Author: Jack Culberson
This week Arizona played at California. Coming into this game both teams had a record of 2-1, and were searching for a conference win. After a high scoring game, the Golden Bears were able to defeat the Wildcats 49-31. Let’s take a closer look at what happened in this game.
To open up the game, Cal received the ball first. They got off to a hot start in this game as on the second play of the game, Jadyn Ott took a 73 yard run to the end zone to make the score 7-0. The Wildcats looked to even the score on their drive of the game, and they were able to do this after 8 plays 75 yards with a Jonah Coleman 1 yard touchdown run. Cal was not able to replicate the success that they found on their first drive as they punted. Arizona however was able to find the end zone again on their second drive after they marched 92 yards in 9 plays, and the drive was capped off with a 1 yard run by Michael Wiley to make the score 14-7. On Cal's next possession they punted again. Arizona punted the ball too when they got it next. The first quarter ended in the middle of a Cal possession.
To start the second quarter, Cal was able to complete their drive and even the score with a Jack Plummer pass to J. Michael Sturdivant for 16 yards and a touchdown. On their next possession, Arizonas was able to reclaim their lead after 6 plays and 75 yards including a Jayden de Laura 24 yard touchdown pass to Tetairoa McMillian. California looked to tie this game again on their next drive, and they were able to do just that. They went 82 yards in 13 plays including a 3 yard touchdown run by DeCarlos Brooks to tie the game at 21. Right before the end of the half, Arizona was able to make a 37 yard field goal to go up 24-21 going into halftime.
On Arizona’s first drive after half time, the Wildcats punted in 4 plays. On Cal’s first drive after half time, the Golden Bears were able to score a touchdown after 8 plays and 87 yards, which was capped off with a 3 yard touchdown pass to Keleki Latu. The Golden Bears were now winning 28-24. When Arizona got the ball back they punted again. Cal was able to keep up their offensive success as they scored another touchdown when they got the ball back. This time it was a Jaydn Ott for 18 yards that gave them the score. The Wildcats second half struggles continued on their next drive as quarterback Jayden de Laura fumbled and it was recovered by Cal linebacker Myles Jernigan. The third quarter ended with the Golden Bears marching towards the end zone.
On the first play of the fourth quarter, Cal quarterback Jack Plummer connected with wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter for 37 yards and a touchdown to put the Golden Bears up 42-24. Arizona was able to answer Cal’s touchdown on their next drive as they went 75 yards in 6 plays including a Jayden de Laura pass to Jacob Cowing for 14 yards and a touchdown, to put the Wildcats within 11. The next three possessions of the game all ended with punts. When Arizona got the ball back they needed to score as they were down by two possessions, but one of quarterback Jayden de Laura’s passes was intercepted. Cal was able to capitalize off the turnover as Jadyn Ott scored his third touchdown of the game and this time it was on a 72 yard run. Cal was now winning 49-31. Arizona desperately needed to score if they wanted a chance to win this game, but Jayden de Laura threw another interception on their next drive. Cal was then able to run the rest of the clock out, and win the game 49-31.
Arizona played pretty well this week, but they were not able to come out with a win. The offense played solid, if they can protect the ball better they could be lethal. Next week the Wildcats play Colorado for their first Pac-10 home game. Arizona is heavily favored, and they will be looking to get their first conference win of the season.
California played really well this week, and they will need to continue this play against Washington State next week. This game should be a good one as Washington State seeks their first conference win, and the Golden Bears seek their first Pac-10 win on the road. This game is definitely one to tune it into next week.