I waited a few days to post, because a game like Saturday's can make one um, emotional.  I want to look ahead at the big picture.  The Desperation Bowl, or Cal game as some may refer to it, may be a watershed moment for the CRN regime.  If we lose, we will be on the road as an underdog the next two games.  In fact depending on how things go right now we may only be favored in one more game this year.  It suddenly becomes difficult to see where six wins and a bowl game fit in here.  Cal will be even more desperate.  It could be that the wheels coming off is a Tedford trademark that he can't shake.  Their hair will be on fire.  Going on the road with a three game losing streak could be a huge toilet swirl swoon for this team.  We will see what the staff and team are made of now.

So what progress have we made this season?  Well, last season we scored 96 points in our first five games. This year 105.  9 points, not too impressive.  If there is a playmaker on offense I must have missed him.  People are quick to pile on Prince for having a bad game.  Can you think of one time this year someone has made a big play for him?  Why aren't we throwing it deep?  Um, because nobodies open.  Perhaps it's the scheme's or maybe it's the receivers.  Either way it seems to me it's on the coaches to get something out of these guys.  IMO Prince is a good leader, he's tough and has a lot of upside and I'm sure he will be better in his next game.  The defense seems to playing pretty well, but I think the offense's struggles put a lot of pressure on them to be perfect.  The return game and the kick-off coverage is weak and is hurting us weekly.  Our kicker, unfortunately is the MVP for this team.  The bottom line is they got to the end of three games with a lead.  Which will have to serve as progress.  More after the jump.

What concerns me is the future.  There is a lot of talk about how great the future will be but consider this:  We had a fantastic home schedule this year in conference.  Next year Cal, Oregon, Washington are all on the road.  I expect all three of these teams to be better.  Check the standings, there is only one team in our conference with a losing record this season.  The Pac-10, IMO, is the strongest conference top to bottom.  Of course that won't get any run in the SECPN world.  The point I'm making is there are a lot of good young QB's in this league who are all going to be better next year.  So if you get better and your competitors get better right along with you how do you make progress in the conference standings?  That's got to be keeping CRN awake nights.  At least I hope it does.

Go Bruins!  Beat the Bears!