Category: NCAA

Cal Says Emphatically, “We’re College GameDay, And You’re Not!”

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By Morris Phillips

BERKELEY, CA–Before things became fun and wicked smart along Memorial Glade on UC Berkeley’s campus, they grew dark and sinister in the middle of the night.

The Cal Bears fans gathered for the first-ever football ESPN College GameDay in Berkeley grew restless, and in a fit of rage, as noted by Fox News, and in the absence of sufficient security blew through the barriers to get closer to the ESPN production stage. The crowd’s actions were spiritedly defiant, unchecked, and entirely successful.

“Complete chaos in Berkeley,” Avinash Kunnath of “Write for California” reported at 12:30am. “There is not enough security to organize the crowd.”

Luckily, the playful crowd wasn’t destructive or menacing, just hyped. And that was the beginning of Cal’s triumphant appearance on GameDay, which peaked hours later as Marshawn Lynch displayed his curious driving habits, and the crowd demanded that coach Nick Saban remove his disgusting red tie.

After Cal was left scrambling by USC and UCLA’s pre-emptive move to the Big 10, and subsequently forced to join forces with the ACC for pennies on the dollar of the conference’s already determined television deal, the campus community was forced to get wise and money smart to find their way through the changing major college sports landscape. The Bears’ encouraging start to the season was the first step, and ESPN’s decision to bring its road show to Berkeley was next in Cal’s athletic department closing the gap on its financially positioned competitors.

Bear Backers started with the phrase “Calgorithm” and quickly built a full-fledged comedy review. From all the live reports and cemented by GameDay host Rece Davis, Cal aced the test.

“Cal is one of the best crowds we’ve ever had,” Davis proclaimed at 9:05am as the television lights were extinguished for the day and the crowd dispersed.

“Sometimes it’s about feeling good,” a University Library librarian said. “And clearly, people felt good about this.”

So good that people spent the night, characteristically did not use drugs, and maintained the exposure fever until shortly after sunrise when fatigue and the live broadcast vapors waned slightly. 

But the sunlight revealed a bunch of kids, families, young alumni couples, and a smattering of smugsters from the U who couldn’t have honestly said they knew what to expect. The mix was respectful even before security materialized, and new friendships sprung up all over the place.

“We’re happy to be in the ACC,” said Charles Karren, class of ’90. “It was that or death.”

Karren, whose son is also pursuing a Cal degree, was quick to mention chancellor Rich Lyons as an advocate and savior for Cal athletics. Undoubtedly, Cal has successfully navigated the gauntlet of NIL, the transfer portal and budget concerns from the top, with Lyons, on down.

Back on television, suddenly, and perfectly calculated, Cal’s Memorial Glade was like the Today Show with the bluster of network personality Pat McAfee at his zenith as the loud mouthed galvanizing force.

“You know it! You tell the story! You tell the whole damn world this is Bear Territory!” McAfee bellowed with seamless support from the crowd.

Sitting next to McAfee was Saban, fiercely determined to be his somewhat cranky self until the crowd demanded he yank off his Stanford red tie. Finally, the Hall of Fame coach relented and swapped in a traditional Cal rep tie that enriched his blue blazer. Was Saban prepared to interview for a graduate assistant position under Coach Justin Wilcox? He was.

The signs didn’t disappoint. Instead, they shimmered as every smart aleck grew biceps in displaying their humorous takes.

Woke vs. Coke (carried by an unsuspecting 9-year old. Cal parents do better!)

This Game Is Past My Bedtime (also carried by a 9-year old. This is better.)

We Do Lines Of Code

The Miami Playbook is Shorter Than My Syllabus

Hitting the Slopes vs. Isotopes

Bow To Oski

U People Were Blocking the Library

Cardinal hit with “Hokie-Doke” by VA Tech 31-7 in their ACC Home opener, on a HOT day on the Farm

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Virginia Tech Hokies cornerback Dorian Strong (44) has gone airborne in an attempt to intercept a pass intended for Stanford Cardinal wide receiver Ismael Cisse (84) at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Oct 5, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — A blazing 89 degrees was a contributing factor why the Stanford Cardinal (2-3, 1-2 ACC) realized hosting the inaugural Atlantic Coast Conference game at Stanford Stadium was Too Hot to handle, and lost to the Virginia Tech Hokies (3-3, 1-1 ACC), 31-7.

