Jim McGill (@bearinsider_com) has been writing for Bear Insider (@BearInsider) since 2004. The site was established in 1998 and is the largest and oldest Cal fan site on the web. Has been the editor of the site since 2017. He did a great job with this last year, so he’s back.
1. What are a Cal fan’s first thoughts about Auburn football right now?
It’s a big game for Cal to show whether or not they’re a serious program on the rise. Auburn’s first win was by a big score over a nobody program but they took care of business the way they’re supposed to. Cal fans are also aware that Auburn did well in the portal and that they’ll be facing a better team this year than last year, especially on the road.
2. What’s the vibe like in Berkeley after the struggle win over UC-Davis?
Nobody’s happy with the win but it’s nothing they haven’t seen before, even in good seasons. UC Davis is always a good FCS program and they’re ranked 18th right now. Fans wanted to see a more dominant performance, though, especially on offense and they didn’t see it so an often pessimistic fan base just got a bit more to be worried about.
3. Does last year’s close game give hope, worry, or a sense of revenge?
I’m sure there’s a decent share of Cal fans who would like revenge but their gripes about last season’s close loss are more about the refs taking 10 Cal points off the board with Sirmon’s scoop and score TD they ruled out of bounds (which didn’t happen and is unreviewable) and the field goal taken off the board on the ridiculous holding call on Xavier Carlton that wasn’t nearly a hold.
Overall though, the close loss fans thought they should’ve won plus Auburn’s 31-10 loss to New Mexico State, 31-13 loss to Maryland and 6-7/3-5 record last season make the game look a bit less daunting than it might’ve if Auburn had a strong season last year. That said, they know this is a lot bigger challenge than last year.
4. Are fans, coaches, and players excited about the trip to the Plains or does it get lost in the other 5-hour flights east for conference games?
100% Cal fans are excited to travel to one of the most big-time college football venues in the country. There’s a misconception that California people or Cal fans look down on football in the South but there’s a lot of envy of the tradition, pageantry and love behind programs like Auburn in the South and SEC. That said, the flipside can be really harsh when teams there don’t live up to expectations. Cal would love to see an upset and generate a little of that backlash.
5. Name two Golden Bears that Auburn fans should look out for and why?
Running back Jaydn Ott is one of the top returning running backs in the nation with over 1,300 yards and 14 TDs on the ground and through the air. Portal transfer cornerback Marcus Harris joins bookend cornerback to form a strong CB tandem. Harris had a leaping INT in the win over UCD Saturday and is one of the fastest players on the team.
6. Which two Auburn Tigers worry you the most?
On offense, probably RB Jarquez Hunter and on D, probably Jalen McLeod.
7. Where will each team have an advantage over the other?
For Auburn, probably size. For Cal, maybe special teams, with an elite kicker and good returners.
8. What is your score prediction/analysis for this game?
Auburn 31, Cal 21. If Cal can limit mistakes and their depth steps up, they can make a game of it and have a chance to pull off an upset but it’s a tough task with all the starters they have out right now.
9. Where will Auburn and Cal end up this year?
Auburn 8-4, Cal 7-5
10. Who got the worst end of the deal? Auburn playing in Berkeley after midnight Auburn time or Cal playing in the middle of an early September southeastern day?
I think playing in humidity can’t be replicated because we don’t have any humidity in California so I’d have to think that’s the biggest factor. I don’t think the travel will be a big deal. A game that started at 9:30 pm Auburn time last year might be a little late but that’s primetime for most college students so not sure what role that might’ve played.
