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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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Nov 28, 2015; Berkeley, CA, USA; California Golden Bears running back Khalfani Muhammad (29) carries the ball for a touchdown against the Arizona State Sun Devils during the fourth quarter at Memorial Stadium. The California Golden Bears defeated the Arizona State Sun Devils 48-46. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /

3 – Khalfani Muhammad Shoulders the Load

A lot of attention was paid to running back Vic Enwere entering the season, but it was his teammate, senior Khalfani Muhammad who stole the show.

The carries were spread out evenly among the three-headed running back monster Cal possesses. Tre Watson had 11 carries, while Enwere and Muhammad each had 10, but Muhammad led the way with 96 yards, a fantastic 9.6-yard per carry average. He scored the season’s first touchdown, a 34-yard scamper on the game’s opening drive. He also had a 40-yard run.

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Along with his play in the backfield, Muhammad returned three kicks for 116 yards, a 38.7-yard average. He had a 45-yard return in the first quarter, and a 47-yard return in the third quarter. The day would have been even better if Muhammad could just hang on to a touchdown catch in the fourth quarter. He was wide open, but just couldn’t reel it in.

Enwere was no slouch himself. He gained 73 yards on his 10 carries, showing a good combination of power and speed – maybe a bit Marshawn Lynch-like (Lynch was on the sidelines Friday and played scout team running back for Cal at practice earlier in the week). Though his ability to run over defenses is his best asset, he showed great speed on a 27-yard run.

The offensive line played very well in both the run and the pass, but they made some huge blocks, especially on Muhammad’s runs. On the 34-yard touchdown run, the line blocked to the right and washed guys down the line, allowing Muhammad to make a cut back to the left and speed his way to the endzone. That play in particular was a combination of great blocking and excellent running.

Next: O Defense, Where Art Thou?

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