Tag: NCAA

Huskies Destroy California Bears 59-35

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Cal Bears wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter (3) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Washington Huskies in first half action at Huskies Stadium in Seattle on Sat Sep 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Barbara Mason

Eight Washington touchdowns handed the California Bears a 59-32 beat-down.

Saturday evening the California Bears (2-2) traveled up north to take on the Washington Huskies (4-0) and were handily defeated at Huskies Stadium in Seattle. The Bears tried to establish the run while Washington stopped the Cal run.

The #8 Huskies gave the Bears a run for their money. They had great offense and defense and Cal needed to pull out all the stops to have any chance against this power house.

In the blink of an eye the Huskies had taken a 14-0 lead. What is even crazier, the Huskies had not even made a single offensive play. The first touchdown came as a result of an interception. At 12:37 in the first quarter Edefuan Ulofoshio picked a Ben Finley pass taking it 45 yards for the first touchdown of the game and Washington led early 7-0.

Minutes later Washington’s Rome Odunze returned a punt for 83 yards and a second Huskie touchdown and a 14-0 lead. Cal saw some great play from the Huskies defense and special teams in the opening quarter but still had not seen the Washington offense.

When it had started to look like an empty first quarter for California, quarterback Ben Finley drove downfield connecting with Jeremiah Hunter for seven yards and Cal was on the scoreboard. Cal kicker Michael Luckhurst missed the extra point but the Bears had come away with a good drive.

Washington answered scoring another touchdown as Cal finally got to see their offense. Michael Penix Jr. found Ja’Lynn Polk for eight yards and their third touchdown taking a 21-6 lead. The Huskies had scored defensively, offensively and on special team in a well-rounded first quarter.

Washington finished off the quarter with a Grady Gross kick for 41 yards extending their lead 24-6. It had been a banner quarter for the Huskies and a play from behind quarter for Cal. The Huskies defense had given Cal all sorts of problem intercepting the ball twice in the first quarter.

In the second quarter Washington continued to run right through the Cal defense in the air and on the ground. In the early minutes of the quarter, Dillon Johnson rushed for three yards and another touchdown for the Huskies.

With a 31-6 lead Washington was running away with this game. Cal’s attempts to run the ball were denied by the Huskies forcing third down passing plays that came dangerously close to even more interceptions.

Bears quarterback Ben Finley continued to throw the ball and he put together another nice drive at 9:00 finding Taj Davis for 24 yards and Cal’s second touchdown of the game. The two-point conversion attempt failed and the Bears were looking at a 31-12 deficit. Too make things even more fun, the skies opened up and rain began to fall.

At 7:27 Washington quarterback Michael Penix Jr. made a rare mistake throwing an interception and Cal had the ball in Husky territory on the 37 yard line. The great play that California had made was erased when Washington intercepted the ball on the very next play. This was their third pick of the game.

Washington finished off the first half with not one but two more touchdown. At 4:08 Penix Jr. connected with Ja’Lynn Polk for a second time in this game, a 24 yard pass. With 44 seconds left on the clock Penix Jr. again found an open Rome Odunze for 35 yards and his second touch down of the game. The Huskies took a 45-12 lead into the locker room. California had been competitive in this game but it was the turnovers that left them in the dust.

Despite an extensive injury history which includes ACL and shoulder issues, Michael Penix Jr. continues to excel every time he takes the field. Both the offense and defense of Washington were making life pretty miserable for the Bears.

Both teams would score a single touchdown in the third quarter. Penix Jr. would tack on another 16 yards finding Rome Odunze in the end zone. Despite the 52-12 Husky lead, the Bears continued to fight scoring a rushing touchdown with 1:49 left on the clock. Going into the final quarter the Huskies led 52-19.

Cal would score early in the fourth quarter via a 20 yard pass from Sam Jackson V to Trond Grizzell. The extra point failed and the Bears had some issues with their kicking game. Washington extended their 52-25 lead when Sam Adams II rushed for nine yards and the Huskies had scored their eighth touchdown of the game leading 59-25.

You have to give the Bears a lot of credit fighting to the end scoring the final touchdown of the game. Ashton Stredick rushed for three yards in that last score. The final was 59-32. It sure would have been a much closer game had it not been for those turnovers.

Next Saturday the Bears will take on Arizona State at California Memorial Stadium Berkeley. Kickoff is scheduled for 12:00 PM.

