In Reply to: Opening Games are big enough, but... posted by ClockBlocker on August 14, 2026 at 15:26:14
If we can manage not to get dominated in the trenches, it will bode VERY well for the rest of the season for us.
If we lose, how we lose is going to tell us a lot - much like last year when Utah absolutely destroyed us on both lines of scrimmage showed us just how bad we were up front.
If we are competitive in the trenches, but lose due to a play here or there, we should be good enough (barring injuries) to have a winning season and make a bowl.
If we win, and do so by actually winning in the trenches (stopping the run, pressuring the passer, running the ball and not having Nico running for his life), we should still be in the picture for the Big Ten championship in November (barring injuries), and tho that November schedule is tough, all of those teams have some pretty big question marks too (Illinois has to replace a LOT, SC still needs to prove it has a defense, Coach Whitt has long had great seasons derailed by injuries piling up in November - Michigan probably has better depth than Utah did, but I'll need to see it).
One other unknown is how well Coach Chesney will do on those East Coast Road Trips - he's never had to deal with them - we've done better than SC/UW going East, even under Foster/Skipper - can Coach Chesney keep that going? @ Maryland is a huge trap for a team which could be 3-0 before that trip, and Maryland is usually strong under Locksley in September before they fall apart...
As to the Cal side. They've been solid, but lacking under Wilcox. Cal fans and the team are pretty hyped for Lupoi so far. Cal also has a tricky, but manageable schedule. A win over us sets them up very well - they get their toughest ACC games at home, tho that week 2 game at Syracuse will be a similar road trip East trap game. Only game I see them as a 5+pt underdog is @SMU, the rest could easily go either way with Clemson/VT at home, but late trips to NCSt and UVa will be tough.