The visitors from the Old Dominion State won the coin toss, but graciously deferred the ball to the hosts. Unfortunately Stanford did not cherish the benevolent gift. They failed to convert any points on the scoreboard.

As the Cardinal took the snap on the first drive of the game, there was a chang under center. Backup junior QB Justin Lamson was the starter, as Ashton Daniels was out with an ankle injury, reportedly from the game last week at Clemson.

Lamson was sacked on a crucial 3rd down play, around the 10 minute mark, resulting in a field goal attempt To the team’s dismay, senior kicker Emmet Kenney missed a 53-yarder.. Despite good intentions during the initial possession, the Cardinal ended up with a “Goose Egg, 0-0.

The Hokies on the other hand, were determined to reach paydirt. More than midway though the first quarter, redshirt-junior QB, Kyron Drones hit graduate WR Stephen Gosnell for a 9-yard touchdown pass. Virginia Tech scored first and put seven points on the board and led 7-0 late in the quarter, However, Stanford still had time to deliver the equalizer.

Lamson tried a QB keeper with :12 left in the first 15; he was hit at the goal line with the opportunity to tie the game, consequently fumbling and turning the ball over to theards into the end zone, doubling their score. Two scoring opportunities thwarted for various reasons. After one quarter of play, 7-0 Virginia Tech.

In the second stanza, the Hokies went on a nearly 7-minute drive, culminating in another score just under the 2-minute timeout before halftime. Senior running back Bhayshal Tuten scampered seven yards into the end zone, doubling their score midway through the game, 14-0. That was their third halftime shutout of the year.

The third quarter provided the Hokies the opportunity to triple their original score in only four plays and just under two minutes. Drones launched a 55-yard TD pass to graduate WR Da’Quan Felton, to give VA Tech a commanding 21-0 lead with almost 3/4 of the contest being over. However, the Cardinal had something to say and do before quarter’s end.

On a trick play, freshman running back Micah Ford tossed a 19-yard TD to redshirt sophomore WR Elic Ayomanor, with a minute remaining in the third quadrant, 21-7 VA Tech. That was all the scoring for the Cardinal, as the Hokies tagged on 10 more points in the final quarter.

Lawson threw an interception early in the quarter, in which the Hokies capitalized on the turnover. A few minutes later, Drones scores on a QB keeper for a 2-yard TD. The Hokies were up 28-7 and capped off the blistering afternoon five minutes later with a 46-yard field goal by redshirt sophomore kicker Josh Love. After 60 minutes of scorching heat, the Virginia Tech Hokies won the conference game, 31-7.

Stanford will next be in action Saturday October 12 in South Bend, IN to take on Notre Dame at 12:30 PM EST. on NBC. Virginia Tech goes back to Blacksburg Thursday October 17, to host Boston College at 4:30 PM EST on ESPN.

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal offensive line needs to look out for the Miami pass rush this Saturday in Berkeley

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Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) gets dragged down by the Florida State Seminoles defensive lineman Marvin Jones Jr (7) at Florida State on Sat Sep 21, 2024. Cal’s offensive line will need to protect Mendoza all day Sat Oct 5, 2024 as the Miami Hurricanes have a potent offensive line in ACC action. (AP News photo)

On Cal Bears podcast with Morris:

#1 For Cal ESPN is hosting a Game Day visit which features lots of celebrities for a first time ever appearance at UC Berkeley coming this Saturday. This no doubt has to be exciting for Cal and alumnus.

#1 The Miami Hurricanes the Cal Bears next opponent. The Hurricanes are living up to their namesake and blowing away the competition at 5-0 in their last game they played a tight game with the Virginia Tech Hokies 38-34 but have been dominant against their opponents this season.