Cardinal Suffers Wounds from Wildcats’ Attack; Lose Close Pac 12 Battle 21-20 on the Farm

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Arizona Wildcats tight end Tanner McLachlan (84) goes airborne over Stanford safety Alaka i Gilman at Stanford Stadium on Sat Sep 23, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (1-3, 0-2 Pac-12)  could not attain their first conference win and/or home victory with a 21-20 defeat at the paws of the Arizona Wildcats (3-1, 1-0 Pac-12) on a nice evening in the Bay.

The Cardinal got themselves on the scoreboard first, (10:35) early in the initial quarter, on a 35-yard field goal by Josh Karty.  He kept his consecutive FG streak alive at 26, without a miss.  Stanford was up 3-0, with plenty of time left in the period.

Unfortunately for the Cardinal and Karty, as the whistle blew to end the first 15 minutes of play, his streak (26) ended on a 51-yard attempt wide right of the uprights.  After one, Stanford retained their three point lead, 3-0 SU.

Early in the second block of play, Arizona got themselves in the scoring column.  Junior quarterback Jayden de Laura tossed a 36-yard TD pass to redshirt senior TE Tanner McLachlan, giving the desert cats the temporary lead, 7-3.

Arizona held that advantage for more than eight minutes; however, Stanford eventually had an answer for their feline guests.  The Cardinal performed a jet sweep with WR Bryce Farrell taking the ball into the end zone for a two yard touchdown.  Stanford back on top, 10-7.

The Cardinal took that three point margin into the locker room at intermission.  It also seemed they had the momentum after the 30-minute Pacific 12 battle.  However, there would be at least 30 more minutes to contest.

The second half did not produce immediate action, but with nearly six minutes left in the third, the Wildcats scratched their mark.  Jayden de Laura scored an uncontested seven yard TD on a QB keeper misdirection play.

Stanford got in on the action with less than two minutes left in the 3/4 mark of the contest.  Freshman RB Sedrick Irvin maneuvered around the defensive line after nearly being stymied at the line of scrimmage, made his way into pay dirt for a one yard TD.  Cardinal back in the lead, 17-14.

That was the advantage they took into the last stanza.  The Cardinal managed to have the lead (3) after every quarter, thus far in the game.  Will that be the case after four?

The Final chapter started off inauspiciously for the Cardinal; as the previously consistent FG kicker missed another 51-yard attempt wide right.  Karty went from 26 in a row without a miss, to two consecutive misses from the same distance.  The off target attempt did not affect the score adversely for the home team.  They still led by three (17-14) with more than ten minutes left in regulation time.  They have to hope those two missed field goals (six points) don’t come back to haunt them after 60 minutes of conference action.

Unfortunately, four minutes later, the Wildcats clawed their way back into the lead when graduate senior running back DJ Williams rushed into the end zone for a two yard TD.  Now the frisky guests are back on top by four, 21-17 AZ.

Karty somewhat redeemed himself with a little more than three minutes left in the game.  He avoided the “Hat Trick” of missed field goals by successfully booting one from 46 yards away.  This feat by his foot, brought the Cardinal within one of the Wildcats, 21-20.  The attempt of an onside kick did not work, and Stanford had no other choice but to try and force a turnover.

That did not come to fruition, as Arizona converted a first down and kneeled keeping possession of the ball until the scoreboard clock hit zeros and the final whistle was sounded.  The Wildcats scaled the Tree and took a one point victory into their visiting locker room.  21-20, Arizona.

Stanford will stay on the Farm and face the high flying Oregon Ducks next Saturday, September 30 (3:30 pm PDT).  Arizona heads back to the desert (Tucson) to host the Washington Huskies on the same date (7 pm Local Time).

Note:  Joshua Karty’s impressive FG streak ended at the end of the first quarter; however, he was 2-4 on the night and brought them within one point of a tie.

Cardinal QB Ashton Daniels threw for 202 yards, with 0 TD’s.  RB Sedrick Irvin and WR Bryce Farrell each scored touchdowns.

Air Force Beats San Jose State 45-20

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The Air Force Falcons running back Lee Eldridge (24) takes a leap over the San Jose State University Spartans linebacker Taniela Latu (41) at Spartan Stadium in San Jose on Fri Sep 22, 2023 (@AF_Football photo)

Friday, September 22nd, 2023 

By Troy Ewers

 San Jose, CA – CEFCU Stadium was the location for this Mountain West conference duel between the San Jose State Spartans and Air Force Falcons. This Friday night battle may have felt like being in high school and watching a game at your school, but the energy and competition was way more intense with more at stake. Air Force handled the San Jose State with a 45-20 win.

