Gameday

The Bears coming off a week of rest while Oregon comes off an emotionally draining overtime loss to Stanford could absolutely make the difference in this game.

Hicks’ foray onto the defensive side of the ball began with a stint at outside linebacker, but in eighth grade, he got his first taste of cornerback, and it was an immediate fit.

Playing on the junior varsity team and earning minimal reps, Bynum felt that he could be doing more. That’s when, instead of waiting for a growth spurt to grace him with the necessary physique, he started to take matters into his own hands.

Beck’s play was a crucial momentum-breaker and gave Cal the opportunity to put the game away. BYU’s opportunity to capitalize on the turnover was dashed.

The Bears haven’t lost to an FCS team in, well, ever. Not since the NCAA adopted the new title for the subdivision in 2006 — and barring a catastrophe, this year won’t be any different.

On offense, if there’s someone to look out for, it’s the two running backs. We kind of have a one-two punch with James Madison and Ty Flanagan.

The team has heart, and it is made completely evident on the field. From the coaching staff to the the starters to the scout team, the Bears seem more eager and passionate than ever to get it done on the field.

After the madness on the field from the Bears’ third straight win, Goode hugged his mom and sister by the north end zone. Moments later he was met by a smiling face who had recently snuck his way onto the field — it was, of course, his father.

Just 30 minutes away from where he gutted out a season as a right guard 11 years ago, Cal’s new lurking variable is primed to step up when his number is called.

That’s part of what’s hard about staying good. The better you get, the more your opponents want a piece of you.