Note from our very own Nick Kranz to highlight and contextualize the the 2 of the 3 wins Cal has had earlier in the season.
This is another reason for the decline in the S&P+ ranking for Cal. As the teams it defeats decline in their ranking, so does Cal since S&P+ is opponent adjusted, the achievements on offense against Ole Miss and NC become less impressive, likewise on the defense.
Even USC has bee shown to have major flaws in its roster and scheme that WSU pounced on and capitalized on the flaws of SC’s offense and defense to win an upset at Pullman.