With shady memories of a 45-31 defeat at the hands of Texas Tech in the Holiday Bowl two years ago, Cal came out with something to prove on Thursday. This time, Cal actually looked like it wanted to be there, and it showed. After a 3 and out, followed by a 61 yard touchdown drive by Texas A&M, it was all Bears. After a missed field goal at halftime, Cal outscored the Aggies 31-0 in the second half. A&M was able to drive, just not able to punch it in. Marshawn Lynch and Justin Forsett both rushed for over 100 yards, and Nate Longshore finished 19-24 with 1 TD and 1 INT.
*On a more personal note, this was the first time I have attended a Cal game where the team has actually won! My record is now 1-4.
http://sports.yahoo.com/ncaaf/boxscore?gid=200612280059
Cal PP's:
Daymeion Hughes, CB, Cal-Hughes played great. He once again proved his shutdown ability, as he was rarely thrown at. He also came up with a couple HUGE hits, something I did not know he had in him. Although people will question his speed, he is still a first round pick for sure: A
Desmond Bishop, LB, Cal- He really proved a lot to me in this bowl game. I had questions of his ability to consistently wrap up, but I can't remember him missing any tackles and was a leader for this Cal defense. He also had a couple good licks as well: A-
Andrew Cameron, OT, Cal- He played very good, run blocking and pass blocking well. They showed him on the sideline just smiling, and it was great to see: B
Marshawn Lynch, RB, Cal- Rushed for 111 yards on 20 carries. He was never really able to break one open, but he did finish two Cal drives off with touchdowns. After the game, I saw him and said "one more year Marshawn!" he just kinda looked at me and smiled. I think it's safe to say he's going pro: B+
Brandon Mebane, DT, Cal- Mebane got some great penetration, and a TFL. He was consistently double teamed like in every other game. Mebane didn't put up the same numbers as his junior year, and therefore his stock has dropped. He will be a steal in the 3rd round: B-
Tim Mixon, CB, Cal- DNP
Micky Pimental, LB, Cal- He had a very active game. I just don't think he has the size to be an NFL LB. He is very quick and is always around the ball. I like him, but wouldn't touch him til late: B+
Texas A&M PP's:
Courtney Lewis, RB, A&M- He just isn't apart of this option rushing attack. With Goodson and Lane in there, he only got 1 carry for 6 yards: D
Justin Warren, LB, A&M- Wasn't really impressed with him. Can't really say much on him, just didn't catch my eye: C-
Jason Jack, Kirk Elder, Red Bryant, and Japhus Brown are all listed at PP's, but I really don't see them as PP's right now. This A&M team has very little NFL talent on the team.
Cal ends this season 10-3, the second 10 win seasons in 2 years(2004). In the postgame show, DeSean Jackson guranteed Cal would be in the National Championship, so high expectations for Cal in 2007. A&M finished up at a very respectable 9-4 record. Their marquee win was their 12-7 upset over Texas.