Category: Cal Bears

Cal takes down North Texas 58-21 in Denton, TX

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Photo credit: @CalFootball

By: Mary Anne

The California Golden Bears started the 2023 NCAA football season against the North Texas Mean Green. Cal defeated North Texas 58-21 at DATCU Stadium and did the Texas two-step. Cal improved to 1-0, while North Texas fell to 0-1.

The Golden Bears were ready to roll in their week one uniforms and got on the board first. Jeremiah Hunter caught a 23-yard pass from Sam Jackson V for the game’s first touchdown. Michael Luckhurtst kicked the extra point for a 7-0 lead at 12:53.

The Mean Green tied the game a little under two minutes later. Ja’Mori Maclin caught a 3-yard pass from Stone Earle for the game-tying touchdown. Noah Rauschenberg kicked the extra point for a 7-7 tie at 11:04.

The Golden Bears responded late in the first quarter. Jaydn Ott rushed for a 4-yard touchdown. Michael Luckhurst kicked the extra point for a 14-7 lead with 1:04 left in the first.

The Golden Bears led 14-7 after the first quarter.

The Mean Green opened the second quarter with a scoring play. Ja’Mori Maclin caught a 59-yard pass from Stone Earle for the game-tying touchdown. Noah Rauschenberg kicked the extra point for a 14-14 tie at 14:33.

The Golden Bears regained the lead with back-to-back touchdowns. Isaiah Ifanse rushed for a 26-yard touchdown. Michael Luckhurst kicked the extra point to make it 21-14 with 7:30 left in the second quarter. Jaydn Ott rushed for a 66-yard touchdown. Luckhurst’s extra point kick failed, so the Golden Bears settled for a 27-14 lead with 5:42 left in the second.

The Mean Green made it a six-point game with under two minutes left in the second quarter. Xzavior Kautai caught a 12-yard pass from Stone Earle. Noah Rauschenberg kicked the extra point and cut the Golden Bears’ lead to 27-21 with 1:47 left in the second.

The Golden Bears had the last word of the second quarter. Isaiah Ifanse rushed for an 8-yard touchdown. Jaydn Ott tried the 2-point conversion, but it was no good, and Cal settled for a 33-21 lead with seven seconds left in the second.

The Golden Bears brought a 33-21 lead to the locker room at the half.

The Golden Bears continued to dominate offensively in the third quarter. Isaiah Ifanse rushed for a 1-yard touchdown. Jack Endries tried the 2-point conversion, which was good, and Cal took a 41-21 lead at 11:24. Taj Davis caught a 4-yard pass from Ben Finley for the touchdown. Michael Luckhurst kicked the extra point for a 48-21 lead with 8:02 left in the third.

The Golden Bears had a commanding 48-21 lead after three quarters.

The Golden Bears continued their offensive dominance in the fourth quarter. Ashton Stredick rushed for a 5-yard touchdown. Michael Luckhurst kicked the extra point for a 55-21 lead at 11:42. Luckhurst kicked a 52-yard field goal to make it 58-21 with 6:27 left in the fourth.

Notes
Cal will join the Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) in August 2024.

Cal had a good visit with Dallas Cowboys punter Bryan Anger on Friday. Anger will start his 12 NFL season next week. He played college football for Cal and was drafted 70th overall in the third round by the Jacksonville Jaguars in the 2012 NFL Draft.

Up Next
Cal will return home to Memorial Stadium to host the Auburn Tigers on Saturday, September 9 at 7:30 p.m. Pacific.

Pac 12 podcast with Michael Roberson: Shooting on UNC campus delays Cal-Stanford vote into the ACC

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Law enforcement and first responders gather on South Street near the Bell Tower on the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill campus in Chapel Hill, N.C., Monday, Aug. 28, 2023, after a report of an “armed and dangerous person” on campus. (AP News photo)

On Pac 12 the podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael, Cal, Stanford and SMU were close to getting that invite to the ACC but the vote was postponed last Monday due to a shooting on the UNC campus?

#2 There have been ACC teams that have complained about their TV deal which runs through the 2036 season ACC school is out $30 million less per year then the SEC and Big Ten.

