Nobody picked Cal to beat Arizona
Will Cats be unanimous choice vs. Oregon?
By Javier Morales
All those who unanimously picked Arizona to beat Cal last week must have collectively thought: “The Cats can’t lose another big game in Berkeley can they?”
If Joe Kapp knew about this, he would probably pop open another beer at his Santa Fe, N.M., retirement home and chuckle. The former Cal coach orchestrated one of the biggest comebacks in college football history when the Bears erased a 26-3 deficit to tie No. 3 Arizona 33-33 at Stawberry Canyon in 1983. A decade later, Cal derailed the UA’s Rose Bowl hopes by coming back from a 20-0 deficit to win 24-20.
The Golden Bears threw a wrench into Arizona’s Rose Bowl plans for the third time with their 24-16 win last week in Berkeley. Cal’s win also foiled the hopes of Colorado Mark, vegasallen, Boguscat, Jason Crampton, Mr. Catman and Az Transplant to go unbeaten in last week’s picks.
Those six each went 6-1 with Colorado Mark winning the tie-breaker by only having a 14-point differential from the actual score between Arizona and Cal. He was right on by predicting 24 points for the Bears but he had 30 for Arizona. The tightly contested season standings include Jimmy in the lead. No margin for error there with the season winding down. Jimmy, you can say, is in control of his own destiny.
Not very many games remain. In fact, only four Pac-10 games are available this week to pick because not one other game pits two Top 25 teams against each other. That’s how odd this season has become.
By the way, is controlling your own destiny an oxymoron? Just asking.
Pick Note: If you miss more than two weeks of picks, you are ineligible for the season standings. Please pick the final score of the Oregon-Arizona game as the tie-breaker in the comments selection below.
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November 20th, 2009 at 4:28 AM
UA 38
UO 32
November 20th, 2009 at 7:55 AM
UA – 42
UO – 38
Arizona’s offense is no longer sharing the same hotel with the hippies that follow the jam band Widespread Panic and rediscover the bubble pass. Arizona’s offense controls just enough time of possession in a shoot out.
November 20th, 2009 at 7:59 AM
Darn! Work got in the way and I missed more than 2 weeks.
Oh well, it’s till fun to take a wild guess.
UA 45
OU 42
Oregon has the hottest cheerleaders for sure.
November 20th, 2009 at 8:05 AM
UA 38 and OU 35
November 20th, 2009 at 8:06 AM
OU 48
UA 45
I think we make it a close game. But Oregon is too fast for the Cats. For AZ to win, special teams will need to step up and make the Ducks play with a long field. If Oregon has an avg starting point of the 30 yard line or better we could be in for a long night. Also time of possession will be huge. If they split T.O.P. with the ducks then that gives us a better shot. Actually keeping their offense on the field can be a good thing as long as they don’t score. I hope I’m wrong but OU outscores the Cats.
November 20th, 2009 at 8:25 AM
I am sick about this pick but I don’t see the Cats pulling this out. Their kicking game is weak and they had trouble stopping the run against a mediocre Cal running game. Although Cryner will kick better (how could it be worse), it won’t be enough to make the field long enough to stop the Oregon O. The consistency problem with the D-line has not been improved upon. That results in lots of pressure on the DB’s against a potent run/pass offense.
OU 45
UA 27
November 20th, 2009 at 9:12 AM
I had assumed the UofA would play to their ability. Good lines, qb, rbs, dbs, wrs. If they had, they would have handled Cal.
Gimino made a great point about average to above average teams not being predictable. Sadely, that is probably where the UofA is right now. They lack whatever it is that would put them in the next tier. (psychological – they dont have whatever it is that Florida has, although on a given day they could beat Florida).
I am pulling for them.
So … who will win? Ask Gimino.
November 20th, 2009 at 9:16 AM
Probably controlling your own path, or something alone those lines. Destiny is supposed to be the inevitable, uncontrollable predetermined course of events.