Spartans QB Chevan Cordeiro had his hands full against Air Force considering going into this game the Falcons with a conference leading defense. Air Force’s defense ranked first in the conference in seven categories (scoring defense, passing defense, rushing defense, total defense, opposing first downs, third down defense, and sacks for).

Air Force also was the conference leader in six offensive categories (pass yards/completions, rushing offense, passing efficiency, third down %, sacks against, and time of possession). How would SJSU head coach Brent Brennan prepare for this top ranked squad?

San Jose State’s opening drive showed that coach Brennan was very prepared for the Falcons. The first drive for the Spartans went 75 yards in eight plays and took only 4:17 off the clock, this efficient drive didn’t showcase Cordeiro’s efficiency with the offense, but he was able to score on his feet with a 10 yard run to give the Spartans the lead to start the game, but the extra point was missed, 6-0.

Air Force this season had only allowed seven points in the first half and SJSU had already done better essentially in the first quarter. Air Force’s opening drive wasn’t a quiet in and out drive, they went 62 yards, but could only collect three points off the field goal from Matthew Dapore. 6-3 game at this point in the first quarter. The Spartans next drive went nowhere as they were forced to punt and it was a better example of the Falcons defense that was advertised. 

The second quarter started with Air Force with the ball around midfield and the rushing offense of the Falcons displayed why they were the leaders of the Mountain West. Not only did they control the pace of the game, but after going 65 yards on the drive, a rush by Emmanuel Michel for 17 yards through the defense into the end zone, the Falcons were able to take the lead including adding an extra point, 10-6 Air Force.

The shootout continued with SJSU moving the chains for a 60 yard drive and the exclamation point on the drive was a 29 yard touchdown run by Kairee Robinson, breaking tackles and finding holes, showing off great field vision and putting the Spartans over 13-10.

The momentum swayed largely in San Jose State’s favor after they completely stuffed Air Force as the Falcons tried to rush the ball and went absolutely nowhere and forced a punt. This was SJSU’s opportunity to possibly extend their lead going into halftime.

Cordeiro and this offense took full advantage of this opportunity and in four plays went 64 yards and pounded the ball into the end zone with another Robinson TD for SJSU. Cordeiro at this point in the game was throwing a perfect 11/11 so far as the Spartans were up 20-10.

Air Force’s response as the second quarter winded down was to go 75 yards and run the ball in for TD, but the attack was more balanced as Falcons QB Zac Larrier founds holes in the Spartans defense that made their attack feel easy and as the half ended the score was close, 20-17 with SJSU up. 

The second half started with Air Force having the ball and their game plan was to take over possession time with their nation leading running game. Coming into the second half with 199 rushing yards, Air Force added 75 yards on that stat with a long drive that went 15 plays and took more than half of the quarter to execute, but they executed to perfection with a rushing touchdown by John Lee Eldridge III and on that drive it felt like every running back on Air Force’s roster touched the ball and the Falcons took the lead, 24-20.

Cordeiro’s first incompletion came in the first play of the opening drive for SJSU in the second half and he followed it up with a second incomplete and an eight yard run, but no first down and with 5:28 left in the third, the game was coming down to who can stick to their strengths and minimize their weaknesses.

Air Force’s run game was hitting on all cylinders. So far this season they average 320 yards a game and this game was no different for the Falcons as they hit 333 yards when the whistle blew for the end of the third quarter. 

With the ball to start the fourth quarter and red zone field possession, Air Force had a chance to extend the lead the only way they knew how and they did exactly that. Converting on a fourth down for a touchdown, Michel jammed in a one yard run in the end zone and took an 11 point lead to start the final quarter, 31-20.

A real shift in momentum came when SJSU tried to convert on fourth down to mount a comeback, but that attempt failed as they were stuffed by the Air Force D-Line and the possession would change hands. The Spartans had been scoreless in the second half at this point and with Air Force having the ball after that turnover on downs, it was clear who had everything in their favor the second half.

The proverbial nail in the coffin for SJSU came when Eldrige III broke tackles and hurdled falling Spartans for a 34 yard TD, 38-20 Air Force. After that TD the fans were filing out to beat the traffic. Both Michel and Eldrige III had 100+ yards rushing and the total rushing yards at this point for Air Force were 380, upholding their average on the season.