#3 Do you see Cal and Stanford going into the ACC as a boost to the ACC’s TV package? Nothing like adding the fifth largest TV market to your repertoire?

#4 The Bears and the Cardinal are want the same revenue share, Stanford has a strong financial backing and Cal doesn’t have the same financial backing like a Stanford taking that in consideration would the ACC still add Cal to the conference?

#5 What about the non revenue sports do you see them being included in the ACC with football and basketball?

Join Michael Roberson for the Pac 12 podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Pac 12 podcast with Michael Wagaman: Will Cal and Stanford get that ACC invite?

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Jim Phillips ACC Commissioner will he welcome Stanford and Cal to the ACC? Both sides are working to make it happen. (ACC image)

On the Pac 12 podcast with Michael Wagaman:

#1 Michael, how close are Cal, Stanford and SMU to getting an invite to the ACC?

#2 There have been ACC teams that have complained about their TV deal which runs through the 2036 season ACC school is out $30 million less per year then the SEC and Big Ten.

#3 Do you see Cal and Stanford going into the ACC as a boost to the ACC’s TV package? Nothing like adding the fifth largest TV market to your repertoire?

#4 The Bears and the Cardinal are want the same revenue share, Stanford has a strong financial backing and Cal doesn’t have the same financial backing like a Stanford taking that in consideration would the ACC still add Cal to the conference?

#5 What about the non revenue sports do you see them being included in the ACC with football and basketball?

Join Michael for the Pac 12 podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears basketball podcast with Michael Wagaman: Madsen expected to get the program turned around

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Cal Bears head coach Mark Madsen addresses the media during his press introduction to Cal University Berkeley (Sports Illustrated file photo)

On the Cal Bears basketball podcast with Michael Wagaman:

#1 Wags, Cal Bears head coach Mark Madsen is really looking forward to his first season as head coach and the anticipation of his arrival has been nothing but positive.

#2 Madsen had a .579 winning percentage at Utah Valley and went to the post season before joining Cal. He had success in the post season and improved the Utah Valley program.

#3 Madsen was able to keep most of last Cal players and signed a top 10 class player.

#4 Michael, taking a look this coming fall analysts say that this Cal team could be .500 or better.

#5 Wags, talk about the Pac 12 losing the UCLA Bruins and USC Trojans. How will the loss of the Southern California teams impact the Pac 12?

Michael Wagaman does Cal Bears podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears Football podcast with Michael Roberson: Caminog, coaches excited about quarterback coming to Cal

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EJ Caminog will be joining the Cal Bears for a 2024 Commitment he and the coaching staff hit it off during off season workouts (CBS Sports file photo)

On the Cal Bears football podcast with Michael R:

#1 The Cal Bears introduced their starting quarterback for the 2024 season EJ Caminog who comes from Garfield High School in Seattle. Caminog became the first Cal committed player since Fernando Mendoza who was selected in 2022 when they didn’t land 2023 quarterback.

#2 Cal has selected running back Jamal Wiley is Cal’s seventh committed player in the 2024 class. Wiley is the fourth committed player from Texas to come Cal.

#3 Michael, your relationship with the coaching staff really plays a big role and going back to Cominog he had worked hard this summer and the Bears coaching staff got to like his work ethic and working with him on plays.

#4 Caminog said that he liked bonding with the coaching staff and that he also likes the education and connections at Cal what the University has to offer in academics and athletics.

#5 The coaches, head coach Justin Wilcox, offensive coordinator Jack Spavital, director of recruiting Cherrington, Terrance Brown, Benji Palu made Caminog feel at home adding that his family was grateful and excited about Caminog coming to Cal.

Michael Roberson covers NCAA Football for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears report: Cal hires Ken Moses as fourth assistant coach

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The Cal Bears welcome newly hired head coach Ken Moses who joins head coach Mark Madsen. Both Moses and Madsen worked together last season coaching the Utah Valley Wolverines. (image from @CalMBBall)

By Michael Duca

BERKELEY–Cal Bears head coach Mark Madsen was proud to bring on newly hired assistant coach Ken Moses. Moses is the fourth assistant coach hired at Cal by Madsen. Like Madsen, Moses is a recent hire from Utah Valley. Moses and Madsen had worked together for just one season last season as Madsen and Moses were on a staff that helped the Wolverines win 28 games and helped the Wolves get into the NITs.

