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Cal Bears: Five Things From Opening Win Against Hawaii

By Sean Bialaszek

Sep 12, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; Members of the California Golden Bears cheerleaders watch as a giant inflated bear head mascot is moved into place before the game against the San Diego State Aztecs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 12, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; Members of the California Golden Bears cheerleaders watch as a giant inflated bear head mascot is moved into place before the game against the San Diego State Aztecs at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-USA TODAY Sports /
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Oct 3, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Tech Red Raiders quarterback Davis Webb (7) during the game against the Baylor Bears at AT&T Stadium. The Bears defeat the Red Raiders 63-35. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

1 – Davis Webb Settles in Quickly in New Digs

The first few drives of the day weren’t all that great for new Cal quarterback Davis Webb. It seemed like things were moving too fast for him in the high-octane Cal offense, and he couldn’t keep up. He made late reads, overthrew receivers, and was too quick to shed the pocket. He quickly settled in and looked in control of Cal’s passing game.

After starting the game by hitting just five of his first 11 attempts, Webb hit his next five throws. He finished the first half by completing 15 of his last 21 attempts. He was then 18-for-22 in the second half.

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Overall, Webb hit 38 of his 54 pass attempts for 441 yards and four touchdowns. He made a few very nice throws, spinning the ball through some extremely tight windows. The arm strength is there, and although he didn’t quite have the pinpoint accuracy of his predecessor Jared Goff, he did well enough putting balls where his receivers could make catches. Maybe most importantly, Webb didn’t turn the ball over. No matter the opponent, that is a big stat in opening week.

Webb also scored his first career rushing touchdown, barreling through a defender on an option-keep. He’s noticeably bigger than Goff – Webb stands 6’5″ and tips the scale at about 230 pounds – so the offense can do more plays like that with a sturdy quarterback.

Webb still has room to improve. There were a couple instances where Hawaii stacked the box and the Bears still ran a run play right up the middle. Webb has to audible out of the run play and move on to something different. There were also some less-than-stellar throws, where Webb probably didn’t make the right read. Things like that can be fixed relatively easily, and they will definitely need fixing as the schedule gets tougher.

Next: Top Receiver

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