Cordeiro would throw an interception to Air Force’s Trey Taylor in a routine pop up pick and by this point in the game, all Air Force had to do was run this clock down to zero. Air Force while running down this clock would score again, 45-20, but the damage was not only done, but the 16,124 in attendance dwindled to around 2,000 people with two minutes left. 

When the final whistle blew it was clear who had won this game and it was clear Air Force was just as dominant as they were advertised. On defense they were a force and on offense they used a ground game that was classic old school smash mouth football.

For SJSU there’s a lot to learn from this game and with a bye week next week, they have time to reflect and learn from this game. Their next game would be in Idaho against Boise State on October 7th.

Stanford Cardinal with Jerry Feitelberg: Taylor trying to right Stanford ship and prepare for Arizona for Saturday

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Stanford head coach Troy Taylor disputes a call during the first half against the USC Trojans on Sat Sep 9, 2023 in Los Angeles, the Cardinal went onto loose to the Sacramento State Hornets on Sat Sep 16, 2023 at Stanford and host the Arizona Wildcats on Sat Sep 23, 2023 at Stanford Stadium (AP News photo)

On the Pac 12 podcast with Jerry Feitelberg:

#1 The Stanford Cardinal (1-2) continued their struggles as they were beaten by the Sacramento State Hornets (3-0) 30-23. Former Hornets head coach and current Stanford head coach Troy Taylor was beaten by his former team the Hornets for the Cardinal second loss in week 3.

#2 The Hornets had a key second quarter scoring two touchdowns against the Cardinal and coming away with a 20-14 lead at the half.

#3 Hornets quarterback Kaiden Barnett refused to loose as he threw for 279 yards, going 21-33 for one touchdown and two interceptions. Barnett once again leads the Hornets to another win and Sacramento State goes up 3-0.

#4 The Cardinals on the other hand continues to struggle executing the red zone they have seen the worst of times this season getting whipped by the USC Trojans in week 2 56-10 and losing by a touchdown last Saturday to the Hornets.

#5 It’s week 4 for Stanford as they try and regroup, try and get a game plan to prepare for the Arizona Wildcats who dominated in their two wins this season beating Miss State 31-24 on Sat Sep 9th and UTEP on Sat 16th, 31-10. Do you see the Cardinal with their hands full this Sat with the Wildcats at Stanford Stadium?

Jerry Feitelberg is a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cardinal Stung and Stunned by Aggressive Hornets; Lose Home Opener with New Coach vs. Old Team, 30-23

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The Stanford Cardinal quarterback Ashton Daniels (14) throws against the Sacramento State Hornets at Stanford Stadium in Palo Alto on Sat Sep 16, 2023 (USA Today photo)

STANFORD, Calif. — The Stanford Cardinal (1-2, 0-1 Pac-12) opened up their home schedule with a thud, as they could not swat away the swarming Sacramento State Hornets (3-0) 30-23 on the Farm, as first-year coach Troy Taylor was downed by his former team.

Taylor congratulated the coaches, staff and players of his former place of employment.  He also surmised what happened in the game:  “They made more plays than we did, and they won the game.”  Taylor also addressed the scenario of facing his former squad and all the colleagues and friends still there.  “Once the game starts, you’re just competing.”  Uttered Taylor.

It took a large portion of the initial quarter before any scoring took place by either team.  Both defenses will get credit for the lack of offense; however, Sacramento State was not intending to be a sacrificial lamb for the power five school.

With about six and a half minutes left in the quarter, the home team got on the scoreboard first.  Senior running back Casey Filkins burst through the defense for a one-yard touchdown.  Stanford led 7-0 near the end of one.

The Hornets actually had an answer before the 15 minutes expired.  With :44 left before part one of the game concluded, junior kicker Zack Schreiner booted a 24-yard kick to put the Hornets within four, 7-3.

In the second stanza, there was a lot more action for the sparse crowd.  Cardinal sophomore quarterback Ashton Danaiels launched a 51-yard bomb to fellow sophomore wide receiver Elic Ayomanor for a touchdown, putting them up by 11, 14-3.

Stanford was looking to squash the state capital bugs, by attempting an immediate onside kick.  The result was a success, and the Cardinal regained possession of the ball.  This marked the first time in over 20 years (2001 – Oregon) the team was able to accomplish this feat.

As the Cardinal tried to capitalize on this fortuitous play, they gave the ball right back a few minutes later on a turnover.  Daniels had his pass attempt deflected and picked off in the endzone.  