The Wolverines had an impressive regular season going 28-9, 15-3 conference, the Wolves also had an impressive home record losing only one game at 14-1 and were one of the best road teams at 12-5. The Wolverines during the 2022-23 season had an 11 game win streak and a five game win streak.

Coach Madsen upon coming to Cal is confident that he could get the recruits needed and in place for the 2023-24 season and get the Cal program turned around as opposed to this past season where the Bears had won only three games all season long under former Cal head coach Mark Fox.

Moses also was an assistant coach at Montana State under head coach Danny Sprinkle. Moses with Sprinkle coached the Bobcats into a tournament. Moses attended Colorado State University Pueblo in 2006 through 2010. Moses will be a huge factor in finding talent for this upcoming men’s season as he has experience as development and operations when he was at Southern Illinois.

Cal Bears report: Mark Madsen named Golden Bears head coach; Leaves Utah Valley after three seasons

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 Utah Valley head coach Mark Madsen directs his team during the first half of an NCAA college basketball game against Kentucky in Lexington, Ky., Monday, Nov. 18, 2019. Madsen becomes the new Cal Bears head coach for the 2023-24 season. (AP file photo)

By Michael Duca and Morris Phillips

Mark Madsen knew the job was his but he had to complete coaching at Utah Valley in the NIT semifinals against the UAB Blazers on Tuesday night. Had the Wolverines won and advanced Madsen would have held off on his official announcement that he would take the job at UC Berkeley in the Cal Bears men’s basketball program.

Utah Valley lost by two points 88-86 in overtime and that was the last and final game that Madsen would be coaching at Utah Valley as he makes his way to the Pac 12 to coach the Golden Bears. Madsen who was a Stanford Cardinal standout and a NBA veteran, finished coaching Utah Valley to a WAC Championship and led the Wolves to a 28-9 record this season.

Over his three seasons at Utah Valley he put together an impressive record at 34-15. Madsen before joining Utah Valley was an assistant coach at the Los Angeles Lakers. Madsen was an assistant coach in the G league and at Stanford. As a college player Madsen was an accomplished player achieving the two time all conference.

Madsen is best remembered for his performance in the Final Four in 1998 and making it as a first round pick in 2000 and helped the Lakers win two championships. Madsen left the Lakers and played six years for the Minnesota Timberwolves.

Madsen’s name came up as a possible replacement for Stanford head coach Jerod Haase but Stanford decided at the end of the Pac 12 Tournament to keep Haase as head coach. Cal was considering St Mary’s head coach Randy Bennett, Bennett said he wanted to stay at St Mary’s and so the Bears focused their attention in going after Madsen.

Cal fired head coach Mark Fox at the conclusion of the Pac 12 Tournament after Cal was eliminated in the first game of the tournament. Fox guided the Bears to a 3-29 season in 2022-23. Cal hadn’t been to the big dance tournament since 2016. Cal had gone through three head coaches since their last tournament, Cuonzo Martin 2014-2017 (62-39), Wyking Jones 2017-2019 (16-47), and Mark Fox 2019-2023 ( 38-87).

Morris Phillips and Michael Duca are Cal Bears beat writers for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears waiting for Madsen to accept head coaching job

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Current Utah Valley Wolverines head coach Mark Madsen draws up plans for his players is coaching tonight Tue Mar 28, 2023 NIT game against UAB. Most likely when Utah Valley is eliminated Madsen will make his announcement that he will be joining the Cal Bears as head coach. (photo by 1160 KSL Salt Lake City)

By Michael Duca and Morris Phillips

The vacancy at the Cal Bears men’s basketball program is all but almost filled as Utah Valley head coach Mark Madsen who also played for the Stanford Cardinal is close to being the next head coach at Cal. The Bears are waiting for Madsen to make a decision but sources say it’s very likely he will accept the position.

According to news reports the only thing that stands in the way of Madsen not coming to Cal is some unforeseen circumstance but all indications point that he will accept the head coaching job. Cal women’s basketball coach Charmin Smith is a former Stanford player and is familiar with Madsen.

