Finally

Finally, I got to see a Cal game yesterday. Directv's now pathetic college football package had shut me out until this Cal-Ohio St. game. The doors close again until the November 2 game against Washington. Get it together Directv and get the Pac-12 Network. You suck on Saturdays until you do!

Despite the 35-28 loss to Ohio St. this was, by far, the best that Cal has played this year. Since I could not actually see the first two games that is more of a guess on my part. A b.s. downfield holding call in the first half that brought back a Cal touchdown was the difference in a seven-point game. That touchdown that wasn't and three horribly missed field goals were devastating. Kicker Vince D'Amato has to get his confidence. Either that or aim every kick way right and pray. The kicks were ridiculous. Not even remotely close to their target. Quarterback Zach Maynard played his best game as a Bear. He was terrific under consistent pressure. Unfortunately his last throw to the wrong team sealed the loss. Cal has some nice weapons in the passing game but Maynard missed injured tight end Richard Rodgers. Cal's biggest offensive surprise was sophomore running back Brendan Bigelow with a dazzling 81-yard touchdown run and a more pedestrian 59-yarder. He had over 160 yards on only four carries. I have a hunch that he'll see more carries going forward. Even with some significant offensive line issues Cal's offense looked great. Keenan Allen is a beast! Cal's defense also played well, for the most part. Ohio St. had difficulties moving the ball consistently. Especially in the second half. Unfortunately there were some way too costly breakdowns in coverages that allowed big plays, deciding scores. It's frustrating to play fantastic on consecutive plays only to see it all go for not with one mistake. That's football. They have to clean it up. Cal played well enough to win. Now they have a pissed off USC team next week.

It was awesome to finally see my California Golden Bears. Thank you Directv for seeing fit to make ABC available. Nice work, clowns. It was also great to see Cal play well, for the most part, in a good game that they could have won. If Cal can continue to progress through the season they'll be tough in conference play. Nearly any success hinges on Maynard's consistency. Hopefully his game yesterday, except for that last throw, is a sign of things to come. Go Bears!

Directv Sucks! On Saturdays.

A very happy birthday to the incredible Mrs. Flea Flicker. She's my inspiration and my motivation. Perhaps the only one that can pull me away from football and not miss it at all. You are the best!