at Cal.

My only concern with the crazy new rules is if he transfers to Miami down the line, apparently his father is an alum and was a former teammate of their current HC Cristobal...

---

His father is also a doctor and probably values education. However, two years from now when he has a Cal degree and Wilcox gets fired….

---

What if Mendoza approximates the trajectory we all are hoping for?

---

Then he leaves for the NFL or Alabama after next season?

There are too many possibilities these days to speculate. You just develop as many players as you can and enjoy them while you have them and if you lose them hopefully you have someone else or can bring in someone else. I do think Mendoza will be loyal to Cal given the opportunity he was given and the education but he will need to make decisions that are best for him,

---

He's not the kind of guy who would transfer to Alabama, he almost went to Yale, but he's from Miami, the son of a former player, and probably grew up a fan of the Hurricanes. I think it's unlikely he transfers there, but that could be the only place he might consider transferring to.

Cal joining the ACC might actually increase his comfort level with potential road games in Miami the next 3 years.

---

A big paycheck might get him to consider offers.

How come they didn't start Mendoza from the first game? He is clearly better than others QB's on our roster.

cal2000 said:

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How come they didn't start Mendoza from the first game? He is clearly better than others QB's on our roster.

---

The AD and Christ insisted.

Oh, and the City of Berkeley, too.

cal2000 said:

---

How come they didn't start Mendoza from the first game? He is clearly better than others QB's on our roster.

---

If we do that do we beat:

• Auburn? Probably but the suspect kicking is still there.
• Washington? Doubt it, we couldn't cover anything that night.

So if he started from the beginning maybe we get a game, but that's it.

burritos said:

---

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/california/2013.html

Brendan Bigelow
K. Muhammad
Daniel Lasco
Richard Rodgers
Chris Harper
Bryce Treggs
Kenny Lawler
Darius Powe
Stephen Anderson
Maurice Harris

Marginally worse RB core.
Arguably better WR core.

---

He had one of the best receiving units all time at Cal. Cal had 5 WRs that regularly made acrobatic one handed catches and a TE that has had a successful NFL career.
Wide Receiver
Chris Harper--I'll never forget some of the diving catches he made
Kenny Lawler-- His drop off after Cal is misleading. He was absolutely money at Cal and one of the best ever
Darius Powe--Big powerful guy who made contested catches
Maurice Harris--Sat bench too much considering that he made amazing catches
Bryce Treggs--Broke receiving records at Cal
Tight End
Stephen Anderson--converted from WR because of depth chart. Became a 3rd down target that made big time catches in critical situations with regularity.

In addition Goff had these guys who had break out seasons as walk-on WRs
Griffin Piatt --later converted to safety
James Grisom--kept Cal in the game vs. Ohio St. in Berkeley
Patrick Worstall

Offensive Line
Adcock/Rigsbee
Moore
Crosthwaite
Okafor
Borrayo/Cochran/Tydall

Goff's OL were mostly underclassmen that eventually formed the core of a decent OL in future years. The problem was that OL coach, who didn't know what he was doing, employed a pretty controversial method of blocking pass rushers which was eventually abandoned in future years when he was replaced. Our current OL coach is miles above what Goff had in 2013.

So, it is probably accurate to say that Mendoza had a better OL. I say had because OL injuries have racked up ever since Mendoza has become the starter. And Cal lost Cindric even earlier. After today, we'll see who is listed in the depth chart at OL. It could get ugly.

Also, as bad as the Cal defense has played this year, it is still miles ahead of what Cal fielded in 2013. The talent on the 2013 defense was certainly as good, but the coaching was horrible. It was so bad that it generated the often BI favorite phrase "I blame Buh". Buh was our DC in 2013.

I think there are some similarities between Mendoza and Goff but I would say that Goff is clearly superior. Goff threw down field for more yardage with regularity. Goff didn't throw INTs as much and Goff threw more TDs.

The comparison is kind of unfair to both Goff and Mendoza but I understand why it has been brought up. Goff and Mendoza both have good size and good instincts. Both seem to see the field well, process information quickly, have a high level of confidence and go through their progressions pretty quickly. Also both have a quick release and good velocity on passes. But, while Mendoza has been a nice surprise and pretty accurate, Goff was even more accurate. Also Goff was a true freshman and Mendoza is in year 2.