Anyhow, the picks weren’t working for me this week, so I’ll post them here for now until the picks come up.
UCLA beats ASU
Oregon State beats WSU
Stanford beats Cal
Arizona beats Oregon 31-24
Not sure why, but I have a feeling the Arizona defense is going to step up this weekend just like it did against CMU and their talented QB Lefevour. Crowd will be a factor.
November 20th, 2009 at 9:20 AM
I’m going to show my true colors here. I think things will go well for the Cats tomorrow. I think their focus will be laser sharp.
I think the defense is going to play with intensity and focus and will demonstrate that containing Oregon is dependent upon disciplined attention to individual responsibilities.
I think the offensive line will be in total sync with the game plan. The running game will be productive and the passing game will score points.
I think the Zoo (together with the other 44,000 in the stands) will make it an electric environment.
Normally I’m a huge “nay sayer”, but I have a really good feeling about this game. I think the Cats win 45 -30 with two fourth quarter TDs.
November 20th, 2009 at 12:24 PM
I agree with Colorado Mark, I think our kicking game will devastate us. Hell, Oregon doesn’t need any extra help, but if we set them up at the 40 or 50, it’s going to be a long….long night.
November 20th, 2009 at 12:54 PM
The CATS always do better as the underdog, must be that darn average to above average team thing that AG talks about.
CATS 35
DUCKS 27
BEAR DOWN ARIZONA GO CATS!!
November 20th, 2009 at 1:20 PM
This could be the greatest game ever (for UA) or a bummer, I’ll go with the former:
UA 42
Oregon 41
I couldn’t get my picks in (closed?).
So just in case I can’t get them in later.
UCLA over ASU
OSU over WSU
Stanford over Cal
UA over Oregon
November 20th, 2009 at 3:59 PM
Poll site was closed so here goes: Arizona 38 Oregon 31 ..was at the game 2 years ago when I told my 11 yr old son in the 1st qtr..we have to knock out their QB to win the game(after 2 quick TD’s).The same might be true this year. Just have a feeling about this game Other scores: UCLA over ASU , Stanford over Cal, and OSU over WSU. Go CATS!
November 20th, 2009 at 5:37 PM
couldn’t get the poll site either, so i got UCLA, OreSt and Stanford.
i really want to pick the Wildcats, but i fear, like others, that our special teams won’t be good enough. it will take a great running attack to sustain drives and even if Grigsby is back, he’ll be a few weeks removed from real game action and that doesn’t bode well. if we can’t get the O clicking, the D will wear down as they did in the Cal game and not be able to contain the Ducks in the end…Oregon 34, Arizona 21
…i hope i am embarrassed by this pick come tomorrow night. i’ll be rooting for the ‘Cats to prove me an idiot for picking against them!
November 20th, 2009 at 7:55 PM
The Cats and Stoops have proven they can win big games in November! This is the biggest of them all so far. This is a tough call, however I love my Cats. We have to prove to ourselves that we can play with and beat the quackers, and we have to do it early. We are on a huge stage! Great exposure for the Cats, the program the UA and to recruits. We can not fall apart down the strech. We have to prove that we are a good football team. We need the best crowd ever to show up and help root us on to victory!! I really feel that if we can just play loose, calm and collected, that we will win this game.
UA-wins
OU-losses
No score for me, as last week I pick and we lost!!
(sleeping in my UA shorts tonight)
November 20th, 2009 at 9:04 PM
Javier,
The poll was closed before I could make my picks. I am in Iraq right now dealing with communications black outs. Is there anyway for me to make my picks? Or am i out of luck? This is the last set of picks I can do before you drop me out of the standings. I wish to continue to pick but I will understand if that is not possiable.
Devin
November 20th, 2009 at 9:35 PM
My apologies Devin and everyone else. The poll is now open. Please make your picks. Again, I apologize for the inconvenience.
