Film Breakdown: Jared Goff vs San Diego State
Jared Goff is the top quarterback prospect in college football, let’s just get that out-of-the-way first. Last Saturday the Cal Golden Bears took on the San Diego State Aztecs. Goff showed in this game why he should be considered as one of the top players in college football. He carved up this Aztec defense in every way possible this game. Let’s take a closer look at how Goff really did this weekend.
Down 7-0 and backed inside his own ten, Goff delivered an absolute dart to his WR down the middle of the field. Throughout this game the Aztecs were sending constant pressure at Goff and this offensive line. He did not seem phased by any of the pressure once during this game. On this play the offensive line stood strong, allowed Goff to stand tall and deliver a strike to his WR. Goff’s high and quick release allows him to get out of almost any situation on the field.
This play was one of my favorites from Goff during this game. San Diego State sent five rushers this play, Goff senses the pressure coming from the Aztecs, he slides to the left avoiding any contact in the pocket. keeps his eyes down field. Goff keeps his foot work, adds no wasted steps and delivers a beautiful ball with touch on a corner route to his WR.
Being able to sense and slide away when the pocket collapses is a trait pocket passers must have. This play shows off Goff’s many strengths as a QB including his accuracy. This throw was able to set up a five yard TD throw to cap off this drive.
Once again Cal was back inside their own 20. Last time this happened Goff threw a gorgeous ball to his WR down the middle of the field. This play was no different, Cal calls a play action to freeze a defense that was constantly sending pressure. The safety took one false step forward and Goff took advantage by throwing a perfect deep ball to his WR running a deep post.
The play action fake by Goff was able to set up this play, he fakes the run perfectly and takes advantage of the sleeping secondary. This was as pretty as it gets.
With one minute left in the second quarter tied 7-7 Goff is driving his team to a last-minute touchdown drive. This was the best throw of the bunch. The defensive tackles run a stunt and it frees up one of the linemen for a clear shot on Goff. Once again he is not phased by any of the oncoming rushers, he stands tall in the pocket, takes the hit and throws a rocket to the slot WR in stride. This throw was silly, there are NFL quarterbacks who struggle with these throws and Goff made it look easy.
He was able to lead his team downfield and score with :16 seconds left on the clock. Perfect drive, great throws and excellent execution by Goff.
To start the second half Cal runs a fake bubble screen and go from the outside WR. San Diego commits to the bubble screen to hard, the safety bit on the pump fake and Goff throws it over the top for a 75 yard touchdown. The play call was beautiful on this play, the Aztecs were neglecting the deep ball for short passes and runs. The safety bit hard like he did on the other Goff play action throw. He throws a deep ball that is thrown on target and the WR did not have to break stride to catch it. Excellent play calling and throw.
Up 21-7 in the third quarter, Goff is leading another scoring drive. Cal runs a simple four verticals play with a RB swing. Goff throws a dime to the outside WR where only he can catch it. The throw goes right over the outstretched arms of the San Diego State cornerback. This ball is beautifully placed and shows off Goff’s pinpoint accuracy. He was throwing dimes all around the field that day and the Aztec defense could not do anything about it. They sent five rushers on this play like they did most of the game which left the WRs in one on one coverage and Goff was able to carve that up all game long. Not the best way to go against Jared Goff and the California Golden Bears.
Goff finished this game by going 17 for 24 with 321 yards, three touchdowns and one interception. Goff showed off all of his strengths this game, his accuracy, quick release, ball placement, pocket presence and his football IQ. He has constantly improved every season at Cal and the film shows it. The trend in improvement is something that can not be ignored. Goff is only 20 years old, the sky is the limit for him. If he declares this year he will be the top quarterback in this draft class and the potential overall number one pick.