CBS Sports said that Madsen is the leading candidate and that Cal has offered him the job as head coach. Earlier today it was reported that Madsen had accepted the job. One of the reasons why Madsen might not be making any official announcement is because his current team Utah Valley is in the NIT and about ready to face UAB later tonight. If Utah Valley were to lose to UAB tonight Madsen could announce his accepting the Cal job during the post game press conference.

Michael Duca and Morris Phillips cover Cal Bears basketball for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears report: Fox out as head coach; It was matter of time after team went 3-29

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Cal Bears head coach Mark Fox has some comments to make after a call during the second half of an NCAA college basketball game against Oregon State in Corvallis, Ore., Sat Mar 4, 2023 (AP News file photo)

By Morris Phillips and Michael Duca

Cal Bears head coach Mark Fox was the butt end of memes during Cal home games that showed the swirling Fire Fox logo during this season. The inevitable happened on Thursday afternoon when Cal Athletic Director Jim Knowlton announced that indeed Fox was fired from the flagging basketball team who went 3-29.

“This was a difficult decision and one that I do not take lightly,” Knowlton said. “After deliberately and holistically evaluating all aspects of our program, I felt a change was needed at this time.” Fox took over the reigns of head coach in 2019. Fox gave the Golden Bears some hope when he took the club to a 14-18 season, the Bears that season went 7-11 in non conference games.

It was the last three years that Fox just couldn’t recover Cal basketball with losing seasons that landed him and the Cal MBB program in last place in 2021 and 2023. Cal had a 10-50 overall record in those last three seasons. Previous to Fox coming to Cal head coach Wyking Jones coached the Bears for two seasons going 8-24 in 2017-18 and 8-23 in 2018-19.

Fox leaves Cal with a 38-87 overall record and going 17-61 in four regular seasons. When Fox first took over in 2019-20 he was able to win seven conference games. Fox was unable to win over five games in each of the following three seasons as Cal head coach. Also the Cal program had lost over 20 games in three consecutive seasons with Cal finishing in last place in two seasons under Fox.

Before coaching at Cal Fox coached at the Georgia Bulldogs for nine seasons and led Georgia to two NCAA Tournament appearances. Fox at Georgia finished above .500 in his last five years. As head coach in Reno for the Nevada Wolfpack Fox won three NCAA Tournaments and won at least 21 games in his five seasons in Nevada.


Cal’s Season Ends: Bears outclassed by WSU 69-52 in Pac-12 tourney opener

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photo by Cal Bears basketball

By Morris Phillips

Three wins and a 16-game losing streak to end the season will be the legacy of the 2023 Cal men’s basketball team.

The Bears fell 69-52 in Las Vegas in their opening round matchup against Washington State on Wednesday afternoon, ending a dreary season that marks the program’s unprecedented, sixth consecutive losing campaign.

The immediate focus falls on head coach Mark Fox, who is responsible for the most recent four seasons, none better than his first when Cal finished 14-18.

“We understand that there’s an expectation to be successful, and we didn’t do that this year, but most people who are sitting where you’re sitting now are never on the inside. They don’t know the things that we have to deal with that adminstrators and coaches and players do,” Fox said.

The expectation is that Fox will not be retained, and athletic director Jim Knowlton will move on to Tim Miles or Joe Pasternack, the two names most prominent in the coaching rumors.

The Bears didn’t receive any break in the matchups with WSU coming in on a six-game win streak. The Cougars didn’t shoot it well early, but Cal afforded them a 13-2 run before halftime, part of a 35-21 edge at the break.

The Bears again played at their plodding pace, a nod to their persistent injury issues in the backcourt. Their point total of 52 actually fell below their season average of 58.5, the lowest offensive output in 363-member Division I.

Monty Bowser led Cal with a career-best 19 points, but the 43-29 edge for WSU on the glass put the 12th-seeded Bears at an impossible disadvantage.

TJ Bamba led Washington State with 17 points, and three other WSU starters finished with 10 points. The Cougars will face Oregon on Thursday in the tournament’s quarterfinal round.