November 20th, 2009 at 10:53 PM
Devin
thanks for defending this great nation. we’re all indebted to you for service. stay safe over there and thank you again. BEAR DOWN
November 20th, 2009 at 11:10 PM
Nice post, the_dude. Yes, Devin, we all appreciate your service and courage for being there. Here’s hoping you come home soon.
November 20th, 2009 at 11:14 PM
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/294621-oregon-at-arizona-will-the-ducks-escape-the-zona-zoo
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EiVoJ6oD4_4&feature=fvw
Devin yes, thank you and the others who are presently serving, who have served before and will no doubt step up at some point to serve the good ‘ol U. S. of A.
You’re who we are. That’s why we’re here. And we’re with you. And always will be, brother.
Welcome all to the jungle, otherwise known as…The Zoo. The Zona Zoo!
Yes, BEAR DOWN, ARIZONA!!!!!!!!!!!
November 20th, 2009 at 11:16 PM
I come home just in time for March/April Madness. I will be back in the states mid March!!! Here is to Wildcats making it 26 and makign the Rose Bowl! Coming on this websites makes my time here in Iraq easier as it gives me somethign to be moviated about. OUR ARIZONA WILDCATS!!!! Lucky for me there is an individual I work with who is a Scummie so we get to talk some smack! Anyway WILDCATS BEAR DOWN!!!!
oh and Javier thanks for opennign the poll!
November 21st, 2009 at 4:41 AM
The last team that scores wins … Arizona 42, Oregon 38
November 21st, 2009 at 7:23 AM
It’s not about what COULD happen, it’s about what SHOULD happen.
Oregon 45-24
November 21st, 2009 at 8:54 AM
as much as i want arizona to win — i think they get schooled today: Oregon 48, Arizona 24
November 21st, 2009 at 9:05 AM
I think the crowd factors into the game. Oregon struggles a little outside of Autzen, and I don’t think they’ve played in a venue that is setup like the UA. 10,000 students right on the field plus 57K total fans will get to Masoli.
Arizona 41
Oregon 31
On paper, Oregon is the better team. If we consider the intangibles, however, I think ‘Zona comes off with a win. I think Oregon comes in expecting to win(been hearing it all week on sports networks), but the crowd will shut them out and our offense will be on fire.
November 21st, 2009 at 9:21 AM
Just got back from the sportsbook. Arizona is currently +6.5 but to me the more interesting number is the total at 57.5.
The overwhelming consensus here is that this game will fly over that number. Now that said, keep in mind that the public is usually wrong. Will the total stay under 57.5 and if so is that to Arizona’s advantage? Well, it will be interesting to see how this plays out but I’m still thinking that the game total goes over.
November 21st, 2009 at 9:26 AM
Show some faith in your Cats. We’re a top 20 team, taking away a cheap loss at Washington.
November 21st, 2009 at 10:04 AM
Faith is great and I’ll be literally be screaming at the TV for the Cats but my pick is based on logic. I hope I’m wrong wrong.
November 21st, 2009 at 12:21 PM
Vegas…it could be real close. I think the sportsbook is on this one.
November 21st, 2009 at 12:56 PM
Fendi Onobun caught a touchdown pass today (http://espn.go.com/ncf/boxscore?gameId=293250248). I’m taking this as a good sign.
November 21st, 2009 at 9:45 PM
Jimmy and Portland Catfan #2—You guys were right. Arizona was the best team. I never would have thought that they could hold down the Ducks like that. With average luck, one of the lost fumbles goes their way, Cats make a chip shot 24 yard FG, and Stoops brain doesn’t freeze in the closing minutes.
November 21st, 2009 at 9:52 PM
Hopefully the Cats take their anger out on the Scumdevils. They looked horrible today- a small consolation.
Now will focus on the upcoming game with Wisconsin in hoops, then the big game with ASU. Always next time as we all now.
November 21st, 2009 at 10:25 PM
I was so close, I had it Arizona 31-Oregon 24, but no worries.