The touchback put Sac State on their own 20, and they seemed to have garnered momentum.  In less than five minutes, the Hornets reached paydirt on a one-yard TD by sophomore running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver, bringing them within four again, 14-10, Cardinal.

As Sacramento State did in the first quarter-score with less than a minute left-they duplicated in the second.  Bennett scored on a two-yard QB keeper, putting the visitors ahead for the first time, 17-14, with :35 before recess.

The Cardinal were down by three at intermission, but had the luxury of receiving the ball in the beginning of the second half.

In the third quarter, the “Hot” foot of senior kicker Joshua Karty came into play.  He was working on a streak of 22 consecutive kicks without a miss.  At the 10:35 mark, he tied up the game at 17, on a 41-yard FG, extending his streak to 23.

Just under seven minutes to go in quarter number three, Hornets QB Bennett throws an interception on Stanford’s 1-yard line.  Unfortunately for the Cardinal, they gave it right back two minutes later.  Sophomore QB Justin Lamson, who came in for Daniels, threw an inopportune interception.  

Sac State drove the ball down, then settled for a 22–yard Schreiner FG, putting them back up by three, 20-17.  This time they scored with more than two minutes left in the quarter.  However, Stanford was not able to do anything with the clock moments.  After three, the Hornets were up 3, 20-17.

The fourth had a lot of excitement for the announced 23k+(?) souls in the stadium.

Karty was at it again, converting his 24th consecutive FG from 40, this time.  The Cardinal evened the score at 20, and appeared to be taking the momentum back from the Hornets.  Especially when Bennett tossed another INT, which was returned for an assumed pick-6.  The officials deemed the interception legit, but the return was not allowed.

Karty made sure they at least got something out of that big turnover, so he belted his 25th consecutive kick through the uprights midway through the final portion of the contest.  The Cardinal were on top again, and the Farm faithful hoped for the remainder of time.

The pesky guests from Sac-Town were not on the same page as the majority gathered in Metro Palo Alto.  Schreiner did his own footwork, and scored a 44-yarder, tying the game at 23.

The common theme of the Northern California battle, the Hornets scored the last points of every quarter.  This time in the most important one, Bennett, on the verge of being sacked, lofted a pass to senior running back Marcus Fulcher, which resulted in a 49-yard eventual GW TD.  After four quarters of action, the Sacramento State Hornets are the victors, 30-23 on the Farm.

Stanford will remain on the Farm and host Arizona, next Saturday September 23 at 4 pm PDT.  Sacramento State will travel to Idaho and face the Vandals next Saturday at 1 pm local time.

Note: Cardinal senior Kicker Joshua Karty is currently at 25 consecutive field goals without a miss,  He was 3-3 in this game.

The Hornets’ junior QB  had quite a game.  21-33, 279 yards passing, TD & 2 INT; 100 rushing yards and one TD.

San Jose State falls to Toledo 21-17

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Photo credit: toledoblade.com

By: Mary Anne

The San Jose State Spartans looked to win two in a row at the Toledo Rockets on Saturday, but they didn’t. San Jose State fell to Toledo 21-17 at Glass Bowl Stadium. SJSU’s record dropped to 1-3, while Toledo improved to 2-1.

After a scoreless first quarter, San Jose State took a second-quarter lead in only a minute. Kyler Halvorsen kicked a 37-yard field goal to make it 3-0 Spartans at 7:47. Spartans quarterback Chevan Cordeiro threw a 20-yard touchdown pass to Dominick Mazotti, who scored his first of the season, and Halvorsen kicked an extra point to give the Spartans a 10-0 lead at 6:47.

The Rockets cut the Spartans’ lead to 10-7 with ten seconds left in the second quarter. Rockets quarterback Dequan Finn threw a 15-yard touchdown pass to Jerjuan Newton, who scored a touchdown, and Luke Pawlak kicked an extra point to make it a three-point game.

The Spartans took a 10-7 lead to the locker room at halftime.

The Spartans took a ten-point lead at 9:58 of the third quarter. Kairee Robinson ran for a 15-yard touchdown and Kyler Halvorson kicked in an extra point to put the Spartans up 17-7.

The Rockets made it a three-point game at 6:15 of the third quarter. Dequan Finn ran for an 18-yard touchdown and Luke Pawlak kicked in an extra point to cut the Spartans’ lead to 17-14.

