tevin Paul

With a novel mix of wisdom and novice among the linebackers this season, the Bears must remain flexible and levelheaded as they clash with the potent offensive forces of Pac-12 opponents such as Oregon and USC.

The blue and gold were back in practice for the first time Oct. 9, bringing new expectations, new faces and a new offense to a new season.

In his post-practice presser on Monday, head coach Justin Wilcox announced that three key players will not partake in next week’s contest against Illinois.

A week after overcoming several key absences in a 28-20 win over Ole Miss, No. 15 Cal football kicked off its showdown against Arizona State without the services of several rotation players.

While Cal’s pass protection was quite stout last weekend, the run blocking saw one of its worst performances of the young season.

Despite only appearing in two games this season, Udeogu was expected to see an increased role after a slew of injuries hit the outside linebackers group.

If Cal can truly get both sides of the ball on the same page the rest of the way, I think the sky’s the limit. The caveat, of course, is that its remaining opponents are going to make things a whole lot more difficult than the 1-6 Beavers.

Weaver’s made it this far, and if all goes according to plan, he’ll go even farther. But like his transition from high school, he’s got a few more things to accomplish before his time at Cal is up. First up on the docket? Not simply making it to a bowl game, but winning one.

It’s hard to argue that Cal football didn’t make its own luck in its massive upset of No. 8 Washington State.