Brandon McIlwain

The Bears outpaced the Cougars 398-287 in total yards, continuing the defensive revelation that began last weekend against UNC.

While there are a number of signs that point toward a win for the home team, counting Cal out isn’t the obvious move if the Bears can start and finish strong against the rejuvenated Cougars.

What Wharton tried to defend after his moment of fame, was that he got up damn quick, like nothing even happened. Therein lies the analogy to Cal football. It’s not about how hard Cal gets hit, rather it’s about how quickly it can get back up.

Cal head coach Justin Wilcox utilized all three of his available quarterbacks in a display of substitution schematics heretofore unseen by Bears fans.

Just 30 minutes away from where he gutted out a season as a right guard 11 years ago, Cal’s new lurking variable is primed to step up when his number is called.

Nothing is more exciting than opening the season with a long-awaited rematch, and this first game is an immensely important chess move in Cal’s pursuit of a victorious season.

It’s no secret that this year’s squad of Bears is entering this season with a different attitude — one that is in line with goals that shoot for the moon.

Senior outside linebacker Alex Funches gathered his position group after Cal football’s final day of fall camp and asked his teammates a simple question. If they were playing a game next week, would they be ready? The answer, a consensus — no.

With just a few fall camp practices left, another transition looms for Moos and the rest of the Cal defense — preparing specifically for their matchup with the Tar Heels on Sept. 1.