Cal Football Tuesday Weekly Presser
Cal head Justin Wilcox, offensive coordinator Mike Bloesch, defensive coordinator Peter Sirmon, receiver Mikey Matthews, quarterback Fernando Mendoza and defensive end Xavier Carlton addressed the media today to talk about Friday’s 46-36 win at Wake Forest and about this weekend’s matchup with 6-3 (3-3) Syracuse this weekend.
Wilcox noted to start off the session that senior wide receiver Mason Starling will be out for the season with a lower-body injury, effectively ending his collegiate career unless he’s able to get an injury waiver for an extra season. Middle linebacker Cade Uluave and receiver Mavin Anderson are listed as day-to-day, which often means out for at least another week. And offensive guard Rush Reimer is slated to play.
Wilcox was asked if the team really needed a running game to be successful after scoring 90 points in the last two games while the run game struggled mightily.
"I think the past game and earlier, the turnovers have been big in those games, as well," Wilcox said. "But obviously, Fernando, the receivers, the protection has improved significantly in the last couple of games. We did throw the ball pretty effectively. Fernando is throwing the ball very accurately. We're spreading it out. A lot of guys are catching the ball. I think a big thing for us, whatever stat you mentioned is, we've still got to put the ball in the end zone on offense more.
"You know, we've kicked too many field goals in the last couple games, and we're proud of our kickers. I mean, honestly, the special teams and the turnover margin was the reason we won the last game, and we did a great job throwing the ball, but we've got to be able to put the ball in the end zone more, and being able to run the ball in obvious run situations and late in the game, I think those are critical, and we can do a better job there. And that starts up front, with the O-line and everybody being on the same page, and then it's the tight ends, the backs, receivers.”
Quarterback Fernando Mendoza led the team in rushing in the Bears 46-36 win over Wake Forest Saturday, rushing for 51 yards on 10 carries, including a touchdown. His performance earned him ACC Quarterback of the Week.
"The quarterback run game was a big element last week, especially late in the second half,” Wilcox said. “I should say that was noticeable. But we want to be able to (run the ball) because if we run the ball better, those stats are going to be even better. You know, if we're more consistent running the ball, I know they will be."
Syracuse comes to Memorial looking for their seventh win of the season. They’ll be looking for ways to slow down Cal’s suddenly productive offense.
"They give you multiple fronts," Wilcox noted said of the Syracuse defense. "They give you some of the three stack, real disruptive up front. Give you a lot of different looks. #10, the linebacker (Fadil Diggs), #2 (LB Marlowe Wax), those guys are really good players. And like I said, they're going to give you a different fronts, three, three stack, 505, looks with a fourth rusher from different places. They're going to give you some tight fronts. They give you some even spacing, the coverages they mix up so they do a really good job and are very, very disruptive up front."
On offense, Syracuse is rated sixth in the country in total offense and second in passing with Ohio State transfer QB Kyle McCord leading the conference, averaging 353 yards per game. For comparison, Cal QB Fernando Mendoza is fourth in the conference with 275 yards per game.
"Kyle McCord, he's throwing the ball for 350 yards+ per game. He's completing a lot of balls. He's throwing a lot of touchdowns. Maybe one of the most potent passing attacks in the country. So this is going to be a really big challenge for our defense. They also have a really talented runner, but they are scoring over 30 a game, throwing it for 350+. They've got a lot of weapons at receiver and McChord. He's got a ton of yards already. So it'll be a really, really great test for our defense."
Saturday’s kickoff for Saturday’s game is scheduled for 12 pm and will be televised on the CW Network.