Can't remember if it was on this thread WAY BACK or on a coaching hotseat thread but when Cal was discussed, I made the point that whether last year was an aberration (similar to a UCLA season a few years back) or the norm, you have to look at what they lost with the 2017 seniors (2018 graduates) - a backline with 3 seniors (and one frosh who is now a Jr and playing great) and a 4-year starter at GK. Knowing the current frosh GK very, very well, I knew that this year would be different. The Jrs, who struggled as sophs but gained valuable experience, will set a great tone with an excellent GK (who was finally tested yesterday and stood up to the test). Are they UCLA/Stanford "elite" . . . not sure anyone in the Pac12 is (I don't put too much in any one game and am part of the camp that thinks an early loss can be good) but they will be very good b/c they have a D that will make it tough for anyone.