Instant Analysis/Reaction: House always wins, Cal flushes Vegas
Key Takeaways
The new look offense is the real deal
Jack Plummer had no cobwebs to shake off this week as he went perfect on the first drive of the game, completing eight passes in as many attempts ending with a touchdown pass to Jaydn Ott. Through those eight passes, he completed a massive 37-yarder to Jeremiah Hunter that put the Bears in position to score. Hunter put up a career high in receiving yards today, posting 79 yards on five receptions.
Although the offense slowed down its tempo in the second half, an explosive first half allowed them to keep firm control of the game until the final ticks of the clock. This offense is proving to be something special as the Bears inch closer and closer to conference play. Plummer has found his footing with the Bears’ system and will no doubt continue to produce.
Plummer, backed by his talented room of skill players, continued to show his prowess. Setting up two Ott touchdowns—once in the air, once on the ground—along with completions across the field, Plummer is further proving to Cal fans that he is more than capable of winning games for the blue and gold.
Two weeks, two game plans
After a stellar week one performance that earned Jaydn Ott the Pac-12 Freshman of the Week, the approach to the running game changed in week two. It was running back by committee for the Bears, with Ott being joined by Damien Moore and DeCarlos Brooks. Each back took equal snaps allowing for more fluidity in play calling.
Each back brings a different skill set to the field so the committee strategy could serve well long term for the Bears. It allows for veterans Brooks and Moore to continue leading the room to more success, while also giving equal opportunity to the rising star in Ott.
Cal’s Game MVP
Cal’s receivers really showed up and showed out in today’s game. All in all, the Bears had a total of nine different receivers make a reception, highlighted, of course, by Hunter’s career high in yardage.The wide outs, tight ends, and even the running backs all shared in the reception party that was on the field today.
The receivers helped bolster the support for Plummer by making long plays for the ball and fighting for the extra yardage. They also utilized their field awareness in making plays that would keep the ball in bounds to get that first down.
Eye-Opening Stats
Plummer had another solid performance for the Bears this week. He went 28-39 with 278 yards with large support coming from the running back room as well. His production slowed down in the second half, but this is something that can easily be rectified within the coming weeks.
The eleven incompletions are no cause for concern, as they were spread across the entire game, becoming more apparent in the second half. However, it should be noted that he lost 29 yards on sacks during the game, the offensive line will need to provide a tad more support. Plummer is a pocket passer and when he has time — he is in line to make the play that Cal needs to move those chains.
Looking Forward
The Bears will now look ahead to their (arguably) biggest game of the season in South Bend, Indiana against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. The Irish were ranked No.8 in the Associated Press poll this week before a brutal loss to the Marshall Thundering Herd. This could be the big showing the Bears need to prove that they are among the big dogs in the Pac-12. With their first 2-0 start to the season in three years, could a top-25 ranking be on the horizon for the Bears?
Emmanuel Macedo covers football. Contact him at emacedo@dailycal.org.