The Rockets took their first lead of the game with 2:01 left in the third quarter. Chris McDonald scored a touchdown on a 25-yard interception return and Luke Pawlak kicked in an extra point to put the Rockets up 21-14.

Notes
Spartans quarterback Chevan Cordeiro joined the 10,000-yard club Saturday.

Up Next
The Spartans will return home to host the Air Force Falcons at CEFCU Stadium on Saturday, September 22, at 7:30 p.m. Pacific.

Cal Scores 31 Unanswered Points To Beat Idaho 31-17

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Congratulations all around as the Cal Bears defeated the Idaho Vandals for their second win at Cal Memorial in Berkeley on Sat Sep 16, 2023 (@CalFootball photo)

Saturday, September 16th, 2023

By Troy Ewers

Berkeley, CA – At Cal Memorial Stadium, the University of Cal Bears host the Idaho Vandals in their third game of the season, and the Bears come into this game 1-1 and coming off a loss last week to Auburn. The defense of Cal has only allowed 14 points in the last six quarters and that was all in the Auburn game. Cal dominated on offense coming away with their second win of the 2023 season defeating the Vandals 31-17.

The game started with Idaho receiving the ball and their first drive was a 12 play, 67 yard drive that resulted in a field goal, 3-0 Idaho, but the story here is Cal’s defense stopping the Vandals in the red zone and forcing them to have to settle for three points.

Quarterback Sam Jackson V leads the Cal offense and has been leading them as a scoring dynamo the last two games, but his first drive this game went three and out and was forced to punt. Idaho’s very next drive was complete domination on offense and was efficient with nine plays and 80 yards that ended with Vandals running back Anthony Woods running head first into the defense and into the end zone for a touchdown. 10-0 Idaho.

The first quarter was all Idaho, dominating the possession time, the yards, and the score. Idaho had a 10:40 possession time and 147 yards which was polar opposite to Cal’s 4:20 time of possession and 39 yards in the opening quarter and Cal needed to shake things up for the second quarter or the Vandals would run away with this game early. 

The domination didn’t slow down for Idaho in the second quarter as they stopped Cal in their tracks to start the quarter and then followed that stop with a nine play, 53 yard touchdown drive where they scored off a two yard run in the end zone for Idaho QB Gevani McCoy.

17-0 Idaho and the Bears were not only trailing, they allowed more points in one half then they did in the last six quarters of two games. Cal finally got on the board with a 20 yard TD pass from Sam Jackson V to Jeremiah Hunter and the energy in the stadium perked up. 17-7.

The first time Cal stopped Idaho for a turnover on downs was deep in the second quarter when cornerback Jeremiah Earby knocked down two big passes, one of them being on fourth down and this set up the Bears for the momentum shifter of the half.

On the fourth play of the drive, Sam Jackson V threw a 36 yard TD pass to Trond Grizzell and the score being 17-14 now changed the environment and the energy in it. On what was supposed to be Idaho’s final drive before the half, they were about to enter the redzone, McCoy threw the ball and it was Nohl Williams for Cal who was there to pick it off and the Bears took over possession with 28 seconds left, but couldn’t capitalize on the opportunity. The first half ends with Idaho in the lead 17-14, but the momentum on the Bears side. 

The second half started with a major drive from Cal’s Sam Jackson V as he led the Bears 80 yards and scored  by running it in himself for a 27 yard TD, giving Cal their first lead of the game, 21-17 Cal. Idaho’s third quarter was vastly different than their entire first half.

Cal clearly made adjustments to the defense where this half Idaho couldn’t get anything going even though they were still dominating the time of possession. The offense though for Cal was in full gear during the quarter, collecting another TD, but this one on the ground when Isaiah Ifanse hammered in a one yard run after setting up the scoring play with an even better 17 yard run where dodged any defender who tried to wrap him up. 28-17 Cal. 

The fourth quarter started with a big run by McCoy for Idaho, but a penalty made them go back to their start point and then a fumble recovered by Raymond Woodie III gave the Bears the ball early in the fourth and with such a clear lead, this moment was theirs to seize and put a potential nail in the Vandals’ coffin.

A huge 41 yard run by Ashton Stredick put the Cal offense in the best position to hammer that nail in the coffin, but they had to settle for a field goal after a penalty and failed plays held them outside the red zone. With the score being 31-17 Cal, the Bears at this point had scored 31 unanswered points.

As we went in to the final three minutes of the game, Idaho needed to get back to the vibe they set in the first half, but after another turnover, a fumble recovered by Cal, it was clear that the Vandals might’ve hit their peak point too early and it was in the hands of the Bears as the clock winded down. 

