Fleck frustrates me sometimes for sure, and that first quarter start was rough, but I didn't think our bowl streak was quite in jeopardy. The reason why is Fleck's teams have never truly fallen apart in his time here.
We had a glimpse of it in 2018. Started the year 3-4, ended the season 4-2 including the bowl game. The next season, won the game after losing to Iowa, and won the bowl game after losing to Wisconsin. Bounced back in both scenarios. In 2021, after the loss to Bowl Green, they won four straight. Had two more losses, then won three straight, including the bowl.
In 2022, hit a tough patch with three losses, then rebound to finish the season 5-1. Even in 2023, when things went off the rails in the second half, the team rallied to win the bowl game. Next year, begin 2-3, then win four straight. Lose a couple more, then beat Wisconsin and win the bowl game.
There have been games like Cal in the past and, yeah, it can be maddening. At the same time, Fleck's teams have notably been able to rebound.