Two weeks before its debut in the Atlantic Coast Conference, Cal hosts an SEC opponent, Auburn, on the road today.
Both teams beat their FCS opponents last week: The Bears beat UC Davis 31-13 and the Tigers crushed Alabama A&M 73-3.
The Bears will be motivated by their 14-10 loss to the Tigers last year in Berkeley, but there is more at stake in this non-conference game.
Cal’s goal of qualifying for a second straight bowl, which requires six wins, becomes more attainable with a victory today. The Bears will likely be favorites at home against San Diego State next Saturday night, and a 3-0 lead entering ACC play would give them a significant boost in the hunt for six wins.
Expect Fernando Mendoza and Chandler Rogers to continue to alternate at quarterback, but Mendoza will start for the second week in a row. A convincing performance from either of them could lead the coaching staff to settle on a clear No. 1 starting guard before Week 3.
Running back Jaydn Ott, who left last week’s game late in the third quarter with a foot or ankle injury, was listed as “probable” to play today, according to coach Justin Wilcox. On Saturday, his status was changed to “decided at game time,” so we’ll have to wait and see.
The status of offensive linemen Sioape Vatikani and Will McDonald as well as wide receivers Tobias Merriweather and Kyion Grayes is uncertain. Update: All four were excluded.
Coin toss: Cal wins the coin toss and defers. The Bears kick off.
14:18 1st question: It seemed like Cal had a huge opportunity early after a pass from Payton Thorne was deflected into the hands of ILB Cade Uluave, who netted it for a touchdown. Upon official review, it was clear that the ball had touched the turf. Ruled incomplete. Kansas City 0, Pittsburgh 0.
11:42 1st question: Quarterback Payton Thorne throws a 15-yard touchdown pass to KeAndre Lambert-Smith, a transfer from Penn State. The big play of the drive, besides the official reversal of the Cal pick-6, was Thorne’s 41-yard pass to freshman wideout Cam Coleman. The PAT kick was good. Auburn 7, California 0.
7:17 1st question: Cal responds decisively, marching 75 yards in eight plays, with Fernando Mendoza completing a 19-yard pass to redshirt freshman WR Nyziah Hunter for the touchdown. Mendoza was 6 of 6 for 76 yards on the drive (including a 5-yard false start penalty against Cal). Ott started at running back and carried once for 2 yards. PAT was good. Cal 7, Auburn 7.
END OF 1ST QUARTER: Cal begins the second quarter with a third-and-3 play from the Auburn 23-yard line. Cal took over at its own 48-yard line after stopping Auburn on a fourth-and-2 play. Mendoza completed his first eight pass attempts for 95 yards, then threw the ball away on Cal’s final snap. The Tigers tighten up their defense to stop Ott, who had nowhere to run and is minus-2 yards on three carries. Cal 114 total yards, Auburn 109. Cal 7, Auburn 7.
*****
Reading before the game:
— Our usual thorough Match preview, with pretty much everything you need to know
— Quarterback Chandler Rogers says he experienced atmospheres just like what awaits the Bears at Jordan-Hare Stadium
— An Auburn Beat writer answers our 5 questions about the Tigers
— We make you brave our weekly game tips on Cal and every ACC team
– Former Cal quarterback Sam Jackson Vnow in Auburn, talks about his experiences in Berkeley and how the teams compare
— See what the bowl experts think Cal’s chances in the postseason
— Cornerback Nohl Williams always finds the end zone for the Bears
