No, this is not a review of a hit, reality TV show. The Odyssey is referring to the transfer portal. For every winner, the rule of symmetry says there should a loser. Clearly, the Group of 5 conferences now serve as a de facto farm system for the Power 4. However, a Power 4 team appears to have also lost out prior to tomorrow’s Week 1 Saturday: Cal.
We say this with great sadness. The Odyssey was thrilled to be at Cal’s sellout against Miami last October on a perfect Saturday night. For 2.5 quarters, Berkeley was definitely Bear territory as the Golden Bears built a 20+ point lead against the undefeated Hurricanes. But in a pratfall so typical of Cal, Cam Ward led a stunning Miami comeback.
The loss was especially frustrating as Game Day made its maiden visit to Strawberry Canyon, no doubt influenced by the Calgorithm. The Calgorithm was endlessly witty and creative. For example, they paodied Chappell Roan’s “Hot to Go” in a hilarious “Ott to Go” – a reference to star running back Jadyn Ott. WIth such a unique form of adulation, one might think that Ott would have stuck around for his Senior year. Nope, Ott sprinted to Norman, Oklahoma.
Star QB Fernando Mendoza also departed for the suddenly fashinonable QB gig at Indiana. Other departees from the Bay Area include standouts such as Nyziah Hunter to Nebraska and Tight End Jack Endries to Texas. In short, the transfer portal has gutted Cal’s offense. We will see how the replacements fare in a pivotal opener at Oregon State.
The Odyssey has long been frustrated with the San Francisco – the anti-mecca of college football. But for a fleeting moment last fall, the potential at Cal was visible for all to see. To see the Golden Bear program seemingly flip into reverse is painful.