California's season began in dreamlike 5-0 fashion, but the Golden Bears hit a wall their last time out at Utah. Six turnovers later, Sonny Dykes' team left Salt Lake City 34-28 losers, ready to lick their wounds over the bye week and prepare for the challenge ahead.
It's rich with opportunity.
The 5-1 Bears remain in solid position, both on the field and off of it. After a string of losing seasons, there's plenty of reason for bullish optimism in Berkeley. Cal still controls its destiny in the Pac-12 title chase, and the error-prone nature of their loss to the Utes -- the league's only undefeated team -- can theoretically buoy the Bears' confidence moving forward.