College football season is well underway and, while there might not be any Team USA athletes on the field, many can be found in the stands or glued to their TVs while cheering for their favorite school. Each week, we take a closer look at a big game through the eyes of Team USA athletes. This week's matchup features a pair of proud West Coast sporting traditions as UCLA (4-2) travels to face Cal (4-2) in Berkeley. To prepare, we asked Cal alums Nathan Adrian and Courtney Mathewson, as well as UCLA alum John Mann and current Bruins gymnast Sam Peszek, who they like in Saturday's game.
 @Nathangadrian |
Nathan Adrian
Sport: Swimming
College/University: Cal
Graduation Year: 2012
What is the gameday atmosphere like at Cal?
The gameday atmosphere at Cal is awesome. If you're not wearing either blue or gold, you are clearly doing something wrong. Now that I am a bit beyond my years attending Cal, I tend to hang around with the young alumni from my generation, and it is always an awesome reason to all spend some time together in our otherwise very busy schedules.
What is your favorite college football memory?
After a home win vs. Washington, Marshawn Lynch drove an injury cart around the field. I wasn't a student at Cal at that point, but it certainly made Marshawn stand out as someone to watch.
Who is/was your favorite college football player?
Marshawn Lynch. Luckily for me, I am also from the Seattle area. Go Seahawks!
What is your favorite tailgate food?
Top dog (Berkeley tradition)
Best tailgate memory?
Homecoming my senior year was especially fun because one of my buddies who works for Google had rented a Google bus and brought about 40 of our closest friends from San Francisco into Berkeley to go to the game. We ended up winning the game, too, which was awesome because it was one of three wins we got that year.
Final score prediction?
43-17, Cal
Why do you think Cal will win?
I am looking for a repeat of that 2012 game!
 @CLKMathewson |
Courtney Mathewson
Sport: Water Polo
College/University: UCLA
Graduation Year: 2008
What is your favorite college football memory?
My favorite college football memory is definitely the game vs. USC in 2006. We defeated USC, 13-9, at home, knocked them out of playing for the BCS Championship title and brought the Victory Bell back to campus.
Who is/was your favorite college football player?
When I was in college I enjoyed watching Maurice Jones-Drew and Kahlil Bell. They both displayed a lot of energy and passion. I also loved watching Anthony Barr dominate these past few years.
What is your favorite tailgate food?
I love eating hotdogs on game day and enjoying the whole scene with my friends!
Best tailgate memory?
The best tailgate days were when football games coincided with the men's water polo games at the Rose Bowl. After the men would win, we would slowly make our way toward the Rose Bowl enjoying all the tailgate parties along the way.
Final score prediction?
24-17, UCLA
Why do you think UCLA will win?
We haven't won at Cal since '98, so I think we're motivated for a victory up there!
 @samanthapeszek |
Samantha Peszek
Sport: Gymnastics
College/University: UCLA
What is your favorite college football memory?
My favorite college football memory has to be when UCLA beat USC two years in a row ... and, hopefully, we'll make that three this year!
Who is/was your favorite college football player?
Peyton Manning is not only my favorite athlete, but, also, he is definitely my favorite football player in the NFL. If I followed college football when I was 7, I'm sure he would've been my favorite then, too!
What is your favorite tailgate food?
Chicken skewers
Best tailgate memory?
Getting pumped up before games with all of the other student athletes. It really builds the team spirit and continues to enhance the family atmosphere that we create here at UCLA.
Final score prediction?
30-14 ... Bruins on top ... obviously ;)
 @bearmann4 |
John Mann
Sport: Water Polo
College/University: Cal
Graduation Year: 2008
What is your favorite college football memory?
Rushing Memorial Stadium field after we beat USC in 2003. It was insane.
Who is/was your favorite college football player?
I want give a shout out to one of my best buddies from college, Alex Mack. He was injured while playing for the Cleveland Browns last weekend - wishing him a speedy recovery. Favorite player is Marshawn Lynch.
What is your favorite tailgate food?
So many good gameday foods ... I would have to go with a fresh Top Dog, a campus legend for hotdogs and brats.
Best tailgate memory?
There are so many great memories from my time at Cal. I would have to say beating UCLA in the pool on senior day (my last home game at Cal) then walking up the hill and watching my buddies beat them on the field! That was an epic day.
Final score prediction?
55-48, Cal!
Why do you think Cal will win?
#BEARAID
