Tag: Kanawai Noa

Let’s Go 2-0: Prepared, Physical Bears hold on for big win at BYU

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By Morris Phillips

If growth and maturity are gained with weekly gamedays, the identity-less Cal Bears reached the nascent stage on Saturday night in Provo, Utah.

Playing with the lead for the majority of the game, the Bears navigated the changing tides of the game, holding on for a 21-18 win to improve to 2-0. The Bears dominating defense led the way, holding BYU to fewer than 100 yards in offense in the second half.

“This defense really wants to just come and play every day and really dominate the football every single play,” defensive lineman Evan Weaver declared.

Without disruptive linebacker Cameron Goode, injured in the team’s opener against North Carolina, Cal’s defense figured to suffer without their singular star. Instead, Weaver, linebacker Jordan Kunaszyk and safety Ashtyn Davis played like stars, headlining Cal’s second half effort.

With Cal leading by 11 at key points of the third and fourth quarters, Cougars standout Squally Canada was limited on the ground, and quarterback Tanner Mangum was forced to throw. The Bears picked off Mangum twice to preserve their double-digit lead, with the interceptions being the byproduct of the Bears shutting down the BYU ground game.

“We didn’t do a great job in the first half of finishing tackling,” California coach Justin Wilcox said. “There were yards after contact for them. The possessions were a premium. In the second half, we made more of those plays on offense and that’s the difference.”

The two interceptions kept the Cougars in check, as did a three-and-out the Bears fashioned after Isaiah Kaufusi’s interception of Chase Garbers set up BYU at midfield with an opportunity to take the lead.

Offensively, the Bears fully committed to shuttling quarterbacks Garbers and transfer Brandon McIlwain in and out of the game, with last year’s starter Ross Bowers benched. Garbers connected with Kanawai Noa on a 52-yard pass play opening the third quarter, and McIlwain keyed Cal’s stubborn run game with 74 yards rushing. McIlwain bulled his way in from two yards to increase Cal’s lead to 21-10 at the outset of the fourth quarter.

Patrick Laird had a second, consecutive slow game, carrying the ball just 10 times for 30 yards. His production was seamlessly replaced by McIlwain and Garbers who combined for 129 yards rushing.