And despite one of the sloppiest performances in the history of bowl games on the offensive side of things, many view seven wins as a step in the right direction, Cheez-It Bowl champs or not.
I think it will be really close, but in a defensive game like this, you have to look at which offense has guys who can be an "X Factor" and change the game.
As announced this week, quarterback Ross Bowers — the team's 2017 starter who famously front-flipped his way to a 37-3 upset of then No. 8 Washington State — is one of seven student-athletes leaving the Bears for a change in scenery.
A little more than a year has passed, and a lot has changed — this afternoon, the former Bruin announced his commitment to join the Cal football program beginning this spring.
If there's a signature game that this 2018 team will be remembered for, it's for a hazy evening contest in Los Angeles, in which history finally bent and broke under the weight of Cal's defense.
Too many mistakes were made for the Bears to truly deserve this one. A missed field goal, dropped balls, multiple overthrown passes and a late penalty for roughing the passer are inexcusable against David Shaw's smart and physical squad.