The California Golden Bears slaughtered the pathetic Michigan State Spartans, 46-22, last Saturday. Even though the score was lopsided the Bear faithful were on the edge of their seats until mid-way through the 4th quarter -when the final nail was slammed into the Michigan State Spartan's coffin.
After all - what other college football team would have it's fans, not to mention it's broadcasters, in suspense with a 39-14 lead and 10 minutes left in the game? "We have a chance - we're not playing Washington" was the comment from HO'TFAA member T Hough as Cal fans across the nation waited for a chance to relax and relish the victory. The Golden Bears final touchdown gave Cal a 46-14 lead with 6:52 left, and soon after the Bears were 3-0 on the young season.
The victory marked Cal's first win over a top-15 team, on the road, against the Big Ten, in a day game, in an even-number year, in over 28 years. MSU actually was close to Cal in most key statistics except two - turnovers and score.
The Bears played a brand of no-mistake, opportunistic football rarely, if ever, seen by Cal fans. 5 turnovers were the key, including two takeaways when MSU was in the red zone. Cal is now 2nd in the nation in takeaway ratio - with a ratio of +10.
Cal made it's first appearance in the AP poll this week, debuting at #23, after a victory that was almost certainly the greatest for the Golden Bears this Millennium. The undefeated Bears are like a thoroughbred that has won it's first 3 races (a maiden race, a mid-level claiming race and an optional allowance race.) No-one knows how good this horse might actually be: Will it be a Grade I Stakes winner or a $50,000 claiming nag? This week's game against Air Force will give us another clue, as will the game between last week's opponent and Notre Dame.
Joe Starkey, after a big kickoff return with the Bears leading 9-0 and the game still very much in doubt:
Coach Tedford, on the victory and the upcoming game against Air Force:
HO'TFAA Member Vic Rethy, when asked about the game, had this to say:
Tim Hough, also watching the game, was more subdued: