Cal Preview: Time to Set Things Straight

Let’s set things straight. What was probably not the worst team in Cal history welcomed a program with a new quarterback, a new coach, traveling for the first time, traveling across the country, to play a game that started after 9pm Auburn time. It was a prime setup for the home team to get a win against a tired, out of sorts, learning team from the SEC.

It almost happened. But it didn’t.

So now that Cal program that lost nearly anything that was remotely good (the running back that ran his mouth is back, but he’s hurt again) is making the return trip to the Plains. It’s being played at a normal football time, 2:30 local time, which is even an afternoon game for the folks back in Cali. You’re welcome.

It’s going to be hot, but not hot hot. I’d expect a little bit of mugginess. It doesn’t look like it will get much hotter than 85 degrees, which feels like the arctic tundra at this time of year. You’re welcome again, Cal.

Cal is now a member of the ACC. I don’t know why, but this means that they will be flying to this side of the country multiple times this season just to knock out conference games. They will travel to Florida State, Pitt, and Wake Forest. Auburn is their first trip this way, which should help work at the kinks for those later conference trips. Wow, you’re welcome yet again, Golden Bears.

Now that it is decided that Cal’s trip to Auburn won’t have any weird times, won’t have the customary sweltering Southern heat, and will stand as a dry run for their conference trips, it means there’s nothing else to do and blame but the result of a football game.

Auburn is much better than they were last year. I don’t care who they played last week, everything was better. Cal struggled with UC-Davis, so I’d venture to say that Cal is not as good as they were last year.

So what does it mean? It means that even though Auburn is allowing Cal to play in a day game, and even though Auburn Jesus is giving us a cooler day, and even though we are allowing Cal to figure the 5 hour flight east out, Auburn is still going to destroy Cal.

At their absolute best, the Golden Bears are the equivalent of a typical South Carolina year? Typical Kentucky? Maybe more like Vanderbilt. I’m sorry. It just is.

We’re trying to be nice. We could’ve been petty and played at 11am CT/9am PT. We could’ve done any of the things to make this an uncomfortable trip. But Auburn has taken out all the stops to make this a regular football game between two old football teams.

And Auburn is just better.

We can joke and be scared to be a fan for fear of rival fans calling you out for being excited about something, but Auburn is just better.

It’s not one of those games where a lesser team sneaks up on you. Cal is P4 team. They’re known. Hugh has them prepared to make a statement. I’d be more worried if a team like New Mexico State showed up, but this is a chance for a P4 blowout.

And a P4 blowout is what we’re going to get.

There aren’t quite as many bombs as last week, but there will still be plenty. Cam Coleman says “hello.” Jarquez says “I’m still here.” The defense has a sack-scoop-score. It will be fun.

Auburn 38, Cal 17