http://espn.go.com/blog/pac12/post/_/id/77879/pac-12-week-6-predictions

The reverse-woofing is in full effect, though I can't say I'm surprised.

:gobears:

I am a little surprised that every one of them picked WSU, even tho it's pretty much a pick'em game. Then, if you scroll down to the more recent articles, one of the guys (Gemmel?) listed the top 5 offenses in the conference and we're sitting there at #2.

Well the public consensus is our D is unable to stop anyone.

Only 2/25 dissenting opinions. A lot of groupthink going on there.

If we can hold them to a reasonable # of plays then the D will probably be okay. But if they see 90-110 again, they'll give up 45 again.

The number of plays is partially attributable to the number of touchdowns we score. Think about it - we scored 8 TDs in drives of 7 of fewer plays. We had 15 total drives which means CU had 15 total drives. That said, when you compound that element with drive-extending defensive penalties, your guys will be on the field more. We gave CU 5 drives with 10 or more plays which really takes its toll on your defense and particularly a thin defensive line. Will be very interesting to see what happens this week. If WSU's D slows us down it will lead to fewer plays for their offense as well.

SadbutTrue999;842371047 said:

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If we can hold them to a reasonable # of plays then the D will probably be okay. But if they see 90-110 again, they'll give up 45 again.

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There is zero reason to think Cal won't give up 45 points. Gonna have to outscore em again. This has nothing to do with the offense, the defense has to get off the field.

There is plenty of reason.

1. Defensive Improvement
2. WSU has trouble in the redzone
3. WSU averages 33 pts a game

Now, will they put up 45? Dunno. But it's not like you can just stamp it. I think it's a knee-jerk reaction to recent events. How about when we held Zona to 6 in a half?

Last year, you can stamp it. This year, not so sure. They put up 44 on us last year.

WhipItOutJoe;842371039 said:

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Well the public consensus is our D is unable to stop anyone.

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but got a goaline stand to help ice the game ....

our strength on defense is front seven .. read zone defenses should be ours with a lil pressure

Plus, would we be having this same discussion if the defender on Mayle didn't slip at that slant route and let him run for 80 yards after catch for the game winning TD? No, it would be about the down on their luck Cougs that scored 21 at Utah.

Dozier might have let Spruce score on two TDs on the slant route, but he didn't slip and he was there both times, made the tackle and was dragged into the endzone.

Davidson;842371094 said:

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Plus, would we be having this same discussion if the defender on Mayle didn't slip at that slant route and let him run for 80 yards after catch for the game winning TD? No, it would be about the down on their luck Cougs that scored 21 at Utah.

Dozier might have let Spruce score on two TDs on the slant route, but he didn't slip and he was there both times, made the tackle and was dragged into the endzone.

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good point the tackling is night and day ... no more catch it and gone ..

Washington State's lack of of a decent running game is going to be the deciding factor. I'm high on Cal....think they pull a win and it won't even be close.

:gobears:

Great goal line stand but CU's play selection helped somewhat.

FWIW, Wilner chimed in with his pick: WSU.

"Raid + Raid = fun. But even games with 100 passes and 100 points come down to control of the line of scrimmage, and in that regard it's advantage to the Cougars. The over/under (75) isn't as laughably low as it was for Cal-Colorado, but it's still low."

RighteousGoldenBear;842371107 said:

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Washington State's lack of of a decent running game is going to be the deciding factor. I'm high on Cal....think they pull a win and it won't even be close.

:gobears:

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Me like this.