Big win. Cathartic for our D, no doubt about it. This is clearly going to be one of those seasons where we are capable of beating most of our opponents, just as we are capable of losing to them. It's going to be exciting to watch and I'm looking forward to doing my part.

For the second time now, we've had fans (mostly students) who felt the need to rush the field at the end. Definitely not as many as the Texas game, but it's an early trend. Is this going to be an issue for us? Are there repercussions for not keeping our fans in the stands? It's only a matter of time before a Sean Miller type raises concern over "the safety of the players" or perhaps we just earn the reputation of a fan base that can't "act like we've been there".

For me, rushing the field is like saying "I love you". Do it too much and it starts to lose its meaning. Save it for a stunning upset against top-10 ranked opponents where, against all odds, we pulled out a major win that will change our fates as a program. Or maybe I'm just becoming a grumpy alum who can't savor the elation of a critical win.

We got fined the first time for it. I was at the game and didn't notice that many people rushing the field. I did leave basically right after the game though, so they could have flowed down later.

FrankBear21;842739525 said:

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We got fined the first time for it. I was at the game and didn't notice that many people rushing the field. I did leave basically right after the game though, so they could have flowed down later.

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We actually didn't get fined for the TX game. We could have but didn't. Larry Scott was at the game and I guess saw Cal trying to control this - plus TX had enough time to get their team off the field (as did Utah) so the big problem with field rushing didn't occur.

Is going on the field to listen to the band and experience the post-game ambiance interpreted as "rushing the field"?

joe yaks;842739529 said:

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Is going on the field to listen to the band and experience the post-game ambiance interpreted as "rushing the field"?

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Not sure if it constitutes as "rushing" in its most dramatic form. That being said, I don't think Cal has an "open field" policy like Oregon has had in recent years. In Autzen, fans often come out on the field after its cleared of players and it becomes a place of congregation. Kids throw the ball around and everyone congratulates themselves for being so great (sarcasm).

Unless the protocol has changed, I would say you probably got down there because some students rushed down right away and the proverbial seal had been broken. I like the sense of community that comes from being able to go down to the field, but hopping over the walls and running out on the field amongst the players is what's more in question.

ucmicman;842739561 said:

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Not sure if it constitutes as "rushing" in its most dramatic form. That being said, I don't think Cal has an "open field" policy like Oregon has had in recent years. In Autzen, fans often come out on the field after its cleared of players and it becomes a place of congregation. Kids throw the ball around and everyone congratulates themselves for being so great (sarcasm).

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They key to avoiding the fine from the P12 office seems to be giving the opponent enough time to leave the field. if that is the case, Scott and the p12 can waive the fine. Cal might want to look in to a policy where after 2 mins (or a similar number) all fans are allowed on the field. That way, the incentive to rush isn't as great.

Given the nature of getting on the new lowered CMS field, I'm thinking the real problem will be basketball.

i remember rushing the field after a multi-overtime win against arizona in 1995, i believe it was. one of the best experiences as a student ever.

If everyone walks rather than rush, it's less obvious.

bearsandgiants;842739595 said:

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i remember rushing the field after a multi-overtime win against arizona in 1995, i believe it was. one of the best experiences as a student ever.

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Yes! It was 1996, but I remember that game well. Sixteen year old me pounded John Welbourn's pads after rushing the field, not knowing he would one day be an NFLer.

And the way the mic men got the student section to move from one end of the field to the other for each OT was a thing of beauty. What might might have been if Mooch had stayed...

i'd love for us to have these sort of problems in the future.


in all seriousness its definetely not as bad as it used to be before the renovation. simple logistics of the way the stadium is designed prevents the more dangerous stampede type rush because of the big drop from the stands to the field. if you care about the fine, then i guess its a problem. the only game where i can see it getting out of control is if we win the Big Game.