We can appreciate Mendoza in that, while Goff's low 4 star rating may have proved under-rated, Mendoza's 2 star rating is certainly more under-rated. Mendoza may even be more of a leader than Goff, who often seemed kind of subdued compared to Mendoza's youthful exuberism and infectious optimism. Both emerged out of the shadows of other highly touted QBs that were assumed to be the answer at QB for Cal. And both simply outplayed their Cal competitors to win the job outright.

I think that Mendoza has the elements of being able to develop to the level where he might have one of the better single seasons as a Cal QB, but it would be a pleasant surprise should he even approach what Goff or Rogers did at Cal. He certainly is going to end up winning some of the games he's losing now assuming that he stays healthy. And he has appeared to be more durable than I would have thought.

calumnus said:

---

Comparing their first years, Mendoza looks better than Goff but worse than Riley, ie it is early, but early returns are extremely positive.

---

I am far from an expert in evaluating football talent so my from the gut impressions of both during freshman seasons:

Goff
Wow. With 2 seconds of protection he can still make long throws in the breadbasket. He gets sacked every other down yet he never quits and he is durable. He looks like a 1st round draft pick to me.

Mendoza

I have not watched him closely enough. He is tall, he can make the throws, he scrambles well, he has the fire and has been durable. He looks like he will be playing on Sundays to me.

Strykur said:

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cal2000 said:

---

How come they didn't start Mendoza from the first game? He is clearly better than others QB's on our roster.

---

If we do that do we beat:

• Auburn? Probably but the suspect kicking is still there.
• Washington? Doubt it, we couldn't cover anything that night.

So if he started from the beginning maybe we get a game, but that's it.

---

It is tough to say. I see him improving and gaining in confidence every game. If he starts, or even just gets a shot to prove himself in a game as number 2 or 3 sooner, maybe he doesn't fumble that handoff today or doesn't throw into double coverage on that pick? Thus, I wouldn't write off Auburn, UW, Utah or USC (though UW is the least likely).

It is an interesting what if, but it is not on the level of Musgrave not utilizing Garbers running or Ott's ability outside for that matter, both of which had been demonstrated in games.

BarcaBear said:

---

wc22 said:

---

Goff was a True Freshman and had a worse OL

---

did Goff lose the starting center? Cendric according to some was a floor general out there.

thought it was more of an issue of the O-line using a different technique with Goff's first year that made a dogs breakfast out of things

---

Yes, Goff lost center Adcock 5 games in.

I don't know if Fernando's had a better year or played better in his first season of playtime, but he has greatly impressed! If he can continue to improve, by the time he graduates (or enters the NFL) he could well surpass Jared Goff. That's a tall order.

That said, Jared Goff had a horrible freshman year. Cal won one game (Portland State) and lost 11. This wasn't all Jared's fault. In large part, the horrible season was due to the lack of protection he got from the O-line. (Of course, Andy Buh's non-existent defense didn't exactly help any.) . However, Jared hung tough and always bounced back (including after the uncalled dirty hit by Shayne Skum, er, Skov). He showed plenty of grit and toughness, making me a fan of his. That said, as a true freshman, he didn't quite present as the team leader.

Fernando Mendoza has been a little different. He started the season on the bench but when given a chance, he ran with it. This hasn't always resulted in wins, but he's played better than the two QBs that started ahead of him. More importantly, the team seems to have really responded to his enthusiasm, to his energy, and (most of all) to how he leads by example, (e.g., blocking for his running backs).

Fernando's very much the leader this Cal team needs. Not only can he rally the troops when they get down with his optimism and energy, but he keeps his teammates engaged. Pretty much every time the camera showed him on the sidelines today , he was talking to his teammates (including Jaydn Ott, Jeremiah Hunter, and Trond Grizzell). It looked like he was trying to get everyone on the same page. I loved that!

Like Jared, Fernando has also repeatedly shown his toughness. He'll stand in the pocket just to make sure he can lead his receiver, even though he knows he'll get creamed. He'll also run for yards and then refuse to slide, just to pick up the extra yardage. When he does get hit, he bounces back up as if it were nothing.

On a side note, I didn't get to see Joe Kapp play. For those who did, how does Fernando's toughness compare? Joe Kapp was named the "Toughest Chicano," does Fernando make a good successor to that title?

heartofthebear said:

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burritos said:

---

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/california/2013.html

Brendan Bigelow
K. Muhammad
Daniel Lasco
Richard Rodgers
Chris Harper
Bryce Treggs
Kenny Lawler
Darius Powe
Stephen Anderson
Maurice Harris

Marginally worse RB core.
Arguably better WR core.

