California Golden Bears Athletics
California
6-6 , 4-5
UCLA
7-5 , 4-5
| Team | 1st | 2nd | 3rd | 4th | Final F |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| California | 6 | 14 | 0 | 13 | 33 |
| UCLA | 0 | 7 | 0 | 0 | 7 |
Bears Roll Past UCLA, Become Bowl-Eligible
11/25/2023 11:04 PM | Football
Cal Forces Four Turnovers In 33-7 Victory
PASADENA - Since Cal fans made the most of their gas money on Saturday night, they figured they would milk it as long as possible.
Several thousand Golden Bear enthusiasts who made the trip to the Rose Bowl stayed well after the end of Cal's 33-7 victory over UCLA, dancing and celebrating in the stands behind the South end zone along with players, coaches and staff. The win made Cal bowl-eligible for the first time since 2019 and gave the Bears a three-game winning streak to close out the regular season.
"I'm just glad they didn't waste their gas," said Cal outside linebacker David Reese, who led a suffocating defensive effort with a three-sack performance. "I was happy we were able to come out and perform and get a win for Bear Nation."
Saturday's win put Cal's final regular season record at 6-6 (4-5 Pac-12), prolonging the season in a bowl game to be determined. The Bears forced four turnovers and held the Bruins scoreless in the second half en route to a lopsided win and their first over UCLA since 2019.
"The guys played with guts," Travers Family Coach Justin Wilcox said. "I just have so much respect for the guys in that locker room - finishing the season the way we have. I have a lot of pride seeing those guys enjoy the moment."
Wide receiver Jeremiah Hunter caught eight passes for 101 yards and two touchdowns and inside linebacker Cade Uluave had 12 tackles, a sack and an interception for the Bears, who only trailed for 16 seconds midway through the second quarter.
It marked the first time since 1979 that Cal has won its final game of the regular season to become bowl-eligible.
Kicker Mateen Bhaghani nailed a career-best four field goals, including two in the first quarter to give the Bears a 6-0 lead. After UCLA scored a touchdown to take a 7-6 lead, Jaydn Ott returned the ensuing kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown to put Cal back in front for good. It was the Bears' first kick return for a score since Nikko Remigio's 99-yard effort against Sacramento State in 2019.
Hunter's first touchdown catch with 10 seconds remaining in the second quarter gave Cal a 20-7 halftime lead, and the Bears dominated the second half to cruise to the victory.
"I want them to soak it up," Wilcox said. "I want them to be with their brothers. There's nothing like that. That's why a lot of us coach - you can't find that anywhere else. As gut-wrenching and agonizing losing is, there's no feeling like being on the other end of the spectrum - especially under the circumstances and what was at stake. I'm just really proud of those guys. I have a lot of love for those people in that locker room."
The Bears are expected to find out their bowl bid on Sunday, December 3.
Players Mentioned
Team Stats
CAL 3, UCL 0
CAL - Bhaghani,Mateen 43 yd field goal 7 plays, 54 yards, TOP 03:40
CAL 6, UCL 0
CAL - Bhaghani,Mateen 36 yd field goal 9 plays, 43 yards, TOP 03:20
CAL 6, UCL 7
UCL - Loya,Logan 5 yd pass from Moore,Dante (Glessner,Blake kick) 3 plays, 8 yards, TOP 00:42
CAL 13, UCL 7
CAL - Ott,Jaydn 100 yd kickoff return (Bhaghani,Mateen kick)
CAL 20, UCL 7
CAL - Hunter,Jeremiah 14 yd pass from Mendoza,Fernando (Bhaghani,Mateen kick) 3 plays, 11 yards, TOP 00:38
CAL 23, UCL 7
CAL - Bhaghani,Mateen 32 yd field goal 10 plays, 48 yards, TOP 04:50
CAL 30, UCL 7
CAL - Hunter,Jeremiah 13 yd pass from Mendoza,Fernando (Bhaghani,Mateen kick) 4 plays, 25 yards, TOP 01:13
CAL 33, UCL 7
CAL - Bhaghani,Mateen 20 yd field goal 12 plays, 51 yards, TOP 07:45