That group of young men today represented what the University of Arizona is about: character. Not only did they hang with one of the best teams in the country in Oregon, but they did it without Gronkowski (best player) and (for the most part) most explosive player Grigsby. A lot of teams would have folded under the immense pressures of national TV and all after that first quarter, or after those BS calls at Washington, but this team keeps fighting. The Cal loss, is not nearly as bad of a loss when you look at how good they are with Vereen at RB (I am mad at myself because after I selected Stanford for the game, I knew I had made a mistake riding the public opinion on it).
Can’t wait for Arizona (a team with character) vs. ASU (a team with no discipline whatsoever) next weekend. However, that game goes – I am much more proud of the way Mike Stoops has made this team grow, in comparison to Dennis Erickson.
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:00 AM
You’re going to have to wait a little longer Jimmy. First we have to get past USC. If we can do that and beat ASU, we finish 8-4, not bad at all.
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:01 AM
Whoops, disregard the order. I keep thinking we finish with ASU, like the old days.
November 22nd, 2009 at 6:55 AM
Love the Cats and I’m proud of the effort. It is hard to lose this type of game over and over and not feel a little jinxed though. Mosoli is a stud but this was the Cat’s game to win. Boy, I hope I’m still around when they finally push through and win an important game to win the league. Maybe next year with the Gronk back? All of the could’ves and should’ves are weighing heavy. 3 plays from 9-1. Yikes!
November 22nd, 2009 at 8:13 AM
This is my team and I’m sticking with them!
Sure I have questions about what the hell that was with 4-5 minutes to go and Foles and team have the ball at the UO 30 up 7.
UA getting the ball in that situation, in this game was an early Christmas gift from Big ‘Mo to the Zona Zoo for all those years of heavy lifting.
Or, as it were, a present from the Arizona D to the Arizona offense, but oh well..
Foles using play clock to kill time awkwardly and out of sync like that, and the play calling the next couple of downs, require some serious questions from the media and some serious answers from Stoops, Dykes and Foles.
Right there went the game.
[And it leaves one wondering: Does a Fasoli-Scott comparison - you know, the running (flying?) around, dodging, passing as needed (when needed), creating (on the fly), moving the team forward (while keeping the opposing D on its heels) and not backward thing - explain why Dykes and Stoops tried like heck early on to make Scott the next UA QB? Scott puts on a little weight and, well, you never know...]
But in all honesty, what other group of coaches can coach this group of players, this team, in this program?
For better or worse, this team and program has taken on the identity, the personality of its leader: Coach Stoops.
Hard luck is a way of life.
It’s what you do with it that matters most.
You got to admire Coach’s ability to put one foot in front of the other and keep going, keep moving.
And yes mostly forward.
This team now, the team coming back, the recruits signed and to be signed give hope.
Winning usually follows when that’s the case.
That’s my story and I’m sticking to it.
November 22nd, 2009 at 10:27 AM
Not Fasoli-Scott, but Masoli-Scott.
Masoli was so hard for UA to contain, just think of what might’ve been – what might be? – if Scott had developed, or will develop, into the same kind of QB?
The Cats’ No. 4 essentially has what it takes.
And the ‘Cats’ No. 8 obviously needs to be pushed.
It’s not over yet.
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:05 PM
“Arizona beats Oregon 31-24
Not sure why, but I have a feeling the Arizona defense is going to step up this weekend just like it did against CMU and their talented QB Lefevour. Crowd will be a factor.”
Well, I’m disappointed that the crowd ACTUALLY was a factor in not only throwing off our great defensive effort in the last thirty seconds by rushing the field early, and throwing bottles at the field including one that knocked out an Oregon cheerleader. Poor way to represent the university. Time to beat ASU in Tempe next weekend.
November 22nd, 2009 at 12:36 PM
Many years ago I was at a UA baseball game vs. ASU. Some ASU fans were cheering and someone hit an senior citizen type Scumdevil lady fan in the head with a full beer can. She didn’t appear to be hurt badly but I’ll never forget that.