---

He had one of the best receiving units all time at Cal. Cal had 5 WRs that regularly made acrobatic one handed catches and a TE that has had a successful NFL career.
Wide Receiver
Chris Harper--I'll never forget some of the diving catches he made
Kenny Lawler-- His drop off after Cal is misleading. He was absolutely money at Cal and one of the best ever
Darius Powe--Big powerful guy who made contested catches
Maurice Harris--Sat bench too much considering that he made amazing catches
Bryce Treggs--Broke receiving records at Cal
Tight End
Stephen Anderson--converted from WR because of depth chart. Became a 3rd down target that made big time catches in critical situations with regularity.

In addition Goff had these guys who had break out seasons as walk-on WRs
Griffin Piatt --later converted to safety
James Grisom--kept Cal in the game vs. Ohio St. in Berkeley
Patrick Worstall

Offensive Line
Adcock/Rigsbee
Moore
Crosthwaite
Okafor
Borrayo/Cochran/Tydall

Goff's OL were mostly underclassmen that eventually formed the core of a decent OL in future years. The problem was that OL coach, who didn't know what he was doing, employed a pretty controversial method of blocking pass rushers which was eventually abandoned in future years when he was replaced. Our current OL coach is miles above what Goff had in 2013.

So, it is probably accurate to say that Mendoza had a better OL. I say had because OL injuries have racked up ever since Mendoza has become the starter. And Cal lost Cindric even earlier. After today, we'll see who is listed in the depth chart at OL. It could get ugly.

Also, as bad as the Cal defense has played this year, it is still miles ahead of what Cal fielded in 2013. The talent on the 2013 defense was certainly as good, but the coaching was horrible. It was so bad that it generated the often BI favorite phrase "I blame Buh". Buh was our DC in 2013.

I think there are some similarities between Mendoza and Goff but I would say that Goff is clearly superior. Goff threw down field for more yardage with regularity. Goff didn't throw INTs as much and Goff threw more TDs.

The comparison is kind of unfair to both Goff and Mendoza but I understand why it has been brought up. Goff and Mendoza both have good size and good instincts. Both seem to see the field well, process information quickly, have a high level of confidence and go through their progressions pretty quickly. Also both have a quick release and good velocity on passes. But, while Mendoza has been a nice surprise and pretty accurate, Goff was even more accurate. Also Goff was a true freshman and Mendoza is in year 2.

We can appreciate Mendoza in that, while Goff's low 4 star rating may have proved under-rated, Mendoza's 2 star rating is certainly more under-rated. Mendoza may even be more of a leader than Goff, who often seemed kind of subdued compared to Mendoza's youthful exuberism and infectious optimism. Both emerged out of the shadows of other highly touted QBs that were assumed to be the answer at QB for Cal. And both simply outplayed their Cal competitors to win the job outright.

I think that Mendoza has the elements of being able to develop to the level where he might have one of the better single seasons as a Cal QB, but it would be a pleasant surprise should he even approach what Goff or Rogers did at Cal. He certainly is going to end up winning some of the games he's losing now assuming that he stays healthy. And he has appeared to be more durable than I would have thought.

---

Mendoza is more like Pawlawski than Goff.

bearister said:

---

calumnus said:

---

Comparing their first years, Mendoza looks better than Goff but worse than Riley, ie it is early, but early returns are extremely positive.

---

I am far from an expert in evaluating football talent so my from the gut impressions of both during freshman seasons:

Goff
Wow. With 2 seconds of protection he can still make long throws in the breadbasket. He gets sacked every other down yet he never quits and he is durable. He looks like a 1st round draft pick to me.

Mendoza

I have not watched him closely enough. He is tall, he can make the throws, he scrambles well, he has the fire and has been durable. He looks like he will be playing on Sundays to me.

---

Maybe I'm unclear about what you mean by "long throws". If you were talking about a deep crossing pattern where the receiver is moving laterally or diagonally, then yes, I thought Goff was great at those from the get-go. If you're talking about the receiver running a deep vertical route where the QB has to put enough air under the ball that it comes down over the receiver's shoulder, I don't recall Goff being able to complete those reliably. I remember numerous times where Bryce Treggs would be open on a pattern like that but Goff would underthrow or overthrow it, but he did fix that shortcoming his final season at Cal.

That being said, I think Mendoza has the same shortcoming regarding throwing the deep ball, but can make the other throws. Watching in person yesterday, I was also impressed by his quick release - he can get it out quick!

cal2000 said:

---

How come they didn't start Mendoza from the first game? He is clearly better than others QB's on our roster.

---

Because...Wilcox

BearlyCareAnymore said:

---

heartofthebear said:

---

burritos said:

---

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/california/2013.html

Brendan Bigelow
K. Muhammad
Daniel Lasco
Richard Rodgers
Chris Harper
Bryce Treggs
Kenny Lawler
Darius Powe
Stephen Anderson
Maurice Harris

Marginally worse RB core.
Arguably better WR core.

---

He had one of the best receiving units all time at Cal. Cal had 5 WRs that regularly made acrobatic one handed catches and a TE that has had a successful NFL career.
Wide Receiver
Chris Harper--I'll never forget some of the diving catches he made
Kenny Lawler-- His drop off after Cal is misleading. He was absolutely money at Cal and one of the best ever
Darius Powe--Big powerful guy who made contested catches
Maurice Harris--Sat bench too much considering that he made amazing catches
Bryce Treggs--Broke receiving records at Cal
Tight End
Stephen Anderson--converted from WR because of depth chart. Became a 3rd down target that made big time catches in critical situations with regularity.

In addition Goff had these guys who had break out seasons as walk-on WRs
Griffin Piatt --later converted to safety
James Grisom--kept Cal in the game vs. Ohio St. in Berkeley
Patrick Worstall

Offensive Line
Adcock/Rigsbee
Moore
Crosthwaite
Okafor
Borrayo/Cochran/Tydall

Goff's OL were mostly underclassmen that eventually formed the core of a decent OL in future years. The problem was that OL coach, who didn't know what he was doing, employed a pretty controversial method of blocking pass rushers which was eventually abandoned in future years when he was replaced. Our current OL coach is miles above what Goff had in 2013.

So, it is probably accurate to say that Mendoza had a better OL. I say had because OL injuries have racked up ever since Mendoza has become the starter. And Cal lost Cindric even earlier. After today, we'll see who is listed in the depth chart at OL. It could get ugly.

Also, as bad as the Cal defense has played this year, it is still miles ahead of what Cal fielded in 2013. The talent on the 2013 defense was certainly as good, but the coaching was horrible. It was so bad that it generated the often BI favorite phrase "I blame Buh". Buh was our DC in 2013.

I think there are some similarities between Mendoza and Goff but I would say that Goff is clearly superior. Goff threw down field for more yardage with regularity. Goff didn't throw INTs as much and Goff threw more TDs.

The comparison is kind of unfair to both Goff and Mendoza but I understand why it has been brought up. Goff and Mendoza both have good size and good instincts. Both seem to see the field well, process information quickly, have a high level of confidence and go through their progressions pretty quickly. Also both have a quick release and good velocity on passes. But, while Mendoza has been a nice surprise and pretty accurate, Goff was even more accurate. Also Goff was a true freshman and Mendoza is in year 2.

We can appreciate Mendoza in that, while Goff's low 4 star rating may have proved under-rated, Mendoza's 2 star rating is certainly more under-rated. Mendoza may even be more of a leader than Goff, who often seemed kind of subdued compared to Mendoza's youthful exuberism and infectious optimism. Both emerged out of the shadows of other highly touted QBs that were assumed to be the answer at QB for Cal. And both simply outplayed their Cal competitors to win the job outright.

I think that Mendoza has the elements of being able to develop to the level where he might have one of the better single seasons as a Cal QB, but it would be a pleasant surprise should he even approach what Goff or Rogers did at Cal. He certainly is going to end up winning some of the games he's losing now assuming that he stays healthy. And he has appeared to be more durable than I would have thought.

---

Mendoza is more like Pawlawski than Goff.

---

Mendoza is already more skilled than Pawlawski was while at Cal.

Tnish18 said:

---

Mendoza gives me Joe Burrow vibes and I hope he leads a miraculous turnaround as the unquestioned starter next year.

---

Hopefully Burrow gives you Mendoza vibes during today's game vs the 49ers!!

NVBear78 said:

---

BearlyCareAnymore said:

---

heartofthebear said:

---

burritos said:

---

https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/california/2013.html

Brendan Bigelow
K. Muhammad
Daniel Lasco
Richard Rodgers
Chris Harper
Bryce Treggs
Kenny Lawler
Darius Powe
Stephen Anderson
Maurice Harris

Marginally worse RB core.
Arguably better WR core.

---

He had one of the best receiving units all time at Cal. Cal had 5 WRs that regularly made acrobatic one handed catches and a TE that has had a successful NFL career.
Wide Receiver
Chris Harper--I'll never forget some of the diving catches he made
Kenny Lawler-- His drop off after Cal is misleading. He was absolutely money at Cal and one of the best ever
Darius Powe--Big powerful guy who made contested catches
Maurice Harris--Sat bench too much considering that he made amazing catches
Bryce Treggs--Broke receiving records at Cal
Tight End
Stephen Anderson--converted from WR because of depth chart. Became a 3rd down target that made big time catches in critical situations with regularity.

In addition Goff had these guys who had break out seasons as walk-on WRs
Griffin Piatt --later converted to safety
James Grisom--kept Cal in the game vs. Ohio St. in Berkeley
Patrick Worstall

Offensive Line
Adcock/Rigsbee
Moore
Crosthwaite
Okafor
Borrayo/Cochran/Tydall

Goff's OL were mostly underclassmen that eventually formed the core of a decent OL in future years. The problem was that OL coach, who didn't know what he was doing, employed a pretty controversial method of blocking pass rushers which was eventually abandoned in future years when he was replaced. Our current OL coach is miles above what Goff had in 2013.

So, it is probably accurate to say that Mendoza had a better OL. I say had because OL injuries have racked up ever since Mendoza has become the starter. And Cal lost Cindric even earlier. After today, we'll see who is listed in the depth chart at OL. It could get ugly.

Also, as bad as the Cal defense has played this year, it is still miles ahead of what Cal fielded in 2013. The talent on the 2013 defense was certainly as good, but the coaching was horrible. It was so bad that it generated the often BI favorite phrase "I blame Buh". Buh was our DC in 2013.

I think there are some similarities between Mendoza and Goff but I would say that Goff is clearly superior. Goff threw down field for more yardage with regularity. Goff didn't throw INTs as much and Goff threw more TDs.

The comparison is kind of unfair to both Goff and Mendoza but I understand why it has been brought up. Goff and Mendoza both have good size and good instincts. Both seem to see the field well, process information quickly, have a high level of confidence and go through their progressions pretty quickly. Also both have a quick release and good velocity on passes. But, while Mendoza has been a nice surprise and pretty accurate, Goff was even more accurate. Also Goff was a true freshman and Mendoza is in year 2.

We can appreciate Mendoza in that, while Goff's low 4 star rating may have proved under-rated, Mendoza's 2 star rating is certainly more under-rated. Mendoza may even be more of a leader than Goff, who often seemed kind of subdued compared to Mendoza's youthful exuberism and infectious optimism. Both emerged out of the shadows of other highly touted QBs that were assumed to be the answer at QB for Cal. And both simply outplayed their Cal competitors to win the job outright.

I think that Mendoza has the elements of being able to develop to the level where he might have one of the better single seasons as a Cal QB, but it would be a pleasant surprise should he even approach what Goff or Rogers did at Cal. He certainly is going to end up winning some of the games he's losing now assuming that he stays healthy. And he has appeared to be more durable than I would have thought.

---

Mendoza is more like Pawlawski than Goff.

---

Mendoza is already more skilled than Pawlawski was while at Cal.

---

Also, at 6'1 200, Pawlawski was closer in size to Sam Jackson than to Mendoza, who is tall and lanky, the same size as Austin Hinder. Mendoza is more accurate with a quicker release.

Mendoza has a significant handicap that Goff didn't--an incompetent head coach.

The 2013 defensive talent was, to be kind, garbage. Look what they did in Teddy's last year.

Bobodeluxe said:

---

The 2013 defensive talent was, to be kind, garbage. Look what they did in Teddy's last year.

---

In 2012 we had the #98 defense, the #108 pass defense, and had our two starting CBS: Steve Williams and Mark Anthony, drafted. So it looked bad going into 2013, then we lost 8 of our projected starters on defense to injury. At one point we had a true freshman walk-on starting at CB, probably the toughest position to play in sports, and in the PAC-12, probably the best passing league in D1. The staff tried to get creative and even had Harper and Treggs play some on defense. It was bad and first time DC Buh had no answers, the offense with true freshman Goff couldn't compensate and Cal fans made up their minds about Dykes. When Kaufman came in the next year he started to rebuild the defense with players that came in as freshmen in 2015 and 2016 and were seniors for Wilcox in 2018 and 2019, but it was too late

calumnus said:

---

Bobodeluxe said:

---

The 2013 defensive talent was, to be kind, garbage. Look what they did in Teddy's last year.