#2 Hurricanes quarterback Cameron Ward is throwing the football with much accuracy in his last game against the Virginia Tech Hokies went 24-38 for 348 yards with 4 touchdowns and was picked off two times.

#3 Cal dropped to 3-1 taking their first loss of the season against a struggling Florida Seminoles who picked up their first win. Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza was 22-36 for 303 yards but didn’t throw for any touchdowns. Do you see him getting those kinds of yards once again but completing passes for scores will that be a question for this week as well?

#4 Miami has a very good pass rush against Virginia Tech but the Hokies also countered with putting pressure on the quarterback as well. Do you seeing Cal focusing on protecting the quarterback from the Hurricanes pass rush this Saturday.

#5 Morris, just wanted to get your prediction on this upcoming game as Miami comes calling this Saturday at Cal Memorial in Berkeley in ACC action between the Miami Hurricanes and the Cal Bears with that 7:30pm PT?

Morris Phillips does Cal Bears podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford to host Virginia Tech; Cardinal looking to rebound from Clemson loss

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels (15) runs for a first down against the Clemson Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter (0) and defensive tackle Payton Page (55) at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Sat Sep 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal (2-2) will play their fifth game of the season against the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-3). Stanford in it’s last two games won it’s first game against Syracuse 26-24 and dropped it’s second game against at Clemson by a huge score 40-14.

#2 Clemson right of the gate established themselves taking a 10-0 in the first quarter and you had to ask yourself how concerned was Stanford head coach Troy Taylor at that juncture.

#3 Clemson quarterback Cade Klubnik was dominant throwing four touchdowns and the Stanford defense struggled to get some footing to try and even stopo Klubnik.

#4 The Tigers were in double digits in the first, second, and fourth quarters, Klubnik had all day and you had to be watching anyone on the line for Stanford trying get past the Clemson offensive line to even get a glove on Klubnik but Clemson whose playing excellent football right now is getting Klubnik all the time he needs.

#5 Stanford goes back to the drawing board again as the Cardinal host the Virginia Tech Hokies (2-3). The Hokies lost a razer close game to the Miami Hurricanes 38-34. Hokies quarterback Kyron Drones was 19-33 for 189 yards and two touchdowns. Stanford needs a big day from quarterback Ashton Daniels can he provide? Kickoff Sat Oct 5 at Stanford Stadium 12:30pm PT.

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts each Thursday at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Oshoala come through again for Bay FC defeat Seattle in 1-0 shutout at Pay Pal Park

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“There she is” as Bay FC’s defender Abbey Dahlkemper (13) presents forward Asisat Oshoala (8) who scored the match’s only goal against the Seattle Reign at Pay Pal Park in San Jose on Sun Sep 29, 2024 (Bay FC X photo)

By William Espy

SAN JOSE–Bay FC is back on the road, this time they were in the Pacific Northwest to take on the Seattle Reign who have massively underperformed this season after making it to the NWSL Final last season. Meanwhile Bay FC is currently sitting in 9th place in the NWSL, even on points with Racing Louisville but outside of the final playoff spot due to goal differential.

A win would make them the sole team in eighth place. With Alyssa Malonson out with injury, Maddie Moreau started at left-back while Penelope Hocking took Rachel Hill’s spot in the starting line up for her first start with Bay FC. Asisat Oshoala scored the game’s only goal in the 27th minute to help defeat the Seattle Reign at Pay Pal Park in San Jose on Sunday.

Bay FC Starting XI: Rowland, Moreau, Dahlkemper, Menges, Dydasco, Boade, Bailey, Pickett, Oshoala, Kundananji, Hocking

Seattle Starting XI: Dickey, Latsko, McClernon, Barnes, Glas, Athens, Quinn, So-Yun, Crnogorcevic, Huitema, King

The game started off with back-and-forth end-to-end action but neither team was able to generate quality scoring chances. Seattle got a couple of corners early in the first half, but were unable to create anything from the set pieces.

