# Cal Coach Tosh Lupoi Pushes Ian Strong

> Cal coach Tosh Lupoi challenges wide receiver Ian Strong to improve after underachieving game.
- Title: Cal Coach Tosh Lupoi Pushes Ian Strong | Shortify
- Summary: Cal coach Tosh Lupoi challenges wide receiver Ian Strong to improve after underachieving game. Cal coach Tosh Lupoi pushed wide receiver Ian Strong to better…
- Keywords: cal, tosh lupoi, ian strong, cal golden bears, syracuse, rutgers, pro football focus, cal football, smu, wake forest, sports, Coach
- Source: California Golden Bears On SI — https://si.com/college/cal/football/cal-coach-tosh-lupoi-pushing-ian-strong-to-new-heights-01m61ymwyqz1
- Published: 2026-10-29T20:21:46+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: cal, tosh lupoi, ian strong, cal golden bears, syracuse, rutgers, pro football focus, cal football, smu, wake forest, sports
## Cal Wins ACC Opener
Cal won its ACC opener with a 21-18 victory over Syracuse, its first win of the young season.
## Coach Tosh Lupoi Unhappy
Coach Tosh Lupoi wasn’t satisfied Cal was getting everything from wide receiver Ian Strong.
## Ian Strong's Stats
Strong had three catches for 64 yards in the 21-18 win over Syracuse, targeted seven times.
## Lupoi Challenges Strong
Lupoi challenged Strong in front of everyone to improve his blocking on the perimeter.
## Lupoi's Words
Lupoi said Strong is the epitome of answering challenges and has competitive nature.
## Strong's Response
Strong felt he could be more productive and leader for the team after Lupoi's challenge.
## Strong's Improvement
Strong made six catches for 48 yards on eight passes after underachieving game.
## Pro Football Focus
Strong's pro football focus grade was 71.7, run-blocking score 89.6, up from 48.8 and 42.9.
## Lupoi's Confidence
Lupoi said Strong blocked the living hell out of the perimeter and is a high-level player.
## Strong's Impact
Strong said Lupoi's confidence had a huge effect on his game and competitive nature.
## Strong's Stats
Strong has 33 receptions for 467 yards (14.1 per catch) and a touchdown in seven games.
## Recent Game
In the Bears' 59-20 loss at SMU, Strong had five catches for 72 yards, all in first half.
## Key takeaway

Cal coach Tosh Lupoi pushed wide receiver Ian Strong to better performance after his underachieving game against UCLA.