---

In 2012 we had the #98 defense, the #108 pass defense, and had our two starting CBS: Steve Williams and Mark Anthony, drafted. So it looked bad going into 2013, then we lost 8 of our projected starters on defense to injury. At one point we had a true freshman walk-on starting at CB, probably the toughest position to play in sports, and in the PAC-12, probably the best passing league in D1. The staff tried to get creative and even had Harper and Treggs play some on defense. It was bad and first time DC Buh had no answers, the offense with true freshman Goff couldn't compensate and Cal fans made up their minds about Dykes. When Kaufman came in the next year he started to rebuild the defense with players that came in as freshmen in 2015 and 2016 and were seniors for Wilcox in 2018 and 2019, but it was too late

---

Cal fans showed a lack of knowledge when they blamed Buh for the disaster that unfolded in 2013. Cal fans were expecting miracles that year which was absurd, with all the defensive injuries only way we would have done well is if we had a locker room full of 5 star recruits.

what did you mean by first time DC? he was co-Def coord at Stanford for 2 years back in 2009 and was D coord at Nevada for 2 years i think.

BarcaBear said:

---

calumnus said:

---

Bobodeluxe said:

---

The 2013 defensive talent was, to be kind, garbage. Look what they did in Teddy's last year.

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In 2012 we had the #98 defense, the #108 pass defense, and had our two starting CBS: Steve Williams and Mark Anthony, drafted. So it looked bad going into 2013, then we lost 8 of our projected starters on defense to injury. At one point we had a true freshman walk-on starting at CB, probably the toughest position to play in sports, and in the PAC-12, probably the best passing league in D1. The staff tried to get creative and even had Harper and Treggs play some on defense. It was bad and first time DC Buh had no answers, the offense with true freshman Goff couldn't compensate and Cal fans made up their minds about Dykes. When Kaufman came in the next year he started to rebuild the defense with players that came in as freshmen in 2015 and 2016 and were seniors for Wilcox in 2018 and 2019, but it was too late

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Cal fans showed a lack of knowledge when they blamed Buh for the disaster that unfolded in 2013. Cal fans were expecting miracles that year which was absurd, with all the defensive injuries only way we would have done well is if we had a locker room full of 5 star recruits.

what did you mean by first time DC? he was co-Def coord at Stanford for 2 years back in 2009 and was D coord at Nevada for 2 years i think.

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No, Buh was horrible, and he should have never been hired. He hasn't been successful and wasn't recently successful. It isn't a Gregory situation where Cal fans all blamed one guy who ended up being a scapegoat. Dykes should have been given a much bigger budget for assistant coaches initially.

wc22 said:

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BarcaBear said:

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calumnus said:

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Bobodeluxe said:

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The 2013 defensive talent was, to be kind, garbage. Look what they did in Teddy's last year.

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In 2012 we had the #98 defense, the #108 pass defense, and had our two starting CBS: Steve Williams and Mark Anthony, drafted. So it looked bad going into 2013, then we lost 8 of our projected starters on defense to injury. At one point we had a true freshman walk-on starting at CB, probably the toughest position to play in sports, and in the PAC-12, probably the best passing league in D1. The staff tried to get creative and even had Harper and Treggs play some on defense. It was bad and first time DC Buh had no answers, the offense with true freshman Goff couldn't compensate and Cal fans made up their minds about Dykes. When Kaufman came in the next year he started to rebuild the defense with players that came in as freshmen in 2015 and 2016 and were seniors for Wilcox in 2018 and 2019, but it was too late

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Cal fans showed a lack of knowledge when they blamed Buh for the disaster that unfolded in 2013. Cal fans were expecting miracles that year which was absurd, with all the defensive injuries only way we would have done well is if we had a locker room full of 5 star recruits.

what did you mean by first time DC? he was co-Def coord at Stanford for 2 years back in 2009 and was D coord at Nevada for 2 years i think.

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No, Buh was horrible, and he should have never been hired. He hasn't been successful and wasn't recently successful. It isn't a Gregory situation where Cal fans all blamed one guy who ended up being a scapegoat. Dykes should have been given a much bigger budget for assistant coaches initially.

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I think the two are not mutually exclusive: Buh can be horrible and have been dealt a historically catastrophic hand. Certainly there is nothing in the results to refute that hypothesis.

At first I thought no way but then I rewatched the highlights of the USC game and there's a real debate. So many juiced throws through tight windows, a lot of them with heavy pressure.