Weekend Wrap: Cal is Going Bowling After Big Win Vs. Oregon State
Cal got back to its winning ways and snapped a four-game losing streak in Pac-12 play this weekend, and they did so in a big way against Oregon State. Cal's 54-24 win was a reminder of just how potent the Cal offense can be when it is ticking, although it is fair to say the level of competition factored in as well. Cal had played its last four games against Utah, UCLA, USC and Oregon. Oregon State is nowhere near that level and is on pace to go through the entire season without a single conference win. Regardless of the opponent, Cal needed a nice bounce back to regain some confidence, and they appear to have done just that with Stanford coming up next weekend.
Cal quarterback Jared Goff exploded for 453 passing yards and six touchdowns against the woeful Beavers. A total of 12 different receivers caught a pass from Cal's junior quarterback in the game, and four different players scored a touchdown reception. Maurice Harris led the way with 97 receiving yards and two touchdowns and Trevor Davis was second with 90 yards. Kenny Lawler caught just two passes for four yards and a touchdown, although it should be noted he was playing through some pain without having to miss playing time. Tre Watson led the ground game with 110 rushing yards, and Vic Enwere added 89 yards and a touchdown.
Game Ball: QB Jared Goff, Cal
It had been a while since Goff had this kind of game, but he reminded those watching just how quickly he can have an impact through the air with over 450 yards and six touchdowns thrown in the win.
Around the Pac-12 North
The big news from the weekend was Stanford taking a loss at home to a revived Oregon program. Stanford is still on track to wrap up the Pac-12 North if it can put Cal away this week, but the Ducks essentially dealt Stanford and the Pac-12 a fatal blow in the playoff discussion. Stanford still has a one-game lead in the division, but how they come back after taking the loss will be key. And watch out for Washington State! The Cougars took to the road to tackle UCLA, 31-27. The Cougars are now in the top 25 of the major polls, while UCLA slipped out. Mike Leach's squad now has seven wins, including one against Oregon. Washington was not as fortunate, losing on the road against Arizona State after the Sun Devils scored 24 unanswered points in the second half of a 27-17 victory. Washington must win their final two games to become bowl-eligible.
What's Next?
Cal takes on rival Stanford in The Big Game this weekend in Palo Alto. Stanford will be looking to bounce back in a big way after suffering a tough loss at home to Oregon, and that could be bad news for Cal. Cal has not beaten Stanford since 2009 and lost last season's game by a final score of 38-17. Stanford will clinch the division with a win, with one final regular season game scheduled against Notre Dame.
Kevin McGuire is a Philadelphia area sports writer covering the Philadelphia Eagles and college football. McGuire is a member of the FWAA and National Football Foundation. Follow McGuire on Twitter @KevinOnCFB. His work can be found on Examiner.com.
