Today Cal faced San Diego State at Witter Field. Unlike last week, wind wasn't much of a factor, but a series of rain squalls came through throughout the match. The Aztecs were a bigger squad than last week's opponents (UC Davis), but were still no match for us. We dominated in the scrum, consistently pushing back their forwards, and we even got the ball once or twice during the Aztec put-ins through our pushing them back. We also stole several of their lineouts. During play, our guys often did not go down even with 2-3 defenders hanging on them, while there were several times when a San Diego State ball carrier was blown to the ground by our tackles. So, like last week, we were stronger, faster and it showed. Halftime score was 72-0. Late in the 2nd half, SD State got a turnover deep in our territory (like at the 5 meter line), put was unable to move the ball forward, and instead got pushed back. They ultimately ended at the 22 meter line with a penalty, and opted for a penalty kick. The ball hit the upright, but bounced wide, so no points. It was the closest they got to a score, and when it was over Cal was ahead 109-0.
I think Cal played the starters for the entire 1st half, but made wholesale substitutions in the second. And it was in the 2nd half that our play suffered with muffed passes and catches, so we obviously still need some work among our reserves.
Next week, we open conference play against Arizona State (1pm at Witter Field).
I think Cal played the starters for the entire 1st half, but made wholesale substitutions in the second. And it was in the 2nd half that our play suffered with muffed passes and catches, so we obviously still need some work among our reserves.
Next week, we open conference play against Arizona State (1pm at Witter Field).