SALT LAKE CITY – Fernando Mendoza threw two more touchdown passes in his second career start but the California football team fell to No. 16 Utah 34-14 on Saturday at Rice-Eccles Stadium.

Mendoza, who led the Golden Bears' offense to 40 points in his first start last week against No. 15 Oregon State, was 10-for-17 for 149 yards with two touchdowns and an interception against the Utes. His 48-yard scoring pass to Jaydn Ott opened the scoring and gave the Bears a 7-0 lead at the end of the first quarter.

After Utah responded with 24 unanswered points, Mendoza fired a perfect strike over the middle to wide receiver Taj Davis for a 24-yard touchdown to close the gap to 24-14 with 4:21 remaining in the third quarter. The Bears' defense forced Utah to then turn the ball over on downs, and Cal's offense drove 57 yards to the Utes' 12 before the drive stalled on a missed field goal.

"There were four or five plays that totally swung this game," Travers Family Head Coach Justin Wilcox said. "We didn't capitalize on momentum well enough or come through in those moments of pressure. It's not that guys aren't trying. Effort is a prerequisite, but it doesn't guarantee anything. We have to produce in those moments."

Mendoza was forced to sit out much of the fourth quarter after suffering an injury. He was replaced by Ben Finley. Davis finished with seven catches for 93 yards and a touchdown while Ott had 94 yards from scrimmage.

"We went out and did a good job competing," Davis said. "The entire game, we always had belief that we were going to go out and win the game. We just have to connect on big plays down the field, and put our defense in a better position."

Safety Matthew Littlejohn recorded a career-high 10 tackles for the Bears while linebacker Cade Uluave and safety Patrick McMorris each added nine apiece.

The Bears played the game without All-Pac-12 linebacker and team captain Jackson Sirmon, who will miss the remainder of the season due to injury, according to Wilcox.

"My heart hurts for Jackson," Uluave said. "Jackson was an incredible leader, and a mentor to me. I feel bad that his season is over. It's next man up - when your number is called, you have to be ready. We just have to move on without him."

The Bears have a bye next week before returning home to take on No. 10 USC at California Memorial Stadium on Oct. 28 for Hall of Fame weekend.