Cal Bears quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele (3) tries to get away from SMU Mustangs defensive end Marquis White (16) in the first half at Gerald J Ford Stadium in Dallas on Sat Oct 24, 2026 (AP News photo)

Cal Bears podcast Barbara Mason:

1. Quarterback performance: How did Cal quarterback Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele perform against SMU, and what could he have done differently to help the Bears maintain their first-half momentum?

2. Receiving game: With Chase Hendricks recording seven catches for 83 yards and a touchdown, how important was his connection with Sagapolutele to Cal’s offensive success?

3. Wide receiver contributions: How did Ian Strong, who recorded five receptions for 71 yards, complement Hendricks in Cal’s passing attack?

4. Running game: What challenges did running back Ashten Emory face against SMU’s defense, and how could Cal have improved its rushing production?

5. Defensive adjustments: What changes could Cal defenders AJ Tuitele, Kingston Lopa, and Ricky Fletcher have made to help prevent SMU from scoring 42 unanswered points in the second half?

Barbara Mason does the Cal Bears podcasts Mondays at http://www.sportsradioservice.com