So last season it is clear that expectations would have been satisfied with a bowl game appearance and subsequent win. Since that did not happen where do expectations lie at this point in the season at 4-0. Granted, it is hard to pinpoint how good they are, but 4-0 is better than 3-1 etc. Most importantly back to back road victories in 2 very difficult environments. As for UW I never really felt threatened about a loss, that is not to say they played a perfect game but they were the more complete team of the two.
They could very easily run through those four tough games in a row and lose all 4, but at this point, I would say expectations have to be a Pac-12 north championship. Stanford beating USC in the grand scheme of things hurts because USC is the most talented team in conference. But, it would seem on balance that anything short of a Pac-12 title would be disappointing because of all the likely turnover on offense after this season. Otherwise, a bowl game and victory would be the expectation, but since that is not the case, hard to say we build off a bowl game if this is the pinnacle year of talent. Hope they get through Washington St. injury free and then get geared up for Utah. Will be very tough only because they have 2 weeks to prepare. But, we have the best offense they will face. Oregon without Adams and minus Byron Marshall are not an explosive offense. Michigan's offense week 1 was not what it was week 4 vs BYU and Fresno St and Utah St are not anywhere close to Cal. Defensively, we should really study the Michigan tape because they gave them the most trouble. Cal will have to have the ST figured out against Utah.
They could very easily run through those four tough games in a row and lose all 4, but at this point, I would say expectations have to be a Pac-12 north championship. Stanford beating USC in the grand scheme of things hurts because USC is the most talented team in conference. But, it would seem on balance that anything short of a Pac-12 title would be disappointing because of all the likely turnover on offense after this season. Otherwise, a bowl game and victory would be the expectation, but since that is not the case, hard to say we build off a bowl game if this is the pinnacle year of talent. Hope they get through Washington St. injury free and then get geared up for Utah. Will be very tough only because they have 2 weeks to prepare. But, we have the best offense they will face. Oregon without Adams and minus Byron Marshall are not an explosive offense. Michigan's offense week 1 was not what it was week 4 vs BYU and Fresno St and Utah St are not anywhere close to Cal. Defensively, we should really study the Michigan tape because they gave them the most trouble. Cal will have to have the ST figured out against Utah.
