Drove out to watch the Cal game, and had a wonderful experience (despite the ending). Loved the stadium, but was surprised at how empty it was, and how it fits more than RES. It felt much smaller than our field.
At the end of the game, I sat dejected and watched as the Cal team rushed the field celebrating the victory. The field was literally covered in players jumping and pumping their fists in victory over Utah. The fans, likewise, celebrated in the stands.
My observation is this… if 10 years ago you would have told me that you would see this level of celebration from a PAC school for beating a Utah team… I NEVER would have believed it. Not only have we joined the PAC12… but we belong. Playing top tier schools week-in and week-out is (despite the tough losses) immeasurably better than watching us play the Colorado States, New Mexico, and Wyoming’s (no offense to them, as I love the history of our team in which they play a part).
Being a PAC12 member, and seeing that we belong, and can play and beat anyone on any given Saturday… it is a wonderful thing.