The clock hit zero and the score was final with Cal winning 31-17 and now holding a 2-1 record. Cal’s next game will be against a Pac-12 foe, the #8 Washington Huskies in the University of Washington and the Bears want to take this momentum and type of game into their next game and even into the conference part of the season.

Troy Ewers is a Cal Bears beat writer at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Cal Bears podcast with Michael Wagaman: Cal coming off tough loss prepares for Idaho Vandals next Sat at UC Berkeley

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Auburn cornerback D.J. James (4) intercepts a pass in the end zone intended for California wide receiver Trond Grizzell, right, during the second half at Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Sat Sep 9, 2023 (AP News photo)

On the Pac 12 podcast with Michael Wagaman:

#1 The Auburn Tigers quarterback Payton Thorne threw for five yard touchdown to wide receiver Rovaldo Fairweather this coming after the Cal Bears missed their field goal of the game.

#2 Auburn head coach Hugh Freeze gave the credit to the defense holding back Cal from getting traction on drives and keeping Bears quarterback Sam Jackson running all day.

#3 On the other side of the ball Cal kept Auburn quarterback Payton Thorne running who got 94 yards passing and threw for two touchdowns just to get by Cal 14-10.

#4 One of the positive things the Cal defense was able to hold Auburn’s offense. The Tigers were able to convert six first downs in three quarters before getting that 69 yard drive for the winning score in the middle of the fourth quarter.

#5 Cal hosts the Idaho Vandals who are coming off second win defeating the Nevada Wolf Pack 33-6 on Saturday. How do you see Cal defending against the pass of Idaho quarterback Gevani McCoy who threw for 313 yards and two touchdowns against Nevada.

Michael Wagaman is an AP beat writer and a podcast contributor at http://www.sportsradioservice.com

Bears Clawed and Defeated by Tigers on the Hill, 14-10 in Home Opener

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Auburn Tigers quarterback Patrick Thorne (1) throws against the Cal Bears defense at Cal Memorial Stadium in Berkeley on Sat Sep 9, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Michael Roberson

BERKELEY, Calif — The California Golden Bears (1-1, 0-0 Pac-12) were unable to hold those Auburn Tigers (2-0, 0-0 SEC), 14-10 on Saturday night inside an excited California Memorial Stadium.

The Berkeley sky was filled with fireworks, large crowd noises, and pregame pomp and circumstance for the Golden Bears home opener against the visiting Tigers from the Southeastern Conference. The end of the game had a contrastly different tone with the four point loss.

On Auburn’s first drive, junior quarterback Payton Thorne coughed up the ball (13:33) while scrambling on Cal’s sideline. The Golden Bears capitalized on the early miscue by the southern gentlemen with a tally nearly four minutes later. Sophomore kicker Michael Luckhurst booted a 39-yard field goal to put the home team up 3-0.

Luckhurst had another opportunity to increase the advantage over the Tigers nearly two minutes later, but missed the 42-yard attempt. The Bears and Tigers spent most of the initial 15 minutes of the contest on the visitors’ side of the field. After the first stanza, 3-0 California.

The second quarter had a little more action for the fans and viewers. Two minutes into the quarter, Cal gave Auburn a gift. Bears’ redshirt senior running back Isaiah Ifanse fumbled on his own 17 yard line, giving the opponent possession in immediate scoring position. About a minute later, the Tigers took the lead on a 13-yard TD pass by Thorne to sophomore wide receiver Jay Fair.

Auburn led 7-3 for several minutes, and when they were attempting to expand the lead, sophomore running back Damari Alston had the ball knocked out of his hands by Cal’s redshirt junior safety Craig Woodson in Bears’ territory (35-yard line) and senior safety Patrick McMorris recovered the ball. California marched down the field and recaptured the lead, on a 14-yard TD run by sophomore running back Jaydn Ott (4:47).

With approximately a minute left in the first half, and a 10-7 lead in their pocket, the Bears intercepted (Nohl Williams So. CB) a pass from Thorne in Tigers territory. Cal lined up for a FG to obtain three more points at the intermission horn, but something else happened on the attempt.

The Bears kicking team was called for holding, so the 51-yard boot was nullified and they were backed up ten more yards farther from the end zone. Instead of trying a 61-yarder, the offense came back on the field.