Afterwards, Bay FC had a couple of corners of their own but they weren’t able to take advantage either. Lauren Barnes went down for Seattle in the 22nd minute and Seattle initially signaled for a substitution, but waited to see if Barnes could continue. Moments later Asisat Oshoala was taken out inside of the box by Phoebe McClernon.

Oshoala was awarded a penalty, and despite some protests of offside by Seattle, the call remained the same. She’d convert on the penalty, scoring her sixth of the season and making it 1-0 for Bay. Quinn nearly tied it around the half hour mark, but Katelyn Rowland made a save, tipping it over the crossbar.

McClernon gave away the ball to Rachael Kundananji in her own box, handing Bay FC a dangerous opportunity but she was unable to convert. Kundananji did go down following the play with an apparent knee injury, but remained in the game.

Kundananji took another knock in the 42nd minute when her and a Reign player both went up for a header and both made contact with one another’s heads. She quickly returned to the game. Kundananji had another quality chance off of a pass from Oshoala in stoppage time, but Dickey made the save.

Tess Boade was involved heavily in the play as well, starting the whole process. Maddie Moreau fired a late shot as well, it was saved right before the final whistle blew to end the first half.

Barnes was taken off for Jordyn Bugg to start the second half for Seattle. The Reign appealed for a penalty when a shot deflected off of Abby Dahlkemper’s arm, but her hands were clasped behind her back, making it impossible for her to do any more to prevent a handball.

A few minutes later, Kundananji had an opportunity to make it 2-0. A pass to Hocking would’ve allowed for an easy tap-in, but instead Kundananji took a shot which went wide of the goal. After that play, Hocking was replaced by Hill. Caprice Dydasco was shown the game’s first yellow card in the 58th minute.

Oshoala went down momentarily after that, but remained in the match. Dahlkemper was having a fantastic game defensively, blocking quite a few shots over the course of the night. Even though Seattle had a dominant lead in possession, they weren’t getting any quality chances as they were spending a majority of their time in the defensive zone since Bay FC didn’t allow them to create any offense.

Besides the one chance early, Rowland didn’t have much action over the course of the match, at least not until late. Seattle got their second shot on target of the night in the 85th minute, but it went directly to the goalkeeper.

They applied a bit more pressure on Bay FC’s defense heading into extra time. Oshoala got behind the defense in the 95th minute, but she was taken down inside the ball and not awarded a penalty. Despite a late push by Seattle, Bay FC was able to hang on to win 1-0.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Stanford hoping to recover from Clemson loss, host Virginia Tech next Saturday

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The Stanford Cardinal running back Micah Ford (20) is tackled by the Clemson Tigers RJ Mickens safety (9) and defensive tackle DeMonte Capehart (19) in the first half at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Sat Sep 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 The Clemson Tigers struggled early on to get on the scoreboard Saturday but later in the first quarter they were able to put ten points up and come away with a 10-0 lead after the first quarter.

#2 Clemson cornerback Avieon Terrell shrugged off that early struggle and said they were confident in what they had to do in first half.

#3 For Stanford the defense gave up four touchdowns as the Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik had plenty of protection and time to throw.

#4 Stanford quarterback Austin Daniels threw 9-19, 71 yards, and had one touchdown and had three interceptions.

#5 The Cardinal face Virginia Tech who lost their last game 38-34 to Miami Florida. The Hokies are 2-3 and this one is at Stanford Stadium this Saturday for a 12:30pm PT kick off.

Michael Roberson is a Stanford Cardinal beat writer for http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips: Cal hopes to get back in win column face Miami Sat Oct 5

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Florida Seminoles lineman Marvin Jones (right) drags down Cal Bears quarterback Fernando Mendoza (15) in second half action at Doak Campbell Stadium in Tallahassee on Sat Sep 21, 2024 (AP News photo)

On the Cal Bears podcast with Morris Phillips:

#1 Morris, a tough difficult loss for the Cal Bears (3-1) to the Florida Seminoles last Saturday in Tallahassee in low scoring defensive game 14-9.

