I don’t have much to say about the Cal game. In short, it went just about the way I thought:

This game will more likely come down to whether OSU’s defense can slow a good Cal offense. OSU’s offense matches up well vs Cal so I expect 30 something points.

You have to give Cal some credit, but overall the defense laid an ostrich-sized egg.

I still think Jarmon, Villamin, Brown, and Bolden are the best skill position players. Probably in that order. An offense cannot be based around Victor Bolden. Period. Brown gets 1 carry, it goes for a TD, and Riley doesn’t use him again. Jarmon gets only 2 touches. Villamin drops some balls, but overall he’s promising. Guys were down on him a few weeks ago for drops, but I said let’s give him a chance (because his frame and height were intriguing). Well he has turned out to be solid the past few games. If he can hit the jugs machine and get his drops down he can become a guy the passing game is based around.

Nobody cares about this because we’re so down on Riley, but some of the skill players are intriguing. The problem of course is Riley doesn’t know how to get them on the field, and when they are on the field Mannion is …Mannion.

With regard to Washington State, I had this penciled as a loss with Halliday at QB. I don’t know anything about the backup other than he had a Cornell offer, so he’s probably smart, which is more than the Beav’s QB can claim. I’d guess with a backup in there the Beavs can win this game, but I am not committing to anything this week because of all the changes.  In general, you’d think OSU can move the ball on WSU. In general, you’d think WSU won’t have as strong a passing game with the backup in there. Riley is good for his -7 handicap. Fans are bailing. It’s a lot to consider. I’d be curious to hear a report on the locker room morale.

This is the last reasonable shot at victory, so we’re looking at either a 4 or 5 win season and 7th straight Civil War loss.

I’m still going with the Beavs in this one on the idea Riley learned from last week (ha ha!) and gets his play makers like Jarmon, Brown, and Villamin more reps. Probably wishful thinking, and this game will more likely come down to whether OSU’s defense can slow a good Cal offense. OSU’s offense matches up well vs Cal so I expect 30 something points.

From the preseason:

One more note: I expect Mannion’s numbers to go down this year. I realize he’s a senior and that usually bodes well, but Cooks was a huge reason for Mannion’s success, not the other way around. Unless a WR like Jarmon steps up in camp, I don’t see him doing as well.

http://angrybeavs.com/football/10295

Then this one:

Who will replace Brandin Cooks? My candidate is Hunter Jarmon. Jarmon is the better talent. Riley needs to groom Jarmon to take Cook’s role, which means he very likely will not.

http://angrybeavs.com/football/10271

Another player I liked in the spring was Chris Brown, though I can’t find my quotes on him. They’re probably in the comments since it’s not coming up in search. Let’s remember what Riley said about Brown:

Chris Brown is a good football player, and I have no reservations about playing him at all. It’s just not that easy to do and fit it all in together. But I’d like to. And like I said, I have no reservations whatsoever (about) him playing.”

So he has a good football player who he believes in, yet he has a hard time finding time to play him? Here is a clue how to get him on the field, Riley: you sit Woods and put in Brown. Problem solved.

The Beavs offense would be most dynamic with Jarmon, Bolden, and Villiman as WRs. Throw in Mullaney for possession downs or 4wr sets. And with Chris Brown at RB. Ward should be a 3rd down back. Woods just doesn’t click in the offense. Even when his stats are good there’s no flow for some reason, and he never seems to make meaningful plays. I think putting this lineup on the field automatically gives the Beavs +7 points per game and nullifies the “Riley factor”. But to the point: this is yet another example of Riley being very very slow to adapt and make personnel changes.

I’m bearish on the Beavs, but Cal’s defense is just bad enough to make Mannion look good. The Beavs will be angry after last weekend and all the negative talk this week. Angry teams play well. Cal is probably feeling deflated after the Oregon game. Mopey teams don’t play well. I just think the psychology here plays in the Beav’s favor.

Then again, I could be reading it wrong. The Beavs have nothing to play for at this point and a coaching staff out of ideas, all of which are huge obstacles. Still, I think the team rallies within to mentally overcome the adversity and win this game–probably their last one.

38-35 Beavs, and the five remaining fans will celebrate.