California had one last play before recess, and it ended badly. Quarterback Sam Jackson V threw the ball into the endzone, but unfortunately it was caught by Auburn’s senior free safety Jaylin Simpson, ending the the half at 10-7, Golden Bears.

Quarter number three could have been surmised as a defensive battle, as neither team was able to affect the scoreboard. Cal once again was in position to score, but Luckhurst was unlucky and missed a 42-yard attempt with less than two minutes left in the quarter. After 45 minutes of play, the Bears kept their claws around their three-point lead (10-7).

Nearly four minutes into the final quadrant, Luckhurst missed his third FG, this time from 44 yards away from the uprights. After less than five minutes elapsed, Auburn’s Thorne tossed a five yard TD pass to junior TE Rivaldo Fairweather, putting the Tigers up by four, 14-10.

Two and a half minutes later, Auburn gave the Bears hope for a comeback victory, as their junior RB Jarquez Hunter had the ball stripped out of his hands at the visitors’ 41 yard line. Cal moved the ball and attempted a few shots to the end zone; however, the final attempt (1:44) ended with an interception. Auburn just had to let the clock run out and they could leave the Bay Area with a tough victory. At the the end of the alotted 60 minutes, the Auburn Tigers won by four, 14-10.

California HC Justin Wilcox expressed the reason his team lost, “You have to take advantage of the opportunities you get…we didn’t.”

QB Sam Jackson V was inserted into the game the second drive of the second quarter for redshirt sophomore Ben Finley. Jackson’s statline: 14-27, 126 passing yards and two interceptions. Ott rushed for 78 yards and a TD. Luckhurst was 1-4 (39) in FG attemps.

Auburn’s QB Thorne was 9-14 with 94 yards passing, two TD’s and two INT’s. TE Fairweather, 39 yards receiving & TD and WR Fair, 25 receiving yards & TD.

The Golden Bears will host Idaho next Saturday, September 16 (1 pm PDT), while the Tigers head back to Alabama to Host Samford on the same date (6 pm CST).

USC puts game out of reach, crushes Stanford 56-10 in the Southland

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The USC Trojans linebacker Tackett Curtis (25) tackles Stanford Cardinal quarterback Justin Lamson (8)in first half action at the LA Memorial Coliseum on Sat Sep 9, 2023 (AP News photo)

By Daniel Dullum

Saturday, Sept. 9, 2023

Southern California built a 46-point halftime lead that turned out to be all they would need Saturday, as the No. 6-ranked Trojans routed Stanford 56-10 in the final Pac-12 football opener for both schools, played at the Memorial Coliseum.

This was the final scheduled meeting between the West Coast rivals in a series that goes back to 1905. They’ve been in the same conference since 1922, a status that changes next year when Southern California joins the Big 10 and Stanford goes to the ACC.

USC (3-0 overall, 1-0 Pac-12) jumped to a 21-0 lead on first-quarter touchdowns by Caleb Williams, Marshawn Lloyd and Austin Jones. The Trojans continued to roll in the second quarter, starting with a 75-yard punt return for a touchdown by Zachariah Branch.

Three minutes later, Williams completed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Dorian Singer. At 7:02 of the second quarter, Joshua Karty kicked a 38-yard field goal to put the Cardinal (1-1 overall, 0-1 Pac-12) on the board.

The Trojans didn’t let up, as Williams fired a 75-yard scoring strike to Brenden Rice on the ensuing possession. With 16 seconds to play in the first half, Williams completed a 1-yard TD pass to Lake McRee, giving USC a 49-3 halftime lead.

After a scoreless third quarter, Stanford’s Justin Lamson ran in from a yard out for the Cardinal’s first touchdown at 3:35 of the fourth quarter. Miller Moss scored USC’s final touchdown on a 15-yard run with 58 seconds to play,

Williams played only in the first half, passing for 281 yards and three touchdowns while running for another. The Trojans racked up 433 yards of total offense.

Starting quarterback Ashton Daniels was injured while being sacked in the second quarter and was replaced by Lamson, who passed for 121 yards and ran for the Cardinal’s only touchdown. Daniels was 2 of 7 for 19 yards.

Casey Wilkins was the Cardinal’s top rusher with 63 yards on five carries. E.J. Smith ran for 50 yards and Lamson gained 36 yards on 16 carries. Benjamin Yurosek caught four passes for 54 yards. On defense, Collin Wright racked up 10 solo tackles.

Next week, the Cardinal host Sacramento State. Kickoff is at 5 p.m.