... Golden (Bears) opportunity gone a-glimmering, Andy, no doubt. But, some good things came out of this game -- Kevin Riley showed he is the Cal quarterback of the future, despite the gaffe on the last play. And he showed considerable class by consenting to a post-game interview in which he forthrightly answered the obvious question, "What in the world were you thinking?" And Head Coach Jeff Tedford showed why his players respect him by standing up for Riley, saying the loss was not his fault and that he had played his heart out during the final two drives.

Three turnovers, each of which led to OSU points, and at least two questionable coaching decisions (the squib kick at the end of the first half, which gave OSU the chance to kick a late field goal) and the onsides kick attempt (when a normal kick would seemingly have made more sense, since there was no way OSU was going to pass). Some fans also think that we should have just kicked the FG with 12 seconds left, rather than trying to score a touchdown (a criticism with which I disagree; I personally think the decision to go for the win was correct).

Cal still controls its own Rose Bowl destiny and, while the opportunity to be #1 and possibly play for the national championship comes along so rarely that it REALLY hurts to have it get away, we still have a lot to look forward to the rest of the season. And, who knows, maybe a one-loss team will still make the big game ... and with a few more upsets, that could still be the Bears, however long that shot may be. We'll hold off for awhile before cancelling our reservations in New Orleans! Now, we just have to make some for Pasadena and (heaven forfend) San Diego, as well!

Go Bears!!