#2 The Bears really needed to scratch out a touchdown and they could have been able to get away with their fourth straight win but the Seminoles didn’t allow Cal one touchdown all game long.

#3 Cal had to rely on their kicker Ryan Cole to put the ball through upright three times for all their scoring twice in the second quarter and once in the third quarter.

#4 As opposed to the kind of game that Cal quarterback Fernando Mendoza had the previous week against San Diego State in a 31-10 win the Seminoles shutdown Mendoza’s passing game. Mendoza throwing 22-36 for 303 yard, and one interception. The Seminoles defense prevented Mendoza from getting the ball in the end zone.

#5 The Miami Hurricanes (5-0) will come calling Sat Oct 5 at Cal Memorial. The Canes upended South Florida last Sat Sep 21, 50-15 and on Sat Sep 29 the Canes did it again getting by Virginia Tech 38-34. Look out for Canes quarterback Cameron Ward who threw 24-34 for 404 yards and three touchdowns against So Florida. Also having a big day against Virginia Tech throwing for 343 yards and four touchdowns. The question is can the Cal defense stop Ward?

Join Morris Phillips Thursdays for Cal Bears football podcasts at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

No. 17 Clemson rolls past Cardinal 40-14

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Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) sprints for a first down past the Clemson Tigers linebacker Barrett Carter (0) and defensive tackle Payton Page (55) at Memorial Stadium in Clemson on Sat Sep 28, 2024 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Quarterback Cade Klubnik ran for one touchdown and threw for four more for Clemson Saturday night, as the No. 17-ranked Tigers rolled to a 40-14 Atlantic Coast Conference football win over visiting Stanford.

The Cardinal (2-2 overall, 1-1 ACC) saw their two-game winning streak get snapped. Clemson (3-1 overall, 2-0 ACC) rolled up 405 yards in total offense.

Klubnik completed 15 of 31 passes for 255 yards. Bryant Weesco Jr. caught two of those passes for 104 yards. Phil Mafah was the Tigers’ top rusher with 58 yards on 10 carries.

Micah Ford was the top Stanford ballcarrier with 122 rushing yards on 15 attempts. Quarterback Ashton Daniels was next with 87 yards on 11 carries. Daniels completed 9 of 19 passes for 71 yards and was picked off three times. Justin Lamson was 4 of 8 passing for 54 yards.

Clemson jumped to q 10-0 lead in the first quarter on a 34-yard rushing touchdown by Klubnik at 12:19 and added a 20-yard field goal by Hauser Nolan. With 1:49 to play in the second quarter, Jake Briningstool caught a 3-yard scoring pass from Klubnik giving the Tigers a 17-0 lead.

The Cardinal got on the board with 39 seconds remaining in the first half on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Daniels to Elic Ayomanor, cutting the Stanford deficit to 17-7 at halftime.

Clemson scored 10 more points in the third quarter before blowing the game open for good in the fourth. Hauser booted a 33-yard field goal at 10:06 and 9 minutes later, Klubnike connected with Cole Turner for a 43-yard score, putting the Tigers up 27-7.

Clemson wasn’t finished yet, as the Tigers added two more touchdowns in the first five minutes of the fourth quarter. Bryant Wesco Jr. caught a 34-yard scoring strike from Klubnik 50 seconds into the fourth, and at 10:36 to play, Klubrik’s fourth TD pass of the night was a 2-yard scoring toss to Olsen Patt-Henry.

With 2:31 to play, Lamson completed a 22-yard TD pass to Emmett Mosley V to complete Stanford’s scoring.

Next week, the Cardinal return home to host Virginia Tech on Saturday, October 5, at 12:30 p.m. Pacific.

Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson: Cardinal prepare for big passing team Clemson at Memorial Stadium

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Stanford Cardinal kicker Emmet Kenny (13) is ecstatic after booting a 39 yard field goal for a victory over the Syracuse Orange at JMA Wireless Stadium in Syracuse on Sat Sep 21, 2024 (Stanford Cardinal photo)

On the Stanford Cardinal podcast with Michael Roberson:

#1 Michael, we’ll start off with Stanford kicker Emmet Kenny’s 39 yard field goal in the last few seconds as Stanford defeated the Syracuse Orange by just two points on Fri Sep 20 26-24.

#2 It was something special for the Cardinal getting their first ACC win and to get it on the road against the Orange who are considered a force in the ACC.

#3 “I felt really confident out there mainly because I have the best snapper, holder and line blocking in the country,” Kenney said.

#4 Stanford quarterback Ashton Daniels was 23-28 for 178 yards, one touchdown and two interceptions and got the win.

#5 The Cardinal face the 2-1 Clemson Tigers. The Tigers last Sat Sep 21st smashed the NC State Wolfpack 59-35. Lots of offense and Tigers quarterback Cade Klubnik was 16-24 for 209 yards and three touchdowns.

Join Michael Roberson for the Stanford Cardinal podcasts at http://www.sportsadioservice.com

Florida State Says No To Cal Staying Undefeated, Wins 14-9 in Tallahassee

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By Morris Phillips

Cal knows how hard going 4-0 in the ACC is now.

Host Florida State wasn’t much better than they were in an 0-3 start, but this time, they didn’t fall behind, and they didn’t go away in a tense, gritty 14-9 win over the Bears.

D.J. Uiagalelei completed 16 of 27 passes for 177 yards, with the biggest connection coming with 11:08 remaining.  The 35-yard touchdown pass to Ja’Khi Douglas was the play of the game, allowing the Seminoles to regain the lead after they trailed for the first time, 9-7 late in the third quarter.

“I just tried to give him a good ball. Ja’Khi made him miss early. He had a good release and got separation, I just had to put a good ball, and he did the rest,” Uiagalelei said.

“When you play a team like Florida State with that much talent, you can’t make mistakes and expect to win,” coach Justin Wilcox said. “We had plenty of opportunities and couldn’t capitalize on it. They did, so they deserve credit for that.

Cal’s playmakers–quarterback Fernando Mendoza, Jadyn Ott, back from an injury absence and Mason Starling–played well, but playing well didn’t include scoring a touchdown.

Cal kicker Ryan Coe converted three of five field goal attempts, but four was the magic number. Coe missed from 36 yards in the third quarter after Cal ran 15 plays and put FSU on their toes to start the second half.

Coe missed again from 38 yards with 6:07 remaining while converting from 25, 29, and 51. Had the first year specialist converted either of his misses, Cal’s penetration on both of their concluding drives would have afforded Coe an opportunity to give Cal the lead with little time left.

Linebackers Cade Uluave and Teddye Buchanan combined for 20 solo tackles as Cal made sure the Noles would go a fourth consecutive game with no more than 21 points. Cal forced six FSU punts, and the Noles converted 7 of 17 third down opportunities. Nohl Williams added to Cal nationally-leading interception total of ten with his second quarter pick.

“We don’t want to be at this point scoring 14 points, but at the end of the day, a win is a win,” Uiagalelei said.

“We can’t dwell on this,” Uluave said. “We just have to put our head down and keep going.”

Patrick Payton keyed Florida State’s defense with three sacks and three more tackles for loss yardage. Payton’s pressure and the Doak Campbell Stadium crowd noise contributed to Cal’s offensive line woes. The Bears suffered two critical penalties in the red zone for a false start and delay of game.

The Bears’ first taste of ACC play and Cal’s first visit to Tallahassee seemed to measurably flummox both squads. Coe’s missed kicks and Cal’s 10 penalties displayed the visitors’ nerves. But the home crowd was subdued by Cal’s measured attack and consistent effort on defense.

The Bears host first place Miami and familiar face, quarterback Cam Ward on October 5 at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley.