Author: Jack Culberson
Coming into this game Washington was 5-2 overall and 2-2 in Pac-12 play. Cal was 3-3 overall and 1-2 in Pac-12 play. Washington had played good football this year, and that is why they were favorites going into this game. In the end Washington pulled off the win 28-21.
To start the game Washington received the ball, and their first drive resulted in kicker Peyton Henry making a 40 yard field goal for the first points of the game. On Cal’s first possession of the game, they punted after only 5 plays. Washington’s second drive ended much like their first as Peyton Henry made a 35 yard field goal to end the drive. The Huskies were now up 6-0. On their next possession, the Golden Bears punted once again. The first quarter concluded in the middle of Washington's next drive.
To open the second quarter, Washington continued their drive and they tried to kick a 34 yard field goal but could not connect. Cal’s third possession ended just like their first and second possessions, as they punted for the third time this game. Washington punted too on their next drive. When Cal got the ball back from Washington they finally looked like they were going to put together a drive to score, but they punted again. To end the second quarter, Washington had the ball and they tried to score before the half, but the clock ran out before they could score. Washington was leading 6-0 going into halftime.
The Golden Bears received the ball first to begin the second half, and they were able to go 75 yards in 13 plays to score a touchdown. Quarterback Jack Plummer found wide receiver J. Michael Sturdivant for 8 yards and the touchdown to give Cal the 7-6 lead. Washington was able to answer this touchdown as they went 70 yards in 11 plays to score their own touchdown. Running Back Cameron Davis rushed for a 6 yard touchdown and then quarterback Michael Pennix Jr. found receiver Ja’Lynn Polk for the two-point conversion. Washington was now leading 14-7. On their next possession, Cal was able to 65 yards in 6 plays to equalize the game at 14. Jack Plummer completed a 48 yard touchdown pass to J. Michael Sturdivant to tie the game up. The third quarter came to a close as the Huskies were driving once again.
At the beginning of the fourth quarter, Washington finished their drive with Michael Pennix Jr. completing a 13 yard pass to Jalen McMillan for a touchdown. Washington regained their one possession lead as the score was 21-14. Cal was not able to respond to Washington’s touchdown as they punted. After the punt, Washington was able to march 67 yards in 6 plays to extend their lead to two possessions. Michael Pennix Jr. found running back Richard Newton for 36 yards and a touchdown. Cal needed to get a touchdown of their own on their next drive, and after 80 yards and 12 plays they were able to do just this. Jack Plummer ended the scoring drive with an 8 yard touchdown pass to wide receiver Marvin Anderson, thus making the score 28-21. Both teams punted on their next possession. Then, Washington had the ball back and they were looking to run the clock out, so Cal desperately needed to stop them to stay in the game. The Golden Bears defense came up clutch and stopped the Huskies from draining the clock. Cal now had a shot to tie or win the game with 1:06 left on the clock. However, Cal was unable to convert on a fourth down play, and so they turned the ball over on downs. Washington then ran the clock out. Washington had defeated Cal 28-21.
Washington was able to secure the win in this one and they played well. Micahel Pennix Jr. had another stellar performance, and the defense showed up in the big moments. Washington is now 3-2 in the Pac-12 and their remaining schedule consists of only conference games, so if they are able to win out they could have a shot at the Pac-12 Championship. Even if they don’t make it they will most likely get a good bowl game.
Cal took the loss in this one, but they did not play badly. Their first half offensive struggles really decided this game, but the team's adaptation to adversity really showed. Cal is currently 1-3 in the conference, so an appearance in the Pac-12 Championship game is a little far fetched. However, since their remaining schedule consists of only Pac-12 teams, which 3 of them are ranked, Cal could cause some chaos in the Pac-12 standings.