Never having played organized ball, I get confused when talking specifics about the 3-4, especially as it relates to recruiting. Jack linebacker? Nose tackle?  Why are we recruiting players at LB that could play defensive tackle elsewhere? WUT. THE. HAIL. To help educate myself and the masses, I've cobbled a quick introduction to the 3-4 as well as explain the roles of linebackers and defensive linemen in the scheme and why we recruit the way we do. For detailed information on Cal's 3-4, check out danzig's write-up on Cal's 3-4 defense (probably my favorite write-up of all time). 

Simply put, the 3-4 formation swaps out a defensive lineman for another middle linebacker. This results in a slightly faster, yet less massive, defensive front seven. The most obvious advantage of the 3-4 is to implement creative blitz packages that keep the passer guessing as to where the fourth (or more) rusher is coming from. Because the passer sees only the three defensive linemen, identifying which linebacker is going to rush can be a challenge. From a recruiting angle, the 3-4 also helps attract players who want to play a particular position but don't project to in a more traditional 4-3 defense. For example, many (if not all) recruiting sites projected Chris Martin to play defensive end at the collegiate level - in our system, he will most likely play outside linebacker. Again, it's not a system that will appeal to every recruit, but it's a consideration that should not be ignored. 

Let's talk about the positions within the 3-4 (safeties and cornerbacks are left out from my analysis because they are not too different between the 3-4 and the 4-3). I've also listed the measurables for selected players to compare and contrast weight/height to our "Golden Prospects" as well as NFL players.

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Seriously, if we wear gold on white once again, I'm going to rant all over the internet and demand a refund-slash-written apology from Sandy Barbour, Jeff Tedford and God Almighty. I am PISSED. Seriously, people, when will we learn? Say it with me: Gold-on-White Just-Ain't-Right. But before I extol the virtues of gold TOPS and blue bottoms, here are some immediate post-game reactions of mine that I'd like to share with TV Land:

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I understand some of the frustrations mentioned by many Cal fans after our CRAZY escape from Tempe. Our offense lost a lot of steam as the game progressed, and the game was a lot closer than many of us hoped it would be. Some legitimate questions are raised - why did we underutilize "The Jet" in key situations? Why did Vereen get so few carries? Why is Jones getting fewer balls thrown his way and finally, why aren’t more Cal fans outraged at this victory (although if you surf the interwebs, you’ll find, like, a bajillion). I try to get the root of our offensive mishaps in our recent trip, offer some thoughts, and call for Cal fans to UNITE, CHILL, and LOVE Cal football for what it is. 

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Woof - that was one ugly win for our brethren down south! A win's a win, however, and for a brand-new Pac-10 team to beat a solid SEC team is good for the conference. Here are some thoughts from this game to consider as we enter Week Two of the football season

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