By George Devine, Sr.

After a surprising 31-24 win over Northwestern at Evanston, Illinois, the Golden Bears head home to Memorial Stadium, where they will take on Sacramento State at Noon on Saturday, September 6.

The Cal win in the heart of Big 10 country was their first victory over a FBS opponent since they beat Washington State, in 2012. It came as the result of a heads-up defense– led by LB Jalen Jefferson — that made the golden arm of sophomore quarterback Jared Goff (281 yards) count for something. Freshman QB Luke Rubenzer alternated with Goff in an offense that had the Wildcats admitting their surprise. And despite his throwing an intercepted pass, Rubenzer will surely figure in the game against Sac State; he showed his versatility by rushing for 48 yards.

Other freshmen who showed their stuff against Northwestern, and who will likely make good contributions again, are RBs Tre Watson and Vic Enwere.

The Hornets were dominant in their opener on the road at Incarnate Word in San Antonio, with a 49-13 win. QB Garrett Safron was 17-28 for 251 passing yards which made for 5 TDs. Safron’s previous season seems to have continued into this senior year and the Bears’ defense will have to break up his aerial attack; this is where Jefferson comes in.

After this weekend, Cal’s remaining games will be:

9/20 @ Arizona, kickoff TBA

9/27 Colorado, TBA

10/4 @ Washington State, TBA

10/11 Washington, TBA

10/18 UCLA, TBA

10/24 Oregon, 7 p.m. at Levi’s Stadium, Santa Clara

11/1 @ Oregon State

11/22 Stanford, TBA

